If I’d have known back when I first went into business how many ups and downs I would go through I would have never taken the plunge!
Over the past 10 years the highs have been very high with lots to celebrate along the way but the lows have been equally or more emotional and a lot harder to handle.  I’ve never been frightened to step out on my own and for as long as I can remember I’ve conjured up crazy business concepts and money making schemes. 3 times in my life I have managed to turn those dreams and going concerns, real money and fully fledge businesses.  I am once again on the verge of launching a brand new venture so exciting (and emotional) times ahead!


What are the top 5 things I have learnt so far:

1. Write things down: I come up with some of my best business ideas when I’m drifting off to sleep or half way through feeding the baby. Generally when I least expect it the exact solution pops into my head. I have learnt to jot things down, taking 30 seconds to write it down gets it out of my head!!. Once its written down I can come back to it later but as least its not lost. My memory is terrible!
2. Stay MIND and BODY healthy:  I’m one of those people who struggles to mask how I feel and in my role as a PT and fitness coach I get to know my customers very very well.  If I’m not at the top of my game, exercising, eating well and feeling happy then how can I help anyone else! Personal development is highly important, If i don’t feel like I want to improve I know its the first sign that I’m burning out and I need to take a break.
3. Realise that things can wait until tomorrow: For 9 years I put my business before my family and it took a life changing event to make me realise what was truly important to me. Working for yourself can be very lonely.  Its very hard to separate home and work life. This is something I think I will alway struggle with but at least now I understand that emails, phone calls and time consuming tasks can wait!
4. Collaborate with other professionals and help each other grow: Over the years working with other small business owners I have made some amazing friends  Working together on ideas and project we have all benefitted. Its never about making more money for me, its mainly about having fun and sharing our deep passion with others.
5. Meditate: Take time out of your own head. Finding some quiet time every day has kept me sane. 10 minutes of meditation in the morning sets me up to smash my goals and to feel confident I can be the very best mum, wife and business owner I can be! Give it a try.

I absolutely love what I do and the rollercoaster journey I have been on so far, I am excited about the future and seeing my new Family Fitness concept develop.  The key to running your own business is having focus, determination, flexibility, resilience and passion all of which, I feel I have in abundance.

1. Greater rates of activity in children have been associated with higher test scores in reading and maths
2. Children who are active for 60 minutes each day demonstrate lower levels of obesity as adults.
3. When kids are active their brain develops, allowing for new types of activity.
4. Play based activity that requires sensory input helps develop skills that lead to a broad array of physical capabilities in later life.
5. Active children are more likely to become active adults
6. Frequent activity has been linked with improved behaviour in the classroom and beyond.
7. Frequent physical activity requires a high degree of balance and coordination with improved emotional response.
8. Regular exercise increases confidence, self image and self efficiency.
9. Regular exercise decreased symptoms of depressions and anxiety in children
10. Outdoor exercise reduces stress and increases a sense of wellbeing and positive mindset for children of all ages.

As you can see exercise and frequent activity for kids is critical for their ability to grow into happy, healthy active adults.