7-Years of Growing – what I’ve learned
Well, here we are, May 2022, and it has been a journey for this small business the last seven years. I never thought that after seven years, I would be writing a blog/newsletter like this one. Some of you who are taking the time to read this, have been with me and Restoring Bodies for almost the entire time; and for that, I am truly grateful.
I can sit here and truly say without a shadow of a doubt; this is one of the hardest but rewarding things I have ever done in my life outside of being a wife, and mother. I wouldn’t trade the years of tears, frustration, and joy for the world. This business is not here for me, it is here for you; those who want to continue to grow in life, abilities, and health.
When I started this business, I ventured out on pure adrenaline and ambition. I had just retired from the military, and to be honest, I didn’t want to work for the government, or anyone else for that matter. I have always been a fan of fitness; the love of nutrition came later. Being a high school and somewhat collegiate athlete, (OKAY, I played volleyball for my first college, way back when) became the foundation of my `Why’, and my `Will’. Hence Restoring Bodies was born.
This newsletter is a little lengthy this month, but I wanted to share what I have learned over the seven years of growing, not just the business, but in my personal life as well. In 2015, I didn’t know what I was doing, but I knew I could see the end of the matter. 1st growth lesson: Never look at what’s right in front of you; learn to see the whole vision one piece at a time. I saw what I knew this business could be, and not what it wasn’t when I started.
2nd growth lesson: Face your fears head on and one fear at a time. I was so fearful of so many things when I first opened. I had the fear of not having any clients, I wasn’t good enough, and did I make the right decision. I attacked those fears one at a time, and to be truthful, they still try to intimidate me. But I keep pressing toward the dream and vision. No one can take your dreams; they can only discourage them; remember, your dreams are yours; they are between you and God.
3rd growth lesson: Age is a number, not a destination. I started this business in my 40’s, while attending school to become a dietitian. I would often focus on how old I was getting which became a distractor. Learning how to stay focused on the dream is the goal; whatever your goal in life is, it’s not based on your age. You don’t have to climb Mount Everest in your 20’s. Small Steps Lead to Big Results, and when you learn to prioritize the mission; it doesn’t matter how long it takes to complete the journey. As we say in our studio, “Don’t Just Age, Age Gracefully.”
4th growth lesson: Be selective. Choosing a team that will stand behind you through the good, the bad, and the unpredictable is important. Not everyone will understand your dream, they will, however, need to believe and trust in you. I have a fabulous and unrelenting team now. It has been through trial and error that my team was developed. Knowing that some people are meant to be in your life for a season while others will be for a lifetime is a golden rule to live by and will help you choose who will stand the test of time.
5th growth lesson: Commitment trumps failure. As a business owner I have made many mistakes and failed often. The key to my success isn’t money, fame, or prestige; it’s commitment and perseverance. I don’t have the luxury of throwing in the towel; that isn’t an option for me. When I fall down, I must get back up and when I get back up I must do so in strength, humility, and integrity. We will fail and succeed in life, but the true victory comes when you are committed to overcome what is holding you back.
6th growth lesson: Give back to your community. I started this newsletter stating that this business isn’t for me, and that is true. I am a firm believer that when much is given much is required. I have an obligation to give back to a community that supports me and my staff. I make it a priority to hold fundraisers, or partner with non-profit organizations that help so many. Your blessing is in your giving.
7th growth lesson: Faith is a key to hold on to. I believe that God gave me the dream and vision to create a safe space for those who feel they are no longer needed. Society is all about the young, but I say this world has room for the mature and the bold. Without faith I wouldn’t be writing this today, without faith I wouldn’t ask what the next step is, without faith I wouldn’t be who I am today. Thank you for believing, encouraging, and praying for me and Restoring Bodies all these years. The best is yet to come.
Written by:
Tammie S. Brown
MPH, RDN, LDN
Owner,
Restoring Bodies Fitness & Nutrition Services