I volunteer as a research assistant in a UF biomechanics lab. My graduate student mentor, a PhD student, has run her own personal training company for ten years. She is the most inspiring human being that I know - life has dealt her so many hardships and far too many obstacles, yet her strength and drive and determination never cease. From the stories she has told, I honestly believe that her persistence and optimism derives in part from her entrepreneurial success in the over-saturated fitness industry in an age where instagram models can become more famous personal trainers than people who know what they are doing.
I decided to take ENT 3003 as a confirmed elective for my major not because I have any aspirations to start my own business, but because I feel that the characteristics that make entrepreneurs are traits that every successful person should have. I believe that learning how to think and make decisions like an entrepreneur will help me no matter what field I go into and no matter how many bosses I have.
I've also been connected to entrepreneurship through athletics. I helped one of my best friends create a supplement recommendation site last year. I feel the competitiveness and determination that exercise teaches somebody easily spills over into other areas of life. It helps me at least to be more goal oriented and see past obstacles easier. I find it cool that so many people aren't taking this course to start businesses, but for the way of thinking entrepreneurship instills.
ReplyDeleteSarah, your entrepreneurship story is so different from the other two that I have read. I believe that in order to be a successful entrepreneur, one must be extremely dedicated to their business. It sounds like your mentor is very passionate about her business and that is necessary in order to be a success. I also agree that the skills it takes to be an entrepreneur can help anyone in their career or life endeavors. Good job!
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteThis story you’ve shared hits close to home with me because my brother is a personal trainer. He constantly complains about all these “models” you talk about how a lot of their workout “advice” or “tips” are continually incorrect and he worries that someone could be over straining a muscle, etc. Claiming you are a personal training or have workout advice is much different from those who are certified and actively work out others, not just themselves. Great share!