Freedom, Lifestyle, Purpose, and Passion
The other day my buddy Chris McCombs did killer blog post on “why he does what he does” and I wanted to expand on his post.
I just got back from spending seven days in Seattle. I go up there several times a year, but this time was different because my brother-in-law Pete Shilling got married.
Here's Pete and his bride Betsy
If you’ve ever been to any of my Fitness Business Summits, attended the Seattle Renegade Fitness Marketing workshop or purchased any audio CDs or DVDs from me then you have either seen Pete or experienced his work.
Pete’s the guy that shoots and edits my videos, makes all of our sites, sets up shopping carts, affiliate accounts, does all the graphic work on products and sites, makes this blog look as cool as it does, and tracks and tweaks the “machine” day to day to keep it running in tip top shape.
Me and Steve Hochman with the Groom (Pete)
And this past weekend Pete got married to Betsy - an awesome girl.
Lately, I’ve been traveling a lot.
We’ve been doing a bunch of filming for “Add to Cart” movie. In fact this month I spent every weekend in a different city, yet my businesses continue to bring in the money and give us the lifestyle that my family and I enjoy.
Keuilian family (Chloe and Andrew had important jobs at the ceremony)
My businesses serve me.
But it wasn’t always that way. There was a time when I served my business. I didn’t have a business… I owned a job. Sure it was better than working for someone else – but not by much.
You see, the days of working just to make a living are pretty much behind us. These days most people can afford to buy food and have a roof over their head. And if you’re a personal trainer, and you’re reading this blog then I’m guessing that you do better than just making a living…
…and I’d bet you want to be more, do more, and accomplish more, right?
You’re business is there to SERVE you not the other way around.
Every entrepreneur I speak to lists four things as their major drivers for being in business.
1. Freedom. Freedom to do what you want, when you want, for as long as you want.
2. Lifestyle. I love the fact that I get to come to work in my jeans and flip flops. I get to travel where I want, live where I want, and be who I am.
3. Purpose. The most successful entrepreneurs are purpose driven. They have a bigger goal in life than just making a living. For me, I know my purpose is to help fellow fitness professionals reach multiple six and seven figure AND life the lifestyle they want.
Diana (my awesome wife) and I got away from the kids just long enough to take this picture.
4. Passion. Those same successful entrepreneurs are also passionate. They’re passionate about what they do, how they live, and life in general. In fact one super successful internet marketer recently told me that as soon as he’s 1% unhappy with what he’s doing he’s sell it, dissolve it, or outsource it to someone else. I live by that motto and so should you.
The point I’m making here is that you only live once. Craft your business so that IT serves you and not the other way around.
And when you’re building your business build it around Freedom, Lifestyle, Purpose and Passion and the money will follow.
Comments on Freedom, Lifestyle, Purpose, and Passion »
Getting there Bedros. Getting there.
Nice post Bedros, it no wonder dat’ you da man
BTW, you clean up pretty good, the family looks sharp
Add to Cart baby, Add to Cart
Brian @ 7:42 pm
Bedros,
Awesome material. Inspiring. Thanks
Brian
Congratulations to Pete and Betsy. Would have been there if it wasn’t for Bailee(my 6 week old).
Great post Bedros and awesome pictures.
Congrats to Pete! And great Monday-early-week post. I know I need to be reminded OFTEN that my business is there to serve me.
My current bootcamp is the last training I will ever conduct….and I can’t WAIT to go full-time into marketing.
greg 'krunchie' porter @ 8:28 pm
keep the good ideas rollin in - great post!
Scott Williams @ 8:36 pm
Love those four words, so true my friend.
And i couldn’t agree more that your business must serve you.
Scott
Awesome post Bedros! This is exactly what my goal is.
My brother, father and I signed up for the Fitness Info Summit and will be driving down from NC to attend. Vince told me it would be a “life-changing event” and I know that it will be. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you, Vince and the other guys.
See you in Orlando!
Brandon
Pete - may your marriage and life be all that you want it to be
John Verd @ 9:56 pm
Freedom, Lifestyle, Purpose, Passion.
My new mantra.
Thanks, Bedros!
Sara Hutniak @ 10:08 pm
Bedros, you speak for all those personal trainers who want more than a mediocre income, long hours and having to constantly work in their j-o-b instead of on a real business. Your Seven Figure Formula package changed my mindset completely and I’ve taken more risks with my business in the last month than I have over the past 14 months.
Thank you so much!
-Sara
Lisa @ 11:22 pm
Congrats Pete! Love the personal touch with the family photos…you have a beautiful family! Thanks for the post! Sometimes these come at the most perfect timing!
As always, thanks so much for helping us help others!
Lisa ;o)
Efrain Guerrero @ 2:07 am
First time posting. Bedros, You and Steve have changed my life in such an amazing way, you have no friggen idea…
but you will.
Thanks for everything.
-Efrain
Very Inspiring stuff.
Thanks Bedros.
Joel @ 7:46 am
Congrats to Pete & Betsy, may god be with them.
Love the post up Bedros…..
short n sweet, yet gives me lots to think about!
niiiiice bruddah!
-z-
Martial Arts Instructor in Westchester County, NY @ 10:52 am
Bedros,
Thanks for the excellent post. Effin’ have to remind myself everyday why I do what I do… Having gratitude for all the blessings I have everyday.
Have a powerful day Bedros!
Patrick Consing
My ultimate goal(s) with regard to my career is summed up in this short, but poignant, post. It can be so cliché sometimes…but life is short and I don’t want any regrets when all is said and done. Your successes and lifestyle is proof-positive of what can happen when we start to craft our own reality and “make our dreams come true” (another cliché that can go in one ear and out another until you start to see it happen in your own life). God bless Pete & Betsy!
In good health,
Andrew Stearns
Great post Bedros,
Looks like you had a great time on the West Coast -how could you not!
These concepts are classic and you can never forget why you work for yourself. To take it to the next level beyond a JOB. It may take a lot of work in the beginning but remember the big picture and start building the systems that will allow you to live the life you dream about. Oh yeah don’t forget to have a bit of time to have fun along the way!
Surge ahead!
Nikki Layton
Joyce @ 2:41 pm
Bedros,
You have no idea how much this just inspired me today. Today was one of those days that I was feeling run down and drained. Then I read this post and it lifted my spirits. I just got married 3 months ago and my husband and I run our business together. It’s tough when you step out on faith, you never know when money is coming in…it’s just crazy. But, I pray to get to the point where I can give that long exhale of relief. When I can just relax because my business is making us the money we need to live life with pure joy each and every day.
Thanks for being you!
Joyce Moore