I had one of my monthly coaching calls with a long-term health club owner client of mine this morning. With his permission, I am using a part of that call for today’s topic.

This client, all in the past year has gone through an ugly divorce, had his club flooded (only to find his insurance policy didn’t cover floods), had a Planet Fitness move two blocks from his location, had knee replacement surgery when all ligaments were snapped in a pick up basketball game, had to fire two personal trainers for stealing (one had been with him for 7 years), and had seen a decrease in monthly EFT by nearly 30% due largely to the economy and the increased competition.

That’s a tough year no matter how you look at it.

But here is the amazing thing. This client never seems unhappy. He is always positive and only focuses on the good. So today I bluntly asked him…What is your secret to staying happy no matter the circumstances?

His answer was simple and piercing…

What other choice do I have?

Then silence…

I really didn’t know what to say. I know tons of people that deal with issues much less difficult than any this guy has encountered. I personally try to maintain a very steady mindset, but even I falter, sometimes when it is only a simple problem. But not this guy…

To hear those words come from him were very powerful. Hell, I want to refund his consulting fees for the month because the lesson he just taught me was that valuable. I’m not refunding him, but for a fleeting moment I felt I should J

So I guess the moral of this story is that we all have a choice, every day of our lives. Life throws curve balls, sometimes it seems every day. How we handle these situations is entirely up to us. We can either let them bring us down, or we can shrug our shoulders, recognize the situation for what it is, and make up our minds to learn from the mistake and push forward.

And for the record, this client (I’m certain because of his positive attitude and not because of my consulting), has improved every aspect of his business. His EFT was back above breakeven last month for the first time in 10 months, his personal training revenue has doubled since letting the personal trainers go, he’s playing basketball again, has recovered completely from the flood, he has a great girlfriend in his life, and he still has that positive attitude. I can almost picture that confident grin on his face every time we talk on the phone.

I hope that those of you who are currently struggling can see how powerful it is to have a positive outlook on everything. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade; When one door closes, another opens;

All of these sayings may be very cliché, but they are so very true. As for my client…My hat is off to you sir. I am proud and humbled to be a part of your life.

Dedicated to your Success…

Curtis Mock

Does it feel like while your health club is struggling, your competitors and other area businesses seem to be doing just fine?  Are there still just as many people at the local coffee shop?  Still just as many cars in the Mall parking lot?  Still just as many people buying new things?  What is their secret?  Aren’t they worried?

The truth is that while several giant businesses are struggling, local businesses continue to be strong.  Smaller businesses have the ability to make quick changes, unlike the corporate giants we read about in the news.  Most small businesses are doing just as well in heading into 2009 as they were heading into 2008.  What is their secret?

Well the secret is that they are working smarter and making the necessary adjustments to make their business adapt to the changing economy.  There are two types of business owners that are emerging as we head into 2009.

The first health club owner is the type that sits on their money, buckles down in hiding, and holds their breath until the recession passes.  They keep their fingers crossed that enough faces come through the door to cover expenses for the month.  They complain all the time and worry all the time.  This business owner is very unhappy right now.

The second health club owner is of course concerned with the economic landscape, but this concern becomes their driving force to make the necessary changes in their business.  Whereas this time last year they were working hard, trading time for money, they are now implementing systems that allow them to focus on evolving their business, all the while knowing they have a secure flow of income coming into their business.

Which health club owner are you? 

Are you waiting for things to get better for your gym, spending your days complaining and worrying?  Or are you the health club owner that recognizes that now is the time to promote your health club and invest in systems, while your competitors wait out the storm?  The business owner who sees that now more than ever hard work alone is not going to cut it…the type that recognizes that slow times call for fast action.

Don’t listen to the media.  The world is not ending, people are still spending money, and we will be just fine.  But not if you just sit there paralyzed in fear.  You must take action, you must do something right now to make the necessary adjustments.  If you stop increasing business and have a negative atmosphere at your gym, your members are going to take notice.

Be positive, be proactive, and be the fitness business in your area that shows no fear.  There are still lots of people spending money.  Will they spend it with you?  Only if you get up and make them take notice!  While others decrease marketing expenditures, increase yours!  Don’t wait until you have more money.  Now is the time. 

If you have not done so yet, go to www.GymSuccess.com.  There is an 8 minute video that will show you an upcoming resource for health clubs and gyms that will help guide you into 2009 and beyond.  Have a productive December!!

To your success…

Curtis Mock