Five Big Takeaways from Two Years

What a ride it has been! On November 5, 2018, we opened the doors to Adam Clark Fitness and I didn’t know what to expect.

It was all brand new to me. Were there going to be clients coming through the door? Would they stay? How was I going to run the business, do the training, and everything else in between?

There were a lot of questions.

Two years later, it’s the second-best decision of my life (the best decision was marrying my wife - I think I’m obligated to say that ;-)).

In two years, we’ve started outgrowing our space and are expanding next door, doubling our footprint. We added a trainer who happens to be the best employee I’ve ever worked with. We have over 100 of the best members in the world. We’ve worked with several companies to better their wellness. We have withstood and continue to withstand the pandemic and grow.

It’s been a heckuva ride and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in year three.

Here are my five biggest takeaways from being in business for two years and how you can implement them into your life:

Take a Leap

Opening a business was taking a leap. I had a good job and I enjoyed working with the people at my previous job. There is no sure thing but opening a business is certainly a risk. Without taking risks though, what are the rewards you are reaping.

Are you waiting for the perfect time to do something in your life? There is no perfect time. There is no perfect time to take that trip (although this year isn’t great timing!). There is no perfect time to change your career. There is no perfect time to make that life move that is going to make you happy.

Don’t delay. I believe in having a plan (trust me I always have a plan) but don’t wait forever. Take a leap.

What is one thing you are going to do in the next 12 months that is a “BIG” move and that will get you out of your comfort zone? Remember, progress happens outside your comfort zone.

Be Consistent

I may not be the best technical trainer in the world. I never will be, but I can take people through workouts safely, make them feel good and get them results.

I am consistent. I will show up early every session. I will write an e-mail newsletter every Sunday (been doing it since February 2019). I will post on social media at least five times per week for the business. I will get in 30 minutes of physical activity at least five times per week. I will read at least 10 pages per day and schedule personal and professional development in my schedule.

Guys, consistency is everything. Far too often, we try something for a few weeks and then give up for one reason or another. Results happen when you are consistent. They happen when you don’t want to do it and still do it because you know consistency is everything.

One of my favorite quotes by James Clear is “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” Want to be healthy? Do healthy things consistently. Want to be wealthy? Do wealthy things consistently. Want to be happier? Do things that make you happy consistently.

What areas of your life are you lacking consistency? Pick ONE area and address it. What can you do more consistently in that area?

Community

There is no stronger community than the Adam Clark Fitness community and that's what separates us. Whether it’s the Facebook group, the workout sessions, the hikes, BBQs, bowling events and the list goes on.

If you go at it alone, you will never achieve your full potential. You must have a team and I’m so grateful to have my Adam Clark Fitness team.

Have you ever worked on a team that operated so well and you were all invested in a common goal? How did that feel? Felt good, didn’t it?

How can you create more community in your life? Maybe it’s among family, friends or in the workplace. People need community now more than ever so be the catalyst and create!

Invest in Yourself

If you want to better an area of your life, you must invest in it.

For me to grow my business, I’ve invested a lot of money into Mastermind and coaching programs. Without these, my business wouldn’t be where it is today. It actually wouldn’t exist.

I’m not saying go invest a ton of money, but you must invest in yourself if you want to get better.

How do successful people become successful? They invest in themselves.

Want to lose weight? You invest in yourself by joining a gym, getting a trainer and making TIME.

Want to get a career? You invest in yourself by going to school, training and getting certifications.

Growth is a never-ending process.

What areas of your life are you going to start investing in? It can be something as simple as investing your time.

When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade

To say the past 7-8 months has been a challenge is an understatement. I feel blessed that we were able to pivot our business online and have such an awesome group of people that support not only my business but each other.

When the new year started, we had big plans for the year. We were going to add some recovery programs and I was going to get married in the Caribbean.

The world had other plans but instead of being bitter, angry and pessimistic, you must learn to move on and search for the positive.

We had a bunch of turnover in membership with the pandemic but continue to serve and serve and serve some more and we have increased our membership during the midst of a pandemic. Our recovery programs are on hold because both of our trainings we were going to attend were canceled. We had a vacation to Mexico cancelled and our two-week destination wedding and honeymoon in Jamaica was canceled as well.

We pivoted and our recovery programs will eventually come aboard.

I got married, not in Jamaica, but we were able to get married in Northeast Harbor with our family present.

Nothing is perfect, there will be challenges in the coming weeks, months and the rest of your life. Instead of giving in, look for the positive, embrace the challenge and keep pushing forward. Make that lemonade!

What are some challenges you’ve faced the past 6-12 months? From these challenges, what are some GOOD things that have happened?

I’m so thankful we have been able to impact so many lives in just two years and I look forward to what we accomplish in the next 12 months! Thank you for making it possible!