I can’t believe 2024 is coming to an end, and 2025 is upon us. I’m not here to give you the yearly goal speech. In fact, I don’t typically make huge New Year’s resolutions, but I don’t like to find myself in the same place year after year. At the end of 2023, that’s exactly where I was. Now don’t get me wrong, I am always grateful for everything I have, including my health, family, and friends, but my personal and career growth was stagnant.
Finding yourself in a place of comfort isn’t a bad thing, but if you want more, then you have to get uncomfortable. That’s what 2024 was for me: my year to get out of my comfort zone. I know you shouldn’t compare yourself to others, but when people around you are growing and you’re not, you need to change something. Better late than never, right?
First things first, my boyfriend, Greg, and I took a big step in our relationship and got our first dog! While Atlas is the best thing that’s happened to us thus far, it was a big learning curve. But since we brought him home in April, I feel a greater sense of purpose. Atlas relies on us for health, safety, and unconditional love, and that’s what we will continue to provide for him. I love our little family the most! (Pictured below).
I took a big leap in my career this year as well. It was something that I always knew I wanted to do. I wanted to run my own personal training business, but the pandemic of 2020 had put that idea on the back burner for me. So many thoughts constantly flooded my mind: did I ever want to take a risk? Wouldn’t it be easier to work for someone else and be content? How successful could I be? Is this crazy? What if I fail? As the saying goes though, “Things that are risky are often considered worth taking.”
I decided that by 2024, using the pandemic as an excuse was getting a little old. I love what I do and had to have the confidence in myself that I could be successful on my own. A wonderful opportunity presented itself this summer that I knew may never come again. I thought, and thought, and then thought some more. Imposter syndrome was REAL during this time. But I was inspired by two other women-owned personal training businesses. They have been in business for years, and their experiences could help me answer any questions I had. With the support of the people around me, I finally said, “Let’s do it!” What’s the worst that could happen? My risk was fairly low, and if I didn’t succeed, I could go work for someone else again.
Natalie Hamel Fitness was born in October of this year, and while the last three months have been amazing, it hasn’t been easy. Quitting my job wasn’t just “breaking up” with my employers; it also felt like I was doing the same with clients. Working in the service industry isn’t just some 9-to-5 job. Clients need you to be knowledgeable, reliable, present, consistent, understanding, and a million other things. Personal trainers meet with clients two to three times a week, so as you can imagine, strong, trusting relationships are created.
September was so stressful that I couldn’t fall asleep at night. Even though I was trying to be as professional as possible, I was so worried about what people thought of me. Of course, there were people who were happy for me and supportive, but I think others were upset and sad. I had mentally prepared myself for rejection, but it still hurts even when you try not to let it. Clients that I was sure would follow me, didn’t. And those that I thought wouldn’t, did. It’s easier said than done, but you can’t take things personally. You just have to move on. I also learned to never set expectations because you might be disappointed. No matter how talented you may be, a 100% retention rate is near impossible. At the end of the day, it was a business and financial decision, not an emotional one, that I had to make, and I’m proud of myself for doing so.
While this business is still very, VERY new, it has been a learning experience that I’ll never forget. My day-to-day is very busy, not just with training clients, but also the backend side of the business too. And yet, my mind is clear. I feel more creative, fulfilled, free, and motivated than I ever have. I know there will be bumps in the road, but I will to continue to grow the business to reach my full potential.
If you’ve been with me on this journey, I can’t thank you enough and hope you stick around to see what else is in store! I am so fortunate that I get to make a difference in people’s lives, and that’s what I’ll continue to do. 2025, I’m ready for you.
Xo, Natalie
P.S. I know I said I don’t have New Year’s goals, but I do want to read and journal more next year! It’s definitely my quiet time that I enjoy 😊
Leave a Reply