In the day-to-day whirlwind of running a fitness or wellbeing business, it’s easy to get lost in the “what” and the “how.” What classes are you delivering this week? How will you fill that Pilates timetable? What’s happening with the marketing campaign? How will I bring in more hypnotherapy clients?
All of these are important but none of them will sustain you when things get tough. That’s where your why comes in.
Your why is the deeper reason you’re here, showing up for your clients, building your business, and pushing through the inevitable challenges of being self-employed. It’s the fuel for your mindset, the anchor that keeps you steady in the storm, and the compass that helps you make decisions with clarity.
When you’re clear on why you’re doing what you do, setbacks don’t feel quite so final. Cancellations, slow months, or tricky client conversations don’t derail you in the same way because you know you’re working towards something bigger.
Mindset is shaped by meaning. If you believe your work is just “teaching Pilates” or “running classes” or “delivering 1:1 sessions” it becomes transactional. But if you know your why is “helping women move without pain so they can enjoy life with their children” or “empowering men in midlife to build confidence in their bodies again,” then every challenge feels purposeful.
Angela Duckworth defines grit as “passion and perseverance for long-term goals.” Grit comes from knowing why the work is worth it. Business ownership is a marathon, not a sprint. Without a deep why, it’s very easy to burn out or become distracted by shiny objects.
Knowing your why strengthens resilience. It gives you the emotional stamina to keep going when revenue dips or social media engagement falls flat. You remind yourself: This is why I’m here. This is why it matters.
Grab a notebook and ask yourself:
- Why did I choose this profession, and not something else?
- What impact do I want to have on the people I serve?
- If my business disappeared tomorrow, what would the community lose?
- What difference does it make to me that I get to do this work?
Take time to answer honestly, without judgment. Let your words flow. This exercise is not about the “perfect” answer but about reconnecting with the passion that got you started.
When you’re clear on your why, decisions become easier. Should you add that new service? Hire a team member? Raise your prices? Instead of guessing or people-pleasing, you can check: Does this align with my why?
You’ll notice your marketing shifts, too. Clients don’t just buy “a yoga class” or “a physio session.” They buy the transformation you’re passionate about delivering. Communicating your why makes your message magnetic.
Your why is more than words on a vision board. It’s the steady heartbeat of your business. The clearer you are on it, the stronger your mindset becomes and the more impact you can make.
For help clarifying your why and building a mindset that sustains your business growth, reach out to me via email philippa@holdmyhandcoaching.com and let’s explore 1:1 support.
Until next time,
Best wishes
Philippa x