Being an online RD entrepreneur isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. I understand how challenging it actually is to manage your time, prioritize your health, and avoid total burnout. This is especially true if your nutrition coaching business is brand new or still in its first few years of operation! Over the years, I have learned many valuable lessons. But before we dig a little deeper into this topic, allow me to introduce myself!
My name is Tony Stephan, and I’m a dietitian business coach. I help RDs make more IMPACT and more INCOME through nutrition coaching. Before becoming a dietitian business coach and real estate investor, I was a dietitian nutrition coach. I served thousands of nutrition coaching clients over a time span of 12 years. My successful nutrition coaching business is what led me to where I am today with more impact to create and more businesses to build! Now, let’s review the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a dietitian entrepreneur!
My 3 Most Valuable Lessons
#1 – Do less, not more
As our businesses grow, my wife and I continue to face new challenges. I was forced to find the right PEOPLE (advisors, lawyers, accountants, team members, property managers, etc.) to help us solve the new problems we were facing. I had to accept the fact that I can’t do everything on my own and I don’t feel guilty anymore asking for help. My point here is: never feel guilty asking for help!
Asking for help will allow you to do less, not more. If you can’t figure out the solution all on your own, that is completely fine! There are people you can learn from that have certain skills you lack, or perhaps they can help pave your path more quickly. If you are new to nutrition coaching, for example, but have not invested in learning from a more experienced and successful nutrition coach, you may be doing yourself a disservice! Asking for help will allow you do more for your business in a shorter amount of time.
#2 – Without health, there is no wealth
HEALTH and FAITH have been a cornerstone to my success. At times I let them slack. But I was forced last year to remind myself that my health and wellbeing comes first. As coaches and leaders, we can’t help others unless we take care of ourselves first and foremost.
Being a nutrition coach, you should especially do your best to practice what you preach. Try to get adequate sleep, listen to your body, don’t isolate yourself or try to do everything on your own, and stay well-nourished!
#3 – Total burnout means something is wrong
It’s normal to feel tired, stressed, and fatigued along the way. But if you truly LOVE what you do, you’ll find the stamina to continue paving your own path. BURNOUT means something or someone is not right in your life, and changes are necessary. Check out one of our other blog posts to help you avoid burnout as an RD nutrition coach. To sum it up: you will want to draw boundaries, maintain a work-life balance, keep a glass-half-full mindset, and practice self care regularly. Learning to prioritize, organize, and manage your time will be very important!
Now, for those of you who find me too extreme: I agree. However, I refuse to not document my journey. And I will continue to share the lessons of success that I learn along the way with YOU!
The Takeaway From These 3 Valuable Lessons
Your first several years of business WILL have its challenges, but it is up to you to turn those challenges and failures into feedback. I am confident you’ll be successful if you are quick to learn the 3 things discussed above. Remember, above all, you have to believe in yourself and your business!
Once you’ve read through this post, send me an email at tony@tonystephandietitian.com. Seriously — I WANT to hear from you!
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- What follow up questions do you have about these 3 lessons? My team and I would love to help!
If you’re a dietitian looking to start your own nutrition coaching business, you’re in the right place. I’m proud to be a part of the movement of dietitian entrepreneurs who are making more IMPACT and more INCOME! Check out some of our free resources below!
