It’s Labor Day as I write this. One week after Katrina devastated the U.S Gulf Coast. This article was going to be about the importance of implementing business systems. Instead it’s going to be about something far more important. It’s going to be about implementing balance in our lives and in our lifestyles. Far too few of us have it, and far too few of the individuals who have created balance in their lives willingly broadcast that they do. Why? Because today stress – unbalance if you will – is worn as a badge of honor in the quest to be number one. I’m a strong advocate for the concept of continuous improvement, but I think it’s a misconception to believe that success has to come at the price of giving up balance. In fact, if you’re honestly seeking continuous improvement in both your personal and professional life, as you should be, then balance isn’t just recommended, it’s required. That balance includes:
• Balancing Work with Rest
• Balancing Professional Growth with Personal Development
• Balancing Business Commitments with Personal and Family Commitments.• Balancing Work with Rest
In short, it’s about finding the balance in creating professional life experiences with creating personal life experiences. It’s about recognizing that being driven to be number one in your club market is admirable. But, it’s even more rewarding when we recognize that the real joy is in the giving that we do in our lives… whether you give of your time to a worthy cause, your financial resources to those less fortunate, or your helping hand to a neighbor in need, no matter how distant that neighbor.
The original article was going to follow a rough guideline for getting and implementing business systems within your club, in the areas that need them. And, just like acquiring a system for your business must naturally follow a deliberate process of determining which areas of your business need improvement, so getting balance in your own life requires that same deliberate thinking. This is a great time to start a journal. Write down your thoughts every day, personally, professionally, and most important, informally. This shouldn’t be a business memo. Let your thinking, and your writing, reflect where you are at the moment. You’ll find that keeping a journal will not only keep you from repeating the same mistakes; it will also, in the process of writing, help you to overcome present hurdles and reach for loftier goals.
We are in the fitness and wellness business. As a health club owner do you walk the talk? Do you train regularly? Do you eat right? Balance work with family? Support your community? If you’ve said “No” to any of these questions, then you’ve found a good place to start.
You are the leader of your club. You are therefore required to lead. Of course, the success of the enterprise doesn’t rest entirely on your shoulders. But, both your members and your staff are watching you, and your role is to set an example in all the areas of your life… starting today. I honestly believe that this is the best place to start in regards to improving your business as well. In today’s world, there are too many diversions, too many distractions taking our focus away from those things that are truly important…your family, your friends, your neighbors, your community. For all those who depend on you and for all those who look up to you, in the words of Robert Cooper, “Be a lighthouse, not a weathervane.”
Shawn Vint is the President of FitDV. He can be contacted at 1.888.355.1055, or by email at marketing@fitdv.com, or visit www.fitdv.com.
