The 4 Similarities Between Fitness and Business Coaching: How Working Out Fuels My Career
As a business coach, my primary role is to guide entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives towards achieving their fullest potential. But interestingly, my journey as a coach is deeply paralleled with another passion of mine—fitness. Specifically, the strength and long-term health I seek to gain from working out is an ironic link with my business coaching philosophy. Here’s where the similarities between fitness and business coaching lie, and why I understand my clients now – more than ever!
1. Discipline: The Foundation of Success
Every morning, I start my day with a workout. This routine is non-negotiable. Why? Because it instills a sense of discipline that permeates every aspect of my life. Discipline in fitness translates directly to discipline in business. When you consistently show up for your workouts, even on the days when motivation is low, you build a habit of perseverance. This tenacity is critical in business, where challenges and setbacks are inevitable.
Just as I rely on my fitness regimen to stay disciplined, I help my clients instill similar habits in their professional lives. Setting clear goals, developing routines, and adhering to them—these are principles that foster success both in the gym and in the boardroom.
But, I’m not always perfect. There are days when I’d rather stay in bed. There are days when I don’t feel well. But, the pattern begins to drive the momentum…so the more I stick on the path, the more I stick on the path!
2. Accountability: A Key to Progress
For many of us, maintaining a rigorous workout schedule requires external accountability. I have a workout coach who ensures I stay on track, pushes me beyond my perceived limits, and helps me refine my techniques. This accountability is a game-changer. It transforms the daunting into the doable, the mundane into the meaningful.
The same principle applies in the business world. Even the most successful executives and entrepreneurs benefit from having someone to hold them accountable. Business coaching provides that necessary oversight and support, helping leaders stay focused on their goals, navigate complex decisions, and continuously improve their performance. It's a reminder that no one achieves greatness alone—sometimes, we need that occasional push and external perspective.
3. The Power of Coaching: Transformation Through Guidance
My fitness coach doesn’t just hold me accountable; he guides me through tailored workout plans, offers expert advice, and motivates me to push my boundaries. This personalized approach is at the heart of effective coaching, and it’s exactly what I strive to provide in my business coaching practice at Point NorthEast.
Each client I work with is unique, with distinct strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Our role as coaches, is to offer customized guidance, support, and strategies that resonate with their individual needs. Whether it’s developing leadership skills, refining business strategies, leveraging a tool they may not have considered, or fostering innovation, my goal is to empower clients to reach their peak potential.
4. Embracing the Journey: It's Okay to Need Help
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my fitness journey is that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step towards growth. There’s a misconception that successful individuals should be able to do it all on their own. In reality, the willingness to seek and accept help is a hallmark of a great leader. And…as a by-product of asking for help, the leader inspires others to do the same, and reflects humility to their team.
In fitness, we hire coaches to help us achieve our health and fitness goals. In business, we do the same to achieve our professional aspirations. It’s perfectly okay to need a little push now and then. Embracing this mindset can lead to significant breakthroughs and long-term success.
(Notice my coach, David, in the bottom right corner! He is with me virtually when he can’t be in person!)
Conclusion: The Synergy of Discipline and Success
The relationship between disciplined activities, like working out, and business coaching is profound! The accountability, the outside perspective, the expert recommendations, and the motivational guidance that are essential in fitness are equally vital in the business world. My experiences in the gym have not only strengthened my body but have also honed my approach to coaching, making me a more effective and empathetic guide for my clients. I can recognize the clues of when my clients are pushing back because it’s difficult, they haven’t strengthened their team’s discipline, or we need to adjust the way that we are coaching. It’s all connected – and, by better understanding my experiences in the gym, I can provide assistance more accurately for the boardroom.
So, whether you’re striving to enhance your physical fitness or seeking to elevate your business performance, remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Embrace the power of coaching, stay disciplined, and let the synergy between disciplined activities and business propel you towards unparalleled success! Ready, set, let’s go!
