Thrive to Survive

Our 3 day Wellness: Rest & Rejuvenate Retreat is coming up in less than a month’s time, so I thought I’d share a little bit about one of my amazing, super-human fellow facilitators, Vicky.

During late 2017 I had a chat with founders of Real Fitness Training, Vicky and Mitch to try and understand how they keep it up long days of training, build a thriving community and somehow manage to glow like they’re getting ready for a Full Moon Party. As proof of the immense value they provide to the community, they’ve been nominated two years in a row for Local Business Awards and won this year. Go team!

What I loved most during this chat was how passionate Vicky and Mitch were about self-care and managing one’s fatigue and burn-out. They understand firsthand how important it is, and it has become one of the driving forces behind the creation of this retreat. So here are some key highlights that came up during our chat. I hope it gives you as much value and insight as it had given me.

On Vision and Purpose:

Vicky:

It’s funny you’ve asked about this. We just changed our mission statement. It’s a constant evolution and we’ve adjusted our mission statement to reflect what we’ve learnt over the years and what we want to achieve now, which is to help create optimal lifestyles.

When people first come to us, they want to lose weight. But weight loss is a by-product of other living factors. There’s a lot of information out there and it’s very overwhelming.

We just want to help people live their optimal lives by cutting through all of that and giving them the best education possible.

Weight loss will then be a positive by-product of that. There’s always been ‘trends’ that focus on quick fixes, which actually worsen the situation. I’d like to see more earth-based diets. Eating a plant-based diet is so good for your mental and physical health. It’s a practice of loving yourself and learning to love others and the Earth better.

On Burn-Out and Making Mistakes as Small Business Owners:

Vicky:

It was a challenge at the beginning to not bring work home, or switch between the two, especially when it was just Vick and Mitch. The biggest challenge so far during the transition from being a Personal Trainer to a business owner is finding balance between all the hats you have to wear. It’s been a slow process of letting go and accepting a change in Yoga teachers and PTs and giving clients to others.

We’ve learnt that it’s important to keep burn-out in check and to maintain balance when and where possible. I think it’s important for people to develop a practice of self-loving and self-compassion. Be kind and loving to yourself and don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the self-care wagon.

For example, when you’re in burn-out, it’s easier to take things more personally. Keeping up our self-care has dramatically impacted the way we now handle complaints. We try to be as compassionate and humble as possible.

Mitch:

I regret that I didn’t spend the first few years working on my own personal development. Owning my first business has been a catalyst for growth in all areas- in self, nutrition, client results, enriching trainers, being a team leader, being a supportive spouse. I would say developing self-awareness has definitely played a big part in helping us focus and work on ourselves. Don’t stay mediocre. When you make mistakes, play above the line- accept ownership, be responsible and be accountable for your actions.

On defining success:

Vicky: it’s hard to define success when you keep growing a deeper understanding of it each time. It’s more than just the material though. Work is an extension of who you are as an individual, so the more you grow, the more the business grows too. You need strong personal values for the success of your business. If you don’t, then you’ll jeopardize yourself and the business. If you live and breathe your values, you’ll attract the right kind of community and community is everything. It makes it easier to serve them if everyone has the same mindset.

Speaking of burn-out and stress management for busy people, make sure you book in for the retreat before it’s too late. Education wellness sessions led by Vicky & Belle, healthy cooking classes, daily yoga & meditation and time to yourself.

Click here to get your Early Bird special, valid until the 22nd July 2018.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this, especially if you’re a small business owner in the wellness industry. Comment, share, like- you know the drill.

Savasana on Sundays