The Three Reasons Entrepreneurs are Spinners

Posted on 12. Dec, 2009 by Natalie in Entrepreneurs, Inspiration & Motivation

As I dragged myself to a 75 minute spin class at the gym this morning, it struck me that spinning can be perfectly related to running a business.

In case you don’t know Spinning is a crazy activity known as group indoor cycling that is quite an experience and an awesome workout.

As I sweated bucket loads and pushed myself through this grueling workout I realised this was really no different than being an entrepreneur and growing your business. Here’s my take on why.

1. Persistence and determination required
   I won’t lie by saying I was tempted to duck out of the class  30 mins in, like a few others did, because my heart was pumping like crazy, I was out of breath, slightly dizzy and feeling the pain in my legs. But I thought to myself, who gets anywhere in life by giving up when the going gets tough?

   Certainly not us entrepreneurs. In fact we persist when other people just won’t, when people consider it a lost cause or just too had. Why? Because we’re slightly crazy and we know that giving up is not an option because we’re so intrigued by what success will feel and look like that we can’t stop.

   And you know what? A few minutes later the endorphins were kicking in and I was enjoying the hill climb interspersed with sprints. I felt on top of the world and was glad I’d kept on keeping on. That’s all part of a business day when you change your mindset and talk yourself through the tough times.

2. Enjoy the ups and downs as they build momentum
   I’m not alone when I talk about the rollercoaster ride of a start up, because let’s be Frank, or yourself, and acknowledge that no one day in business is the same as the next. A huge high can be immediately followed by a shitty low. But you learn to love it, embrace it and become more effective at putting a positive spin (excuse the obvious pun) on those less brilliant moments.

   You know that hill climb is coming, you know you need to find more energy, more grit and more focus than ever before but when you finally reach it you get to speed down the other side towards whatever business outcome it is that you’ve been riding towards. It’s all worth it. The next time around it’s a little easier because you have benchmarks to pit yourself against.

3. Sweating it out is actually a good thing
   You’ve heard of Sweat Equity – putting your own blood, sweat, tears and fears on the line in return for the hope of making it big down the line. Well sweating profusely not only cleanses you, but it gives you a healthy glow and increases your circulation big time.

   The same goes for building a business, putting in sweat equity means you’re living with passion and conviction and this makes you feel alive and that surely is the best feeling in the world. All those late nights, long days and things you give up in order to work are never a waste. You can learn from each and every moment. Just don’t let your passion become a bad addiction. That will lead to regrets.

   Instead, recognise that all that time and effort you pour into growing your business is simply astounding and a huge achievement each and every day. The world needs more inspiring entrepreneurs like you!

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Tags: determination, Entrepreneurial Success, Persistence, Spinning your Business