Ask a group of women what they’d like to improve in their lives, health, lifestyle and confidence are bound to crop up.
Megan Barnes didn’t just achieve those goals, she’s now in the process of building a business helping other women do the same.
She operates FitWell Training by Megan in Rushcutters Bay Park, while also working as a personal trainer at The Fitness Playground.
Her aim is to: “Empower women to break through the obstacles to achieving their ultimate fitness and lifestyle, and feel amazing, without missing out on anything.”
She says her own battle with feeling heavy, unfit and lacking in confidence took time to overcome.
“Turning this around wasn’t easy. My journey was a long and punishing one, until after much experience and perseverance I worked out that it didn’t need to be so difficult.”
But she turned the experience into a positive.
“I don’t regret my struggles with eating, body image and confidence – my experiences shaped me and gave me powerful purpose to help others make change in their lives – minus the misery!”
She believes that genuine care and support in quality fitness training and wellness coaching can help develop the energy, mindset and healthy habits for lasting results. Her program is designed to be practical for the individual, and that lifestyles should be about balance, not perfection.
Ingrid Green asked Megan about her journey.
What prompted you to start your own business?
Jess played a major role in it. I had a 10+ year career in elite sport and medicine administration which I had enjoyed, but outside of that had put all my future hope into pursuing a singing career. When 30 hit, I felt it was time to take responsibility for my financial stability and I committed to a management role which I soon discovered wasn’t right for me and took a lot of strain to perform in. I attended a workshop presented by Jessica Symes where she shared a story about a women in a high level corporate role who was performing well, but on the weekend was collapsing into a heap and completely isolating herself from the world to recover. Jess helped her find a direction that was true to her and this really resonated with me – I booked to see Jess right away.
My diary post session: “LIFE CHANGING DAY”.
How difficult was it to make that first leap?
The first part wasn’t hard. I stayed employed and kept earning an income whilst studying part time and loving it. I then changed into more relevant employed work. I then got a casual job and a loan so I could resign and fast track my studies, start my business and get on with it. This is where the real challenge began! You don’t realise how quick that money goes when you’re not earning it. You do have moments of doubt. But you get a plan, and just keep believing in yourself and just keep stepping through. Lots of hard work, learning and being brave – with a lot of excitement, growth and fulfillment at the same time.
What have been your biggest challenges?
• Going through a complete career change I needed to not only start a business but get qualified and upskill. A lot of new territory! There is an incredible amount to learning to do in developing and operating your first business.
• Life balance and looking after myself and my relationships along the way
• Financial – I was already needing to pay attention to this area of my life when I decided to slash my income to focus on study and business development. I am incredibly grateful for the patience and support of my fiance during this time!
Greatest triumphs?
• All the insights along the way confirming that you are on the right path:
• The fulfillment of making a direct impact in making a difference in someone’s life. When your clients get results and you realise you’re good at what you do and it comes so much more effortlessly than anything you’ve ever tried in your life.
• When ideas hit you like a truck regularly and often!
• Seeing your hard work growing into something real and exciting.
• The joy and flexibility of working for yourself.
• The realisation that you have found your purpose and love what you do – there is no end of work to do but you enjoy it and feel focus and engaged.
• That you can’t get enough of learning and networking.
• When opportunities start presenting themselves before you’ve barely got started.
What has helped you along the way?
My amazing fiancé who has been incredibly patient & supportive
Colleagues & friends and family who have given me incredible encouragement
Mentors who have provided guidance and support – surround yourself with inspiring people – so true
Jess – as above! Get coaching or consultation when you need it!!
Great experiences and feedback from clients
Opportunities that present themselves – when great things happen quickly your confidence grows fast
Positive psyche – reading and listening to inspiring things often
Surround yourself with inspiring people
The belief that I have everything it takes to live my ultimate life and bring others with me
What advice do you have for women considering going out on their own, or unhappy in their jobs?
Life is too short to be miserable in your work. First of all are you happy working purely to make an income to support a fulfilling life outside work? Nothing wrong with that! But no need to stay in something that makes 5 / 7 days in the week a massive struggle! However – if you have a burning passion or have some ideas about something you might want to do then it to yourself to explore it.
If you have a clear idea – lucky you!! If you don’t, why not do a short course in something you are interested in – if you don’t enjoy it no prob! Cross it off the list and move on! Just another interesting layer to your knowledge & experience in life.
Approach your transition wisely from a financial standpoint. Can you study or start a small in the business on the side of your current job, or maybe even going part-time? If there are any gaps in your knowledge or confidence in business -get support and learn. If you love what you do the missing pieces will come together, you always work it out! Hello Google!
Have a plan and to stick to deadlines – it may change along the way and that is fine but you need a plan with timeframes or it will go on forever. Don’t strive for perfection! Just do it. This is how you learn and grow. Nothing ever gets done when we wait for perfection! (Brene Brown fan here).
You are capable of leading a life you love! Go for it!!
Megan Barnes explains why she wanted more than what the corporate world could offer, and how coaching helped her realise it.
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