Being a female leader in the fitness industry presents some unique challenges. But while it’s difficult to juggle the responsibilities of leadership with the joy of being a parent, I have some rituals and routines that help me stay focused and get things done. And with the New Year just around the corner, these tools are useful for any leader to help stay focused and centered during the craziness that is the New Year’s rush.
For me personally, making time for a daily gratitude practice is key. Not only is it important to think positively, but it’s crucial to take time each day to acknowledge your blessings. A great tool for forming this ritual is the 5 Minute Journal app.
A few moments of quiet meditation goes hand in hand with a gratitude ritual, and it’s much easier to start and commit to a meditation practice than you might think. Meditation has been shown to relieve stress, improve concentration and increase happiness.
As always, there’s an app for that — I recommend Headspace. You’ll start to notice the benefits in just a few days. Headspace also offers a variety of helpful extension packs, like ones designed especially to improve sleep, help manage stress or for expectant mothers.
Staying organized when you’ve got a lot of irons in the fire is a main challenge for many leaders, especially those also juggling parenting. Thankfully, there are loads of great organization platforms, my favorite being Todoist. It helps you stay on top of a wide range of projects, and transitions seamlessly from your smartphone to a web browser to your inbox and back, just like you do on a normal, busy day.
The fitness industry is fast-paced, and as a result it can be easy to get burned out. But using the latest technology tools can help ward off burn out and ensure you’re at the top of your game. Technology also enables transformational change — and staying in motion, staying ready to learn something new, keeps your mind agile and your spirit young.
Lindsey Rainwater is a sought-after business advisor, founder, writer and keynote speaker to the fitness and wellness industry. Email her at lindseyrainh2o@gmail.com.
