This Is What Thinking Big Looks Like
We've been discussing the power of thinking big lately across all our platforms and groups. It's a critical topic for business leaders like you facing growth challenges. Surprisingly, successful businesses, the ones already "winning," often struggle with this the most.
Many leaders adopt an "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it" mentality, fearing change when things seem fine. But truly successful businesses, operating at champion levels, think differently. They're always innovating and pushing boundaries to be better.
A friend shared a story about Cora and Charlie, who faced a similar choice: settle for "good enough" or think big and push boundaries.
Here’s what he told me:
Cora and Charlie, a dynamic mother-daughter duo, shared a passion for fitness but had grown frustrated with the gym culture in their city. Feeling marginalized and overlooked in male-dominated spaces, they longed for a more welcoming environment where they could feel empowered and supported in their health and wellness journey. Most of the gyms were either too big and impersonal, or were intimidating environments dominated by male clientele.
“Someone once told me that if you see a problem and can’t find the solution, create the solution” Charlie said. So driven by their shared vision, Cora and Charlie took a bold step and began hosting outdoor workouts in their neighborhood park. They invited a few friends from their former gym, and to their delight, the classes quickly gained popularity. Word spread, and soon, more women began joining their sessions, drawn to the sense of community and empowerment that Cora and Charlie fostered.
While Cora was content with their grassroots approach and saw their outdoor workouts as a fulfilling side hustle, Charlie harbored bigger dreams. A natural visionary and big thinker, Charlie envisioned a dedicated fitness space for women in their community—a place where women could come together to prioritize their health and well-being in a supportive and inclusive environment.
However, Cora hesitated, citing common excuses for thinking small:
- “What if nobody shows up?”
- “What if we fail at this?”
- “Aren’t our park workouts good enough?”
- “What if it’s too much for us to handle?”
- “We don’t know how to run a gym!”
But Charlie refused to let fear hold her back. With unwavering determination and boundless optimism, she pushed ahead, convinced that they could create something truly remarkable.
Together, Cora and Charlie took a leap of faith and rented a space for their dream fitness studio. With the help of a talented friend who specialized in interior design, they transformed the space into a welcoming oasis dedicated to health and wellness. From curated workout classes to personalized training sessions, they designed a range of offerings tailored to the diverse needs and preferences of their clientele.
As they navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, Cora and Charlie discovered the transformative power of thinking big and taking bold action. Their fitness studio became more than just a place to work out; it became a community hub where women could connect, support each other, and embark on their fitness journey together.
Through their courage and perseverance, Cora and Charlie proved that it's easy to settle for "good enough," but when you dare to think big and act on it, you can achieve things you never thought possible. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that by stepping outside of our comfort zones and embracing our potential, we can leave a lasting impact on the world around us and inspire others to do the same.
Today, Cora and Charlie's fitness studio stands as a testament to their vision and determination. It continues to thrive as symbol of empowerment and inclusivity, welcoming women of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels to pursue their health and wellness goals with confidence and joy. Their story is a reminder that with courage, resilience, and a big heart, anything is possible.
