One of my favorite things to do each week is to read Sir Richard Branson’s articles on LinkedIn. Not only is he a highly engaging writer and easy to read, but, he also provides inspiration and ideas bridging the industry spectrum.
Additionally, each one of his articles gets me thinking about the fitness industry and how his words can relate. In today’s article, “Best Advice: No Regrets, and Practicing What You Preach,” he discusses how his mother has provided him the most guidance and advice throughout his career. I couldn’t agree with him more.
He has learned the ability to take chances and push others to do the same. How many times have you walked into your club and wished you had more of a certain type of equipment, or to have a larger personal training department?
Over the years of wishing, how many times have you acted, and how many of those wishes are still dwelling in your head? I read a quote yesterday from the modern composer Hans Zimmer that stated: “I wish more people would realize that to follow their dreams is the only way to live a life worth living. Nobody on their deathbed wonders if they’ve done enough work and should have had less fun and playtime. The magical ingredient in music is the word ‘play,’ so I think on my deathbed, I will still wonder if I could just go and jam with a couple of musicians and just carry on playing.”
No, you’re not playing music or composing for “Man of Steel.” However, you are operating a business, and you have dreams and desires just like any other individual. Take some time throughout the rest of 2013 and promise to follow your desires. Don’t spend time wishing you had upgrades or a new location. Find time this year to make your dreams a reality.
In 20, 30 or 40 years, long after you’ve held a major influence in the fitness industry, you won’t enjoy looking back and saying, “I wish I had done such-and-such.” However, if you never act, that is surely what will be coming from your mouth.
Today, remove the word “can’t” from your vocabulary, and find out how you “can.”
Tyler Montgomery is the editor of Club Solutions Magazine. Contact him at tyler@clubsolutionsmagazine.com.
