5 secrets of solopreneurship stolen from my pilates class

Nearly 350 pilates classes have taught me quite a lot about solopreneurship—and some secrets about running a solo business effectively.

You know how some people become “gym rats,” dedicated to getting fit and finding the gym as their second home? That’s been my journey with pilates over the past few years, as I’ve completed nearly 350 classes.

I’m surprised at how much it has taught me about solopreneurship.

Even if you’re not a pilates enthusiast—or have never tried it at all—come along as I share the things I’ve learned. I think you’ll find some ideas that resonate.

1. Little things matter.

Pilates is a body movement practice that teaches you to become aware of your body in space. You work on a reformer, a platform fitted with straps and pulleys, using the resistance of the equipment to build core strength and muscle control.

As you progress, you quickly become aware of how small adjustments—say, in an arm or leg placement—affect your movements.

Seasoned solopreneurs also understand how small adjustments can create a big impact. It may be something physical, such as the rearrangement of your office. Or it could be tweaks in your daily operations or marketing.

To improve the results you seek, keep looking for refinements.

2. Focus brings benefits.

While pilates provides exercise, I think of it more as a practice. It’s building both body and mind, day by day. After hundreds of classes, it’s become a natural and important part of my week.

While in class, I tune out my mental chatter and concentrate on executing the instructor’s directions.

Finding a similar focus and intent in daily work can be challenging when faced with so many digital distractions. Establishing an environment where you can create that headspace will leapfrog your solopreneur success.

An hour of focused work is more valuable than 3 hours of mental meanderings.

3. The right tools make the difference.

Exercising with quality equipment really makes a difference. It works with you, not against you, and makes the session much more enjoyable—and effective.

The same is true for the tools we use daily as solopreneurs.

I’ve always believed in investing in the very best tools you can afford. Whether it’s an office chair (where you’ll spend more time than in your bed), technology, or other equipment—if you can put it to use to generate revenue, it’s a good choice.

Choose your tools with care.

4. Beginning feels awkward.

Remember early in your solopreneur journey when you first had sales encounters? Whether in person, over video, or by email, it likely felt intimidating, challenging, and awkward.

It’s similar the first time you work with a pilates reformer. The pulleys and straps feel a little weird, and just climbing on and off the platform is an exercise.

In both settings, with time and familiarity, you learn to navigate the experience and discover how to make the situation a natural part of your work.

Push through the awkwardness to gain the reward.

5. Community makes it more fun.

While I’ve taken private pilates sessions, I find the group classes more fun. When you see others breezing through moves or struggling to keep up, it gives you a reality check about your own abilities. And when it comes to doing “just 3 more” of a challenging movement, the group pushes each other along.

Accountability groups and masterminds work the same way for solopreneurs. You quickly realize that you’re not the only one facing challenges, and stating deadlines or commitments out loud reinforces your willpower.

Working solo is better in community.

A path to self-discovery

Like pilates, I don’t think of solopreneurship as something to master—or that one day I’ll have it all figured out.

Rather, working solo is a path to self-discovery. I keep learning about the world, and about myself. That, in itself, is satisfying.

The fact that I get to do it while connected to a global community of solopreneur companions makes it even more rewarding.

How about you? Do you have a regular exercise or reflective practice that aligns you mentally, physically, and spiritually on your solopreneur journey? I’d love to hear about it, and what it’s taught you. Chime in with a comment.

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As we enter the zany period of the holiday season, my wish for you is that you find time for some quiet reflection. We learn from doing—but also from considering what has and has not brought us delight and satisfaction.

Thanks for being a reader, and for joining me on the journey of working solo.

See you next week!

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If you found this issue helpful, do a favor for a kindred solopreneur and share it. You’ll help them—and I appreciate the chance to reach more solopreneurs.