Welcome to another edition of "Go Gold with Katie"! I’m Katie Cannon, a five-time British gymnastics champion turned seven-figure entrepreneur in the children’s activities space.
Today, I want to share some insights on a topic that resonates deeply with all of us—overcoming challenges.
Whether you're just starting your children’s gymnastics program, scaling your soccer academy, or managing a well-established swimming school, challenges are a part of the journey.
The Real Deal About Challenges
When I look back at my journey over the last 20 years, I often think, "If only I knew then what I know now."
But that's the essence of growth, isn't it? In business, just like in life, challenges are inevitable.
They shape us, they teach us, and they push us to grow. But often, when faced with these hurdles, our initial reaction might be to step back, to avoid the discomfort.
However, I've learned that avoiding challenges is not the answer—they always find a way to come back, sometimes stronger.
Let me tell you a quick story. My nine-year-old daughter, Amelie, is a budding gymnast.
Just a year ago, she was ready to quit. She'd come home exhausted and frustrated, saying she didn’t want to go to practice anymore.
As a mother who understands the ups and downs of pursuing a passion, I told her, “You’re not going to quit on a bad day. If you still feel this way in six months, then we’ll talk.”
Fast forward to today, and Amelie’s persistence is paying off. She’s starting to understand that some days are tougher than others, but pushing through those tough days builds resilience.
This mindset is not just important in sports but also in business.
Embrace the Entrepreneurial Athlete Mindset
One of the key lessons I've learned—and teach through Gold Medal Business—is the concept of the “entrepreneurial athlete mindset.”
Whether you have a background in sports or not, it's about cultivating discipline, persistence, and tenacity.
Think of it this way: in business, you’re an athlete, and every challenge is your training ground.
Here's what I've realised:
Don’t Quit to Avoid Challenges: Challenges are part of the game. Instead of quitting when things get tough, find the lesson in each experience. What’s the solution? How can you approach this differently? It's about being solution-driven and pushing through when it gets hard. This mindset will transform how you deal with every obstacle in your path.
Rise Above Your Leadership: In moments of challenge, that’s when you grow as a leader. When you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself that these tough moments are your chance to step up, to rise above. The ability to lead through a storm defines your growth. Your business is essentially asking, "How bad do you want it?" Use that moment to show your determination and leadership.
Go a Layer Deep: Every challenge presents an opportunity to go deeper into your leadership. Whether you're dealing with a difficult team member or a tough business decision, take a step back and ask yourself, “How can I approach this differently?” This reflection helps you grow beyond your immediate reactions and build a more resilient mindset.
Growth is a Daily Practice
Remember, overcoming challenges is not about a single moment of breakthrough—it’s about consistent effort.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your success.
The small, daily efforts to push beyond your comfort zone are what lead to major growth.
My mentor once told me, “What pushes you today will be easy in a year’s time.” This rings true every day in business.
I recall early in my career when a £10,000 loan felt monumental. Today, handling much larger financial decisions comes with confidence because I’ve built that muscle over time.
It’s all about stretching your comfort zone—taking risks, making decisions, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what you believe you can achieve.
Are You Ready to Scale?
If you’re ready to get uncomfortable and start overcoming the challenges holding you back,
I want to personally invite you to our upcoming Accelerator Program on September 2nd.
This is your chance to dive deep into growth strategies, build a resilient mindset, and develop a robust plan for your business.
Let’s push beyond what’s comfortable and grow together.
Remember, growth comes from discomfort, and every challenge is just a stepping stone to your success. Keep pushing, keep growing, and as always, Go Gold!
Have an amazing rest of your day, and I look forward to seeing you in the Scale to Freedom Accelerator!
Katie 🌟
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