Good morning, and happy Friday!

Today I want to talk about a topic that’s been on my mind quite a bit lately, and it’s what I won’t give up for “the hustle.”  This post is more for those who are in the fitness business space, but I’m also going to share a bit about my journey, and more importantly, my values.

Ya’ll know that I absolutely love what I do. I mean, how rad is it that I get to wake up and exert my passion while helping women across the world? For that I am extremely grateful, and for every single client with whom I work.

But here’s the thing —

I used to have a tendency to love what I do a little too much in that I can get ahead of myself – and what my body and energy are capable of. This was especially the case as I began to really ramp up my business last fall.

As I started seeing my business grow each month, the amount of hours, energy, and headspace I dedicated to it also grew and grew as well. Now, I’m sure my body whispered to me to “slow down,” but because I love my job, putting energy in toward my clients only gave me more energy in return.

We often hear phrases like “the hustle,” and “the grind,” and “sleep while you’re dead!” in the entrepreneurial space- or really working towards any goal. When we look around and compare ourselves, it can seem as though others are superhuman, who never stop selling, never stop hustling, and never stop working. That type of thinking – and promotion of that way of life – makes us believe we need to be constantly “on” or working in order to be successful.

The thing is we aren’t superhuman, and we can only handle so much. Also — different people can handle different amounts (which is why the comparison game is one of which we should all sit out.) While I am all for hustling when I need to step up and deliver, I also know that those times of hustle need to be followed by times of flow.

Now, with my fitness business coaching clients, I do push them outside of their comfort zone in order to grow their business. But in every single call, I also make sure their energy is up, they’re sleeping ok, and that they’re having fun!

The season of your life can determine whether you’re more on the hustle side of the spectrum or the flow side. For example, my coaching client who’s schedule just opened up because she hired her first assistant (!!) can handle quite a few more ‘action items’ from our call. While my client who just had a baby a month ago might just be able to take on a couple focused and clear action items.

Hustling can be pretty damn appealing, too. You grow, your business grows, and your clients grow. But it comes at an energy and time expense that can’t be sustained on high all the time.

So, I’ve learned that it’s important to feel out how much we can handle, for how long, and not have our values compromised. 

I’ve learned how full I can keep my plate, and that when one more thing is added to it, another has to be taken away. 

I’ve learned that it’s OK to hustle my booty off – for a little while – but it’s gotta be followed up with some flow.

I’ve also learned What I Won’t Give Up for the Hustle. (Also related: my 12 Rules for Living a More Productive and Happy Life)

What I Won’t Give Up for “The Hustle”

# 1. Integrity

This is #1 for a reason: simply because it’s the backbone of my livelihood in this industry. I am committed to delivering everything I promise to every single one of my clients, and will never overextend myself so that I can’t dedicate the time and energy every single client deserves.

I make it a point to know every single one of my clients’ names and faces, and who they are (of course with my VIP clients and membership community, but even within my group programs.) So for me, taking on an extra 5 clients one month just for the dollar signs is absolutely 100% not worth it. In fact, the past two months, I’ve had a waitlist for my VIP one-on-one training, and in order to take on another client, their start dates have been weeks in the future. Sure, this means potential lost income per month, but it also means not overfilling my plate so that I can’t do what I say I’m going to do – or be completely drained at the end of the day.

Honesty is another big one for me. I’ve seen first hand some corner-cutting shady biz-nass this past year from a couple other personal trainers in this industry in order to sell more of their products and/or services, and have witnessed some funny business when it comes to pricing, and vowed that I would never do that to my own clients. If you’re driven solely by money in this business, it will be exposed – and fizzle out quickly.

#2. Being truly present while spending time with loved ones

I am very big on moments. By this, I mean that some of my best memories are those when I was truly in-the-moment, and just living (l-i-v-i-n!) Being present and in the moment is not only one of the best ways to practice gratitude – and get yourself out of a bad mood/funk – but it’s also a great way to create moments that you’ll remember for a really long time.

This past weekend when I was on my camping trip with Shane and some of my best friends, I did just this – and think I’ll remember this trip for a long time to come. I also practiced one of my boundaries I mention in this post – and kept my phone away (save for some picture-taking and a few snapchats.)

One way I snap myself into the moment if I’m struggling is by seeing how many senses I can feel. What do you smell? How does the air feel? Who do you hear? What do you see? Etc.

#3. My Workouts + Nutrition + Sleep/self care

Practice what you preach, ’nuff said.

But really, if I’m writing workouts and writing about fitness and good nutrition all day, I’d be completely remiss if I didn’t do those things myself.

Of course, I won’t get an hour to train every day, not every meal will be perfect, and sometimes I’ll have to go to bed late because of a game, an event, or life, and wake up early to work. But here’s my bare minimum: sleep 7-9 hours each night. Workout most days of the week. Eat some vegetables every day.

#4. Quiet time

One of the ways we can replenish our willpower stores is through quiet time – whether it be a walk, meditation, prayer or journaling. These activities center me, they grow the frontal cortex of the brain. They reduce stress. Produce creativity. They restore my soul. 

It’s a must-do. At least 15 minutes a day.

I love my job – and my effing awesome clients. But as much as it’s part of me – and my livelihood –  it’s not, and cannot be, all of me. While some things are hands down completely worth it some of the time – working a few hours on the weekend days, working some nights, saying “no” to some happy hours or dinners out in order to GSD, etc. – I also know what’s not included.

So tell me, when it comes to the hustle and the grind, what’s worth it, and not worth it for you?