The Biggest Mistakes I Made When Balancing Training and Business

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Welcome to The Movement Memo, a bi-weekly newsletter where I share actionable tips to help you live your best day ever, every day.

Today's Programming 

• Movement: 10 rounds for time

• Quote: Robinson on energy

• Lesson Learned: Do I take rest days?

• YouTube: Full Day of Training

• Optimization: How I recover after long endurance sessions

Today's Movement 

Complete 10 Rounds for Time:

• 10 burpee box jumpovers

• 75 double unders (100 single unders)

Today's Quote

I used to be obsessed with trying to put myself in rooms where things happened, where people set big goals and ruthlessly executed to achieve them.

Now I focus on getting in rooms where people give (match)  my energy.

I burned out from the focus on output.

Now I play infinite games, where the energy matches my long-term aspirations.

Today's Lesson Learned

The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Balancing Training and Business (And How to Avoid Them)

The Frustrating Reality Most People Face

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to balance intense training with ambitious business goals, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve been there, too—trying to keep the pace in both areas, thinking that if I just pushed a little harder, I’d hit that sweet spot where everything felt balanced.

But that grind, as you’ve probably noticed, often leads to burnout. For years, I believed rest days were a sign of weakness. I was addicted to the intensity, to the feeling of pounding myself into the ground, proving to myself that I could handle it all. Exercise became a crutch—a quick way to boost my mood, but it took a toll. I felt sore and achy, mentally drained, and stuck in a loop that wasn’t sustainable.

Over time, I learned to see rest differently, to view it as a powerful tool rather than a setback. Now, I understand that small adjustments to my routine—not a constant grind—are what keep me at my best. Whether it’s skipping rest days, going all-in too fast, or ignoring the small wins, I’ve come to recognize a few common traps. 

Why You Might Be Stuck (And What to Do Instead)

Most of us end up struggling because of a few easily avoidable mistakes. Understanding these is the first step to making progress in both fitness and business without wearing yourself down.

Here are three of the biggest blunders I’ve learned the hard way—and how you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: Rest Isn’t a Reward, It’s a Requirement

What I Used to Think: For a long time, I saw rest days as a sign of weakness. I thought that if I wasn’t going hard every single day, I was falling behind. So I kept pushing—always working toward the next personal record in training, always grinding in business.

Where It Got Me: Eventually, I paid the price. My body was constantly sore, my mind felt drained, and I wasn’t getting stronger—I was just getting more exhausted. Rest days weren’t just missing; they were actually holding me back.

The Shift: Once I started to see rest as an essential part of the process, everything changed. Now, I plan for rest days, and they’re non-negotiable. Whether it’s a relaxed hike or a full day off, I’ve come to understand that rest isn’t the enemy—it’s the fuel for my next phase of growth.

Try This Instead:

Give yourself permission to rest, and see it as part of your progress, not a break from it.

Recommended Action Steps:

• Schedule at least one rest day each week for full recovery. It’s as important as your hardest workout.

• Embrace active recovery on rest days, like an easy walk or stretch session.

• Remind yourself that true progress includes recovery. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you.

Mistake 2: Don’t Sprint from the Starting Line

What I Used to Think: I’ve always been someone who dives in headfirst—whether it’s training for an event or tackling a new business idea. My natural instinct is to give it everything right away. But over time, I realized that “all-in” without pacing can actually hurt more than it helps.

Where It Got Me: I’d start projects and routines at full speed, only to hit a wall a few weeks in. My energy would crash, and the progress I was chasing so hard actually slowed down. It was a hard lesson, but I learned that a slower, steadier approach actually got me where I wanted to go faster.

The Shift: Now, I start with a sustainable pace and gradually ramp up. It’s taken time to reprogram my approach, but now I see that every step builds on the last. The progress is steady, and I’m not burning out after week two.

Try This Instead: Go for consistency over intensity. Start small, then build momentum as you go.

Recommended Action Steps:

• Begin with manageable goals, then increase intensity as you build stamina and skills.

• Set weekly benchmarks to keep yourself on track without expecting immediate results.

• Remember, steady progress might feel slower, but it’s actually the path to lasting success.

Mistake 3: Celebrate Every Step Forward

What I Used to Think: I used to be so focused on the end goal—whether in fitness or business—that I’d brush off the smaller wins along the way. I’d tell myself, “It’s not enough yet.” But that mindset left me constantly feeling like I hadn’t done enough.

Where It Got Me: Over time, I realized that ignoring these small victories made the journey feel endless. Without recognizing my progress, I’d lose sight of just how far I’d come. That constant need to push harder actually kept me from enjoying the process.

The Shift: Now, I make a point to celebrate the tiny wins, whether it’s a solid week of training, hitting a milestone in business, or even just showing up consistently. Acknowledging these steps forward keeps me motivated, focused, and genuinely enjoying the journey.

Try This Instead: Take a moment to recognize each step forward. These tiny wins are what keep you going.

Recommended Action Steps:

• Keep a log or journal of your wins, big and small. They’re all part of the process.

• Take time each week to reflect on what went well and celebrate it. It’s worth it.

• Use each small victory as fuel to keep pushing, knowing you’re moving closer to your big goals.

Your Step-by-Step Blueprint for Building Lasting Progress

Now that you know what to avoid, here’s a straightforward process I’ve found that works for steady, sustainable growth in both fitness and business:

1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Define what success looks like for you in both areas. Clear goals give you focus and purpose.

2. Plan for Intensity Cycles: Just like in training, structure your business year with intense “push” periods followed by time to regroup.

3. Schedule Regular Rest Days: Build rest days into your routine. Think of them as an essential component of growth.

4. Celebrate Tiny Wins Weekly: Each step forward matters. Celebrate these moments to stay motivated and energized.

5. Prioritize Consistency Over Perfection: Show up regularly, and remember that every small effort counts. Consistency is what builds real, lasting progress.

6. Find a Partner or Mentor: Having someone to check in with keeps you accountable and helps you recognize progress you might otherwise overlook.

Each of these steps has helped me maintain momentum without burning out, and I hope they’ll help you do the same.

Mistake Recap:

• Mistake 1: Skipping Rest Days ➔ Solution: Make rest days a priority.

• Mistake 2: Going All-In Too Fast ➔ Solution: Pace yourself for lasting success.

• Mistake 3: Ignoring Tiny Wins ➔ Solution: Celebrate each step forward.

Reaching your goals doesn’t have to feel like a constant grind. By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing a few small changes, you’ll be working smarter and making progress that lasts.

 Today's YouTube

 Today's Optimization

As we age, our bodies change, and they stop recovering as quickly. That’s where Cheribundi Tart Cherry Juice comes into play. Packed with natural antioxidants and anthocyanins, this juice is a powerhouse for reducing inflammation, speeding recovery, supporting immunity, and improving sleep.

Cheribundi Tart Cherry Juice isn’t just another supplement; it’s a superfood with scientifically backed benefits. The high antioxidant content in tart cherries helps reduce inflammation and pain naturally, making it as effective as traditional anti-inflammatories like aspirin. For endurance athletes, recovery is as crucial as training. Incorporating tart cherry juice into your routine can significantly reduce muscle soreness and inflammation caused by intense workouts, allowing you to recover faster and train harder. The juice’s natural melatonin also helps improve sleep quality, ensuring you get the rest you need to rebuild and perform.

Adding Cheribundi to your daily routine is simple: drink it straight after workouts to boost recovery, mix it into your post-workout protein shake, or combine it with water for a hydrating post-exercise drink. To maximize the benefits, consume 8-16 ounces of tart cherry juice daily, depending on your training intensity. Cheribundi’s 100% pure tart cherry juice ensures you get the highest concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds without added sugars or artificial ingredients. Try Cheribundi today and feel the difference. 

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Publisher: Eric Hinman

Editor-in-chief: Bobby Ryan