On this, the eve of construction for our first Anytime Fitness gym, I wanted to share some thoughts about the last 13.5 months:

• Have a sense of humour. (That’s me at 1am – those are the drawings I submitted the next day for our building permit). The one thing that made this challenging year manageable was our ability to laugh. You’re going to run into countless setbacks when you’re starting up a business, it’s inevitable; just remember that everything will be ok if you persevere. Find the humour in a tough situation – it really helps. The biggest laugh for me and Carol is that we actually thought we could open this club in December 2010… Serious L.O.L!

• Things always have a way of working out. No matter how hopeless a situation may seem, a solution always exists, it’s a matter of how hard you’re willing to work for it. Never say something can’t work unless you actually try it.

• Hopeless situations can inspire true genius. I’ve personally encountered situations over the last year where I honestly felt like I was completely out of options. However, tough situations force you to think outside the box; it challenges your mind to be more creative, and in the process, builds grit and character.

• Take time to see how far you’ve come. (Carol holding the coveted building permit – it took us 4 months of hell to get this).  I can honestly say that it hasn’t sunken in that in less than 24 hours, work will finally start on our gym. Imagine how we were feeling 6 months ago – we were hoping to open in July. If 6 months ago, someone had said that we won’t start construction until September 15th, we’d be completely devastated. However, today I’m very excited.  In times when it seems like there is no end in sight, take the time to look back on how far you’ve come. Don’t look at the coming 6 months, pat yourself on the shoulder for the previous 6 months where you kept working; this helps to keep you motivated.

• Enjoy the journey. As challenging as this year has been, I know that 5 years from now, when we hopefully have 6 clubs open, this will be the year that we remember the most – the first club. I’ve grown so much in the last 13 months that I honestly wouldn’t change anything about it. If the last year has taught me anything is that there are no problems, only opportunities to succeed. Every obstacle that you encounter and overcome is another badge of merit to you; validation that you do have what it takes to succeed! Remember the little victories, the hard work, the sacrifice, the quiet moments – embrace everything.  

Now, the next chapter begins – It’s all smooth sailing from here! Right?… haha not quite.. but BRING IT ON.