Becoming a Business Athlete:
How to Avoid Getting Lapped
Success in business is just like training as an athlete:
it's all about putting in the reps, following a plan, and staying disciplined.
If you’re not approaching your business with the same intensity and commitment that athletes bring to their training, you might be falling behind.
In this episode of Level Up and Live, Sean and I dive deep into the concept of becoming a "business athlete"—a term that highlights the connection between physical fitness and business success. Whether you're already grinding daily or still figuring out how to break free from stagnation, this post will help you harness the power of physical fitness to drive your business results.
(Listen to the Podcast Episode Here)
The Connection Between Fitness and Business Success
Entrepreneurs often overlook the importance of physical health. Sure, we all know exercise is "good for us," but have you ever considered how directly it impacts your mental clarity, energy levels, and ultimately, your business success? As Ewan pointed out in the episode:
"If you're out of physical shape, your brain cannot work at full capacity. It’s just a fact."
Think about it: mental and physical sharpness go hand in hand. When your body is sluggish, your mind can’t execute at the highest level. But when you're in the gym, pushing through physical discomfort, you're building resilience and discipline that translate directly into your business life. Just as you train your body to endure, you’re training your mind to tackle challenges in your business.
From Burnout to Balance
At one point, Sean was grinding every day, hustling in his business and maintaining his workouts—but it wasn’t working. Sure, he was working out, but it lacked purpose. He was maintaining his fitness but without clarity on his goals.
In the episode, Sean shared:
"I was grinding, hustling, doing all the things that society sold me to do... But I lacked direction. I was working out just to maintain, not to grow stronger or mentally tougher."
After realizing that his workouts were aimless, Sean made a pivotal shift. Instead of just going through the motions in both his fitness and business, he focused on intentional growth. This transformation—both physical and mental—helped him regain control and find fulfillment in both his fitness and entrepreneurial journey.
The Business Athlete Mindset
Here’s the truth: you need to think like an athlete if you want to perform at a high level.
When you train as a business athlete, you prioritize your physical and mental health to sharpen your entrepreneurial edge. This isn't just about looking good—though fitness can have that effect—it's about building endurance, focus, and resilience.
So, how can you start incorporating the business athlete mindset into your life?
Actionable Steps to Adopt the Business Athlete Mindset
Set Clear Fitness Goals
Start with a clear goal for your fitness, just as you would with your business. Ask yourself, What do I want to achieve? Whether it’s running a marathon or hitting the gym consistently, make your goals specific and measurable.Develop Consistency
Consistency is key. If you can show up every day for your workout, you’re more likely to show up consistently in your business. As Sean mentioned, "How you do one thing is how you do everything."Challenge Yourself
Push yourself beyond your comfort zone—whether it's lifting heavier weights, running longer distances, or taking on new challenges in your business. Competing, whether against yourself or others, fuels growth.Build Mental Toughness
Your workouts should push you not just physically but mentally. Whether it’s running in the rain or pushing through a tough training session, you’re teaching yourself how to overcome discomfort. This resilience will naturally extend into how you face business challenges.Schedule Recovery
Just like an athlete, you need time to recover. Take time off to rest, rejuvenate, and reflect on your goals. Burnout won’t make you stronger—it’ll set you back.
The Power of Vision: What Does Success Look Like for You?
One of the most important aspects of adopting the business athlete mindset is having a clear vision. Without clarity, both your fitness and your business will falter. Sean talked about this realization:
"I had no clear direction on why I was showing up and getting up every single morning. What does that transition and translate to in business, in other areas of life? Lack of clarity, lack of vision."
If you're just going through the motions, you won’t achieve much. But if you set a clear vision—whether in your fitness goals or your business objectives—you can work toward something meaningful. Focus on long-term growth rather than short-term wins. Both in the gym and in your business, this shift in mindset can help you reach the next level.
Saying Yes to Health and Success
It’s easy to ignore the connection between physical fitness and business success, but the reality is they go hand in hand. Just as your fitness journey requires dedication, clarity, and discipline, so does running a business. And if you want to start leveling up in both areas, it’s time to start saying yes to becoming a business athlete.
Imagine the version of yourself that prioritizes health, fitness, and strategic business moves. That’s the version that’s not only winning in the gym but also dominating in the boardroom. As Ewan said:
"When you build this identity of what you’re capable of following through on, it shows up in your business. Calling people back right away, doing what you said you’d do… it's all connected."
The Importance of Accountability
As with any fitness goal, accountability matters, just as athletes have coaches and trainers, you should have someone who holds you accountable in business. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, whether through our LU+L Mastermind Group or other professional networks.
Mastermind groups can offer the accountability and guidance you need to stick to your business and fitness goals. When you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who are also committed to becoming business athletes, you’ll find it easier to stay on track.
Final Thoughts
If you're ready to take your business and your fitness to the next level, it's time to step into the role of a business athlete. By adopting the same discipline, clarity, and resilience you use in the gym, you can transform your business into a powerhouse of success. Focus on long-term growth, develop mental toughness, and don’t forget to build a vision that excites and motivates you.
And remember, you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to us at Level Up + Live to join our Mastermind Group, where you’ll get the accountability and support you need to start winning—both in business and in life.
By focusing on these steps and embracing the business athlete mindset, you’ll find yourself not just surviving in business but thriving. Keep pushing, stay disciplined, and take control of both your body and your business.
If you need help getting started, don’t hesitate to grab our free Core Values Guide—it’s a great resource to help you clarify your goals and start making meaningful changes.
Take the Next Step
Download our free Core Values guide to align your business with your true goals. Check out our other posts on guidance and overcoming blind spots for more essential tips on your journey to success.
You don’t have to do it alone. Join our LU+L mastermind group for the support and accountability you need to create a business that works for you.
👇TUNE INTO OUR LEVEL UP AND LIVE PODCAST EPISODE ALL about Thinking Like a Business Athlete.
Are you a business owner struggling to achieve your goals? The secret might lie in your physical health. This episode reveals the powerful connection between your body and your mind, and how prioritizing fitness can dramatically improve your business performance.
Discover how becoming a "business athlete" can boost your energy, focus, and resilience. Learn the practical steps to incorporate fitness into your daily routine and overcome common challenges. Tune in for a transformative episode that will propel your business to new heights!
Key Takeaways:
🔸The interconnectedness of physical and mental health.
🔸The importance of setting clear goals and maintaining focus.
🔸The power of intentional habits and discipline.
