One year, one hundred workouts, one big shift in mindset
In November 2024, I decided to do something I’d been putting off for far too long. I joined a seven-week beginner weightlifting cohort at my local gym after seeing it advertised on Facebook.
I could have waited until January and made it a “New Year, new me” thing, but I knew if I didn’t start before Christmas, I probably wouldn’t start at all. I also knew if I didn’t complete it before Christmas there would be no way I’d do it after.That simple decision changed everything.
A year on, 100 workouts later, I’ve learned more about business, focus and discipline from the gym than I ever expected. I didn’t go planning to learn anything about business, just to build my strength and reduce aches and pains.
Here are the seven biggest lessons I learnt, which I’ll be taking forward into the next year.
1️⃣ Schedule what matters first
At first, I tried to squeeze gym sessions around my work diary. Obviously, business and life got in the way. I found myself scheduling workouts but not showing up. A ‘2 week break’ turned into missing from the gym for 4 months.
From 1 September onwards, I flipped it and the gym became my first appointment of the day, 6:45 – 8 a.m., non-negotiable.
💬 Business lesson: if something’s important, it goes in the diary first, not “when there’s time.”
2️⃣ Prioritise what really matters
Making time for the gym meant prioritising myself over my business and it made everything else better. Taking time out doesn’t mean you’re not working; it means you’re working on you.
When you’re rested and focused, the work you produce is sharper, smarter and more meaningful. After all, none of us want to be remembered for just “working hard”; we want to be remembered for the good work we did, and the value we shared.
💬 Business lesson: Looking after you means you’ll likely show up better at work.
3️⃣ Consistency beats dopamine every time
My training app rewards me with badges, personal bests and milestones – the perfect little dopamine hits. They let you know I what you’re achieving, well done you.
But I’ve learned progress isn’t about those moments; it’s about showing up consistently, even when no one’s clapping.
💬 Business lesson: growth comes from the unglamorous, everyday consistency that compounds over time.
4️⃣ Accountability keeps you moving
Each day I take a discreet gym photo and save a screenshot of my workout. I train in a gym with no mirrors, and cameras/videos – just women doing the work.
It’s private accountability, my quiet way of saying, “I did it.” I post this on my personal Instagram page.
And when I don’t post, a friend will always check in: “No Gym today? Everything ok”
That gentle accountability keeps me honest, just like having a mentor, a peer group, or a programme that keeps your business goals in sight.
💬 Business lesson: find a way to keep yourself accountable whether that’s to yourself, 1 connection or a small group.
5️⃣ Celebrate your wins
Last week marked my 100th workout. And I’ll be honest; there were months in the middle when I didn’t go at all. But that makes the milestone even sweeter. I’ve been talking in the gym about my 100th coming up and the women training and working there have been on the countdown with me.
Because I’ve been so consistent over the last 2 months I’m also now seen the hard work show in the clothes I wear, they feel different now.
Celebration isn’t about perfection; it’s about recognising progress and giving yourself credit for showing up.
🎉 Business lesson: take time to acknowledge progress, it builds momentum and motivation. You’ve likely heard the phrase ‘It’s about the journey not the final destination’
✨ Bonus 1: Inspire others
What started as a personal accountability post on Instagram has ended up inspiring friends to join their own local gyms. Sometimes, the simple act of showing up for yourself becomes the spark someone else needs to start.
💬 Business lesson: leadership isn’t always loud- it’s often just consistent.
✨ Bonus 2: Give back & champion local
By tagging my local gym in posts, I’ve been able to share a little love for a brilliant local business. They’ve supported me, and in a small way, I’m helping to support them.
💬 Business lesson: when you grow, you lift others – your community, your clients, your network.
Bringing it all together
Every one of these lessons mirrors what I see in business owners every day.
The breakthroughs come from:
- Starting before the perfect time
- Creating space for what matters
- Staying consistent
- Being accountable
- Celebrating progress
- Inspiring and supporting others along the way
That’s exactly what Future Ready 2026 is designed to help you do.
It’s for business owners who don’t want to wait for January to get organised.
It’s for those who want to go into 2026 clear, confident and already in motion.
Start now, not later.
Because the small decisions you make now can completely change your year ahead.
Head over to Future Ready 2026 to find out more. I am hosting one day workshops in Essex.
