Are you a Personal Trainer who wants to build a business they can be proud of but find yourself too tangled in the weeds of everyday PT life to be able to see further than the end of the day?
The problem with being in business for yourself – especially with a service like Personal Training, is that it’s easy to slip into the mindset of “as long as I have money coming in, I’m doing ok” – but that’s not really building anything. It’s the bare minimum.
It’s exhausting because when you’re only covering the basics, you can feel stuck working to maintain that standard and never have the opportunity to look for ways to grow… and that quickly leads to burnout.
At the end of the day, most trainers are simply looking to help as many people as possible to change their lives through health and fitness like we did – but we can’t do that when we have limited time, energy, and patience!
One of the best ways for us to build a Personal Training business we can be proud of is to have a clear vision for what we want our business to look like so we can focus on what’s important and not get bogged down by the trivial stuff.
If you’re anything like me and you’re a bit quieter in nature, then you’ll probably love going deep on things. I’m not sure if it’s a blessing or a curse but once my brain goes down a rabbit hole, then I find it difficult to come back out until I’ve done or learned everything there is to do or learn about that thing.
This can be disastrous for your business if you’re focused on the wrong things.
When you’re in business for yourself and you’re at the stage where you have to manage everything yourself, it can be easy to feel like you’re being productive when you’re busy… but when you’re giving all your energy and focus to your 1-1 clients, yes, you’ll be giving them an amazing experience but you won’t have any time or energy left for yourself, your family, or thinking about ways to create your perfect business.
This can lead to you feeling stuck, trapped, or like you’re on a never-ending treadmill.
For me, going deep on things means that I want a business that has purpose and meaning to both me and my clients and when I’m chasing my tail for everyone else, it’s hard to feel like my business has any meaning for me.
So, here are 7 ways that having a clear vision for your business can provide you with direction, resilience, and a sense of purpose — all while navigating the sometimes overwhelming landscape of running your own business.
- Embrace the Power of Vision:
Think of your business vision as a compass, guiding you through the vast sea of possibilities. It is crucial to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve, how you want to impact your clients’ lives, and what sets you apart from the crowd. Working in alignment with your vision will give you a distinct edge, allowing you to attract ideal clients and build a business you can be truly proud of. - Personalise Your Vision:
Crafting a vision is a deeply personal process. Take the time to reflect on your core values, passions, and interests, considering how they can be woven into the fabric of your business. This is a key part of creating a business that’s meaningful to YOU. It’s also how you begin to resonate with your potential clients. By connecting on this deeper level, you’ll foster trust and build long-lasting relationships. - Start with the End in Mind:
Picture yourself a few years from now. What does your ideal personal training business look like? How many clients are you serving on a 1:1 basis? How do you make a difference in their lives? Having an end goal in mind allows you to work backwards and create the actionable steps that become your path to success. - Break It Down into Smaller Goals:
While having a long-term vision is essential, it can also feel overwhelming. To avoid feeling lost in the weeds, break your vision down into smaller, achievable goals. Give each goal a timeline and make sure that they are measurable so you can prove to yourself that you have actually achieved them… and don’t forget to celebrate your progress along the way, as it’s in the small wins that our confidence and motivation thrive. - Seek Support and Collaboration:
Running your own business can be a lonely path. Consider finding complementary partners or mentors who can support you in areas where you may need help. Collaborations not only enhance your skillset but also foster a sense of community and support. - Adapt and Evolve:
While having a clear vision is important, it’s equally crucial to remain flexible and adaptable. Embrace the process of constant learning, and be open to adjusting your course when necessary. This flexibility will allow your vision to evolve as you gain deeper understanding and insights into your clients’ needs, industry trends, and emerging opportunities. - Embrace Self-Care and Boundaries:
Sometimes, as Personal Trainers, it can be easy to give more to others than we do to ourselves. Remember to prioritise self-care and set healthy boundaries to avoid feeling overwhelmed. By looking after yourself, you can better serve your clients and keep up the enthusiasm necessary for building a successful business.
So, in summary:
- Having a clear vision for your business acts like a compass to keep your daily actions aligned with your goals
- Put your core values and passions at the heart of it all
- Use your end goal to reverse engineer your path to success
To help you craft your own vision and actionable steps, I created a FREE download called “Your Perfect Kick-Ass PT Business Roadmap” – it will walk you through the steps you need to establish your end goal and start crafting your own unique plan today!
You can grab your copy right now at kickasspt.com/roadmap