Industry Buzz: 5 Inspirational Quotes for 2014

A great quote doesn’t just sound nice when read aloud, or look good when framed and hung on the wall. Instead, a good quote inspires action, and what better time to take action than at the start of a new year?

To get 2014 started off on the right foot, here’s a list of five inspirational quotes you can gain inspiration from, to help you take action and improve your fitness business over the next 12 months.

1. “Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do, doesn’t mean it’s useless.” – Thomas A. Edison

Not every new program, business strategy, marketing technique, or even employee will work out exactly as planned. Instead of wallowing over an unwanted outcome, take Edison’s advice and assess the situation from all angles. For example, maybe your new personal trainer is having a hard time booking new clients, even though his existing clients give him raving reviews. Maybe he’d be more successful in a small group setting? Ask him to develop a small group program, and consider doing a test run with appropriate marketing. If successful, you may have created a viable (and unexpected) revenue stream for both your gym and your trainer.

2. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams

Remember that as an owner, operator or manager, your employees look to you for leadership and guidance. What messages are your actions relaying? For example, do you actively listen to an employee when they come to you with an update, or problem? If you dismiss them or don’t give them your full attention, you’re sending the message that their opinion isn’t valued. Overtime, that employee could be conditioned to keep quite, instead of speaking up and being dismissed. Or, they could treat someone below them the same way. A true leader fosters a culture of open and clear communication amongst all employees, from front desk staff, to those higher up the totem pole. Take a moment to think about whether or not you’re current leadership style is something you yourself would be willing and happy to follow.

3. “I’ve always believed the greater danger is not aiming too high, but too low, settling for a bogey rather than shooting for an eagle.” – Peter Scott

Keep in mind that there’s always room for improvement. Constantly analyze both yourself and your business and look for areas in which to improve. Poll both your members and your employees. Are you unhappy with how a certain aspect of your business is going? Instead of settling for the current outcome, actively try and make it better.

4. “If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat! Just get on.” – Sheryl Sandberg

Great opportunities don’t always come when we expect or are ready for them. Learn to recognize when an opportunity is worth taking advantage of, and take advantage of it quickly. Many opportunities are gone in the blink of an eye. If you take too long to think, you could miss out. Go with your gut when assessing a new opportunity, and ask for the opinions of those around you when making decisions.

5. “Men for the sake of getting a living forget to live.” – Margaret Fuller

As a fitness professional with a lot on your plate, it’s easy to have tunnel vision and end up focusing on your to-do list, and that alone. However, life’s not all about work. Take the opportunity this year to have some fun, on and off the clock! By having fun at work, especially with your employees, you’ll stave off burnout, and foster an environment that’s enjoyable for you and your employees to be in. After all, who wants to get sick of a business they spend 40 or more hours a week at? Take vacations, do fun activities with your employees, and reap the benefits of blowing off some steam.

Do you have a favorite quote you use to inspire action? Share it in the comments.

Happy New Year!

Rachel Zabonick is the assistant editor for Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.