Breaking Free from the Cardio Mindset in Business: A Guide to Real Growth and Resilience

Nov 6

Let’s talk about something that's about to change how you look at your business—and maybe even your whole life. Let me introduce you to the Cardio Mindset in Business. If you've been out here grinding, feeling like you’re running a marathon every day without actually getting anywhere—this one’s for you.

This episode kicks off my new Fierce Five series: quick, five-minute bursts of real-talk advice, motivation, and actionable tips to help you get out of survival mode and into thriving. Ready to stop running in circles and start building something with real staying power? Let's do this.

From Cardio Queen to Strength Builder

Alright, picture this: You’re hustling nonstop—posting on social, responding to emails, chasing clients, hustling, hustling, hustling—until you crash at the end of the week wondering, "Did any of that actually matter?" That's what I call living in the Cardio Mindset.

In my twenties, I was a total “cardio queen.” I thought hours on the elliptical or endless HIIT sessions were the key to getting fit. Spoiler alert: I was wrong. All that cardio left me burnt out and exhausted, with nothing substantial to show for it. It wasn’t until I started focusing on strength training—actually challenging myself—that I saw real, lasting change. And that mindset shift didn’t just apply to fitness; it was a game-changer for how I approached my business too.

Here's the deal: if you're only focusing on the day-to-day hustle, it’s like doing cardio without ever building muscle. You’re moving, but you’re not growing. To build a business that actually lasts—a business that supports you, your clients, and your life—you’ve got to stop sprinting and start building real strength.

Identifying the Cardio Mindset in Business

So, let’s get real. Are you stuck in a Cardio Mindset in your business? Here are some tell-tale signs:

You’re posting on social media just to post, not because it’s actually adding value or moving your brand forward.
Your days are packed with tasks you check off just for the satisfaction of saying you "did the work."
You’re grinding endlessly, but deep down, you know you’re just maintaining—not growing.

I see this all the time. Especially with solopreneurs and small business owners who are trying to do everything, all at once, all the time. But here’s the truth: constant running won’t get you any closer to your vision. To make progress, you need to pause, reflect, and start taking actions that actually matter.

Shifting the Mindset: Breaking Free from Burnout

Moving out of this burnout-inducing cycle means shifting from the cardio mentality to one of strength and purpose. You've got to see your business as something you’re building for the long game—not something you’re just surviving day by day. And that means doing some uncomfortable, maybe even scary things—like setting boundaries, delegating, or finally saying no to clients who aren't aligned.

Here are a few ways to start shifting from the Cardio Mindset to the Strength Builder Mindset:

Outsource or Delegate: Take a hard look at your daily grind and see what can be passed off. Whether it’s hiring an assistant or setting up automated systems, it's time to cut the busywork that’s draining your energy and doesn't align with your goals.
Set Long-Term Goals: I’m not just talking about what needs to be done this week or this month. What’s your five-year plan? Your ten-year vision? Once you have that bigger picture, start making moves that align with those long-term goals, not just what’s right in front of you.
Invest in Your Personal Brand: Yes, this means more than just social media posts. Show up in new ways—explore email marketing, start a blog, or get help with content strategy. You’re not here to be another person on Instagram with pretty posts. You’re here to build a brand that people trust and turn to.

Building your business muscle is about intentionality and consistency. You need to work smarter, not just harder, and focus on what actually moves the needle forward.

Vision: Building Your Business with Purpose

Let’s zoom out and talk about the bigger picture. You want to break free from burnout, right? Well, burnout often happens when you’re hustling without a clear direction. You're chasing clients, scrambling to make sales, but what’s it all adding up to? If you don’t have a vision, you'll always be stuck in the hustle loop.

To break free, sit down and map out your long-term vision. What kind of life do you want? What kind of freedom? How does your business fit into that? Maybe it’s financial independence. Maybe it’s building something you can sell someday. Whatever it is, make that your North Star and use it to guide every single move you make.

Real-World Example: A Makeup Artist’s Business Journey

I want to make this real with an example. One of my clients—a makeup artist—was in that exact burnout cycle. She was bouncing between two different models, running herself ragged, and couldn’t see a way out. What she really wanted was to focus on training other artists, but she felt trapped in the day-to-day of serving clients.

When we got down to it, her dream was clear: "I want to be the go-to trainer in my industry." So why wasn't she getting there? Because she was too busy running, and she wasn’t taking the time to build the strength she needed in that area. I advised her to shift her focus—start dedicating time each week to creating resources for aspiring artists, get her name out there as an educator, and build authority as a trainer. It was all about breaking free from that Cardio Mindset and putting in the work that would set her up for long-term success.

Takeaway for You: Are you putting your time into things that serve your long-term goals? If not, it’s time to adjust and redirect your focus.

Reverse Engineering Your Goals

Now, once you've got that long-term vision, it's all about reverse engineering it. Start from the big picture and work backward. What steps do you need to take today, tomorrow, and in the next year to make that vision a reality? Here’s what that might look like:

Create clear service offerings that align with your end goals.
Set aside time every week for projects that build your authority.
Drop tasks that drain you and don’t serve your purpose.

And don’t forget—goal setting isn’t a one-and-done exercise. Your goals will evolve as your business grows. Pivoting is not a failure, it’s part of the journey. Adjusting is part of growth, and it’s key to a resilient entrepreneur mindset.

One mantra that keeps me going is from Leila Hormozi: "F*ck your feelings, follow the plan." It’s a reminder that even when it gets tough, you stick to your vision and push through. That’s how resilience is built.

Challenge: Step Off the Treadmill

If you’ve been feeling like you’re stuck running in place, let me challenge you today. Sit down, write out your big vision—something way beyond the next quarter. Then jot down three actions that will bring you closer to that vision this week. This is your "strength training" for your business.

Conclusion: Building More Than Just a Business

At the end of the day, breaking free from burnout is about creating a business that works for you—not one that burns you out. It’s about having a clear vision, setting goals, and then going after them with resilience and strength. It’s about building something that aligns with your life, not just filling your days with busywork.

So, what’s your big goal? Where do you want this business journey to take you? Dream big, set your sights high, and let's make it happen.

Until next time—stay fierce, stay focused, and keep building that strength. This journey is yours to create, and I can't wait to see you break free and build something amazing!