When it comes to running a successful fitness or wellbeing business, knowing your next steps is crucial. But there’s another layer that’s just as important: knowing yourself.
- How do you work best?
- What does your ideal work-rest balance look like?
- What part of your business gives you energy and what sucks it out of you?
Understanding these things is key to mapping out the next steps in a way that works for you.
One of the biggest traps business owners fall into is trying to follow someone else’s path to success. You might see a peer or mentor who works 12-hour days, and think that’s what you need to do too. Or maybe you try to fit into a strict 9-to-5 routine when you’re naturally more productive in the evenings.
The result?
You burn out, get frustrated, and feel like you’re constantly falling behind.
But here’s the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to business success. Just like your clients have different fitness goals, needs, and abilities, you have unique preferences when it comes to how you work.
Knowing yourself, your energy levels, your work style, and your need for rest, is a crucial part of planning the next steps in your business.
The hustle myth
We live in a culture that glorifies the hustle; where working non-stop is seen as a badge of honour, and rest is often viewed as a luxury.
But this mindset can be incredibly damaging, especially in the long run. Pushing yourself too hard without recognising your need for rest will almost always lead to burnout.
The truth is, rest is not just important – it’s essential for your productivity and success. If you’re constantly working without taking time to recharge, your creativity and focus will suffer. Over time, you’ll find it harder to make clear decisions, and your motivation will begin to wane.
Why knowing your own work patterns is so important:
- We all work differently
What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. Some people thrive on short, intense bursts of work followed by regular breaks, while others prefer to work for several days straight and then take a few days off. The key is to figure out what works best for you.
- Avoid burning out
If you’re constantly working at a pace that doesn’t suit you, you’re on the fast track to burnout. Understanding your limits and listening to your body and mind is crucial for avoiding burnout and maintaining long-term success.
- Rest effectively to boost productivity
Taking time off isn’t just about relaxation (not that it would be a bad thing even if it were). When you rest, you give your brain time to process, reflect, and come up with new ideas. We are able to be so much more productive with these ideas. This is why so many business breakthroughs happen when we step away from work and allow ourselves to recharge.
Curious and want to know where to start?
- Take some time to observe your natural energy levels throughout the day. Are you more focused in the morning, or do you find you’re at your best later in the day? Once you know when your peak performance times are, you can structure your work around them.
- Just like you schedule your work, make sure you schedule time for rest. This could be taking a break in the middle of the day, setting aside weekends to disconnect, or even planning holidays throughout the year. When rest is part of your schedule/diary/routine, you’re more likely to stick to it.
- If you find yourself overwhelmed with work, don’t hesitate to delegate tasks that don’t require your direct involvement. Hiring help or outsourcing certain aspects of your business can free up your time and allow you to focus on what you do best. Taking on a Virtual Assistant is far easier than a part of you probably thinks it is!
- It’s easy to let work spill over into every aspect of your life, especially when you’re passionate about what you do. But setting boundaries – whether it’s turning off your phone after a certain time or not checking emails on the weekend – is crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.
When you know yourself, your work style, your energy levels, and your need for rest, you can plan your next steps with confidence.
You won’t feel pressured to keep up with someone else’s pace or follow a rigid structure that doesn’t suit you. Instead, you’ll be able to create a business that works for you and supports your long-term goals.
Knowing yourself isn’t just about personal growth – it’s a key part of business success. By understanding how you work best and balancing your need for rest with your drive to succeed, you’ll be able to create a business that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and ultimately more successful.
We’ve all heard “work smarter, not harder” and doing what works for you is a major part of that. Take the time to reflect on what works for you, and build a business that supports both your goals and your wellbeing.
Until next time,
Best wishes
Philippa x