I’d like to share a little secret with you.
Here it goes... I was embarrassed when someone called me an Entrepreneur. I’m not sure what my hang up with that term was all about. Maybe it was because I assumed Entrepreneurs were in it to just make money and making money was a bad thing. I was under the impression that making a lot of money may be perceived as sleazy and not authentic.
I was told many times you don’t go into the fitness business to make money. I was on board with that idea and accepted it gracefully. I felt very righteous about it.
Most “personal trainers” work day and night and barely make ends meet. Or they work another job to supplement their love for fitness.
I wholeheartedly am in this business to literally change peoples lives by showing them what’s possible with their body at any age. I’ve stayed in it because of the impact I’ve had with teaching women how to regain their strength and then some. I continued on this path to help people of 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬, prove they can achieve a level of strength and fitness they never knew was even possible.
That was enough for me. That’s all I needed right?
There was one big problem, I wouldn’t be able to keep my house and be there for my babies. How could I be away all the time and have someone else raise my kids?
I also got 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 because the shit I was teaching was so damn good that I wanted everyone and their grandma to be doing it. This burn inside me, the whisper I kept hearing, all I could hear is God telling me “it’s time Lauren”.
That’s when I got the courage to create my first DVD, despite people telling me
I’m crazy and who am I to make my own DVD. I was pushed to do it from my inner voice, so the WORLD can learn this kettlebell stuff in an easy digestible manner.
Now I know it’s not a big deal to some, but that 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 alone has sold over 10,000 copies. Not bad for a personal trainer who knew jack about marketing.
This allowed me to make a much greater impact in the world and not have to train people all day long. My emails were flooded with testimonials and thank you’s and pleads to make more DVDs.
A part of me felt guilty for finally being able to make money in the fitness industry. In fact I felt so guilty I would constantly under charge or even give my services away for free. I kept convincing myself that what I offer shouldn’t cost what others are charging because “I’m not in it to make money.” Only the greedy people charge a lot.
I couldn’t get around it!
Then I thought about it. Those same people who asked for discounts went out to nice dinners, with fancy drinks, and had amazing family vacations. It’s not that they couldn’t afford it, it’s that they didn’t value or prioritize the life changing strength and fitness work I provided.
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐞... 𝐢𝐭 really 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞! I wasn’t truly valuing what I had to offer. Why would they value me if I would continue to just give it all away? All the time and money I spent learning what I know, the thousands of hours of experience and the sacrifices I’ve made to be able to give this service to others. It didn’t feel right any more.
It's taken time but I finally VALUE what I do for others. I no longer feel guilty about making money. In fact I can take that money and give more back to the world. That feels good! People also seem to prioritize their health more when they physically invest in it.
I’m no longer ashamed to own that I’m a damn good Entrepreneur.! And y’all... I’m excited about helping as many people as possible. The more impact the better.
What about you?
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