Welcome to The Obvious Choice podcast, where today we're joined by Paul for a Hot Seat conversation about why successful businesses inevitably break down and how to systematically rebuild them.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by your growing business, this episode will show you how to identify your natural strengths and create systems that allow you to focus on what makes you special.

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

Not sure if you want to get my book, “The Obvious Choice”? Here’s a free sample to check out: https://www.theptdc.com/the-obvious-choice-free-chapter

Who Am I?

Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center and host of the popular Obvious Choice podcast, a top show for coaches, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Jon’s been featured in most major business and fitness publications including Men’s Health, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Robb Report, Inc., and many more. Over 200,000 coaches and small business owners in more than 120 countries have purchased business development materials from him.

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "5 Reps Friday" read by 73,000+ each week: https://www.theptdc.com/newsletter-subscribe

Get my FREE "Jacked Nerds Reading List" here: https://www.theptdc.com/11-best-books-for-jacked-nerds

Join my Online Trainer Mentorship program: https://onlinetrainermentorship.com/mentorship/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=OTMEvergreen

Follow me on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

X: https://x.com/itscoachgoodman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-goodman/

Timestamps

0:00 Paul Introduction

1:07 Paul explains his current bottleneck after rapid business growth in the first half of the year

1:55 Business growth inevitably leads to systems breaking

3:07 Paul shares his business vision and challenges as the bottleneck in his operation

4:24 The limitations of being a solo coach with many clients

6:57 Paul shares personal context about having OCD and ADHD

7:27 Jonathan emphasizes the importance of working with your natural operating style

8:00 Paul describes what makes him successful: empathy and his approach to coaching

9:10 The advantage of coaches who have life experience

10:30 Focus on your strengths

13:01 Create a detailed organizational chart exercise

14:57 Breaking down business tasks into smaller components

17:08 Delegating content posting while keeping control over creation

19:45 Overthinking certain tasks causes anxiety and brain fog

I've been thinking a lot about love lately. I heard this quote the other day that really stuck with me: "if you think you understand love, you don't." Which, honestly, is pretty damn wise when you think about it.

Today's episode dives into a chapter from my upcoming book, tentatively titled "Grow Separately to Grow Together." We're going to explore some counterintuitive things I've learned about relationships – like how our differences, not our similarities, are what actually make partnerships work.

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

Not sure if you want to get my book, “The Obvious Choice”? Here’s a free sample to check out: https://www.theptdc.com/the-obvious-choice-free-chapter

Who Am I?

Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center and host of the popular Obvious Choice podcast, a top show for coaches, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Jon’s been featured in most major business and fitness publications including Men’s Health, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Robb Report, Inc., and many more. Over 200,000 coaches and small business owners in more than 120 countries have purchased business development materials from him.

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "5 Reps Friday" read by 73,000+ each week: https://www.theptdc.com/newsletter-subscribe

Get my FREE "Jacked Nerds Reading List" here: https://www.theptdc.com/11-best-books-for-jacked-nerds

Join my Online Trainer Mentorship program: https://onlinetrainermentorship.com/mentorship/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=OTMEvergreen

Follow me on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

X: https://x.com/itscoachgoodman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-goodman/

Timestamps

0:00 Episode Intro

1:05 -The paradox of love

1:44 First 1-star review discussion and joking about career changes

6:15 Grow Separately to Grow Together

7:58 The 16th-century French moralist's quote about absence and love

13:31 The nature of distance in relationships

14:15 Complementary personalities in successful relationships

16:42 Evolution of love in long-term relationships

19:45 Critique of modern dating apps and algorithmic matching

22:38 Managing family finances in partnership

27:50 Modern dating and connection challenges

31:43 Organizational structures in life and relationships

34:42 Authenticity in Modern Dating

40:10 Reaction to "The Obvious Choice"

Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of The Obvious Choice podcast, where today we're diving into a challenge that hits close to home for many fitness business owners - the struggle to scale beyond trading time for money.

We're sitting down with Katherine, who runs a successful personal training studio outside Ottawa and is wrestling with the classic dilemma of how to grow her business while reducing her crazy 4 AM client schedule and creating more freedom in her life.

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

Not sure if you want to get my book, “The Obvious Choice”? Here’s a free sample to check out: https://www.theptdc.com/the-obvious-choice-free-chapter

Who Am I?

Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center and host of the popular Obvious Choice podcast, a top show for coaches, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Jon’s been featured in most major business and fitness publications including Men’s Health, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Robb Report, Inc., and many more. Over 200,000 coaches and small business owners in more than 120 countries have purchased business development materials from him.

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "5 Reps Friday" read by 73,000+ each week: https://www.theptdc.com/newsletter-subscribe

Get my FREE "Jacked Nerds Reading List" here: https://www.theptdc.com/11-best-books-for-jacked-nerds

Join my Online Trainer Mentorship program: https://onlinetrainermentorship.com/mentorship/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=OTMEvergreen

Follow me on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

X: https://x.com/itscoachgoodman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-goodman/

Timestamps

0:00 Katherine introduction

1:48 Trying to transition to a semi-private training model.

2:52 Details about her online program offerings including nutrition coaching and habit coaching

4:35 Discussion of current client load

10:28 Advice about hiring for small businesses and identifying key skills

12:17 Exercise to identify what made past trainer "Chris" successful

In this episode, I discuss my unexpected bout of depression following the successful launch of my book "The Obvious Choice," revealing how the completion of a major project left me feeling empty despite its commercial success.

Through this experience, I explore the paradox of achievement and purpose, arguing that the real reward lies not in completing projects but in the transformative journey of working on them.

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

Not sure if you want to get my book, “The Obvious Choice”? Here’s a free sample to check out: https://www.theptdc.com/the-obvious-choice-free-chapter

Who Am I?

Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center and host of the popular Obvious Choice podcast, a top show for coaches, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Jon’s been featured in most major business and fitness publications including Men’s Health, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Robb Report, Inc., and many more. Over 200,000 coaches and small business owners in more than 120 countries have purchased business development materials from him.

Follow me on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

X: https://x.com/itscoachgoodman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-goodman/

My co-hosts:

Ren Jones https://www.instagram.com/fitnessjonestraining/

Amber Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/amberreynolds.me/

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "5 Reps Friday" read by 73,000+ each week: https://www.theptdc.com/newsletter-subscribe

Get my FREE "Jacked Nerds Reading List" here: https://www.theptdc.com/11-best-books-for-jacked-nerds

Join my Online Trainer Mentorship program: https://onlinetrainermentorship.com/mentorship/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=OTMEvergreen

Timestamps

0:00 Jonathan Goodman introduction

0:33 Personal Reflection on Post-Book Depression

1:06 The Portuguese Fisherman Parable

5:18 The Paradox of Process vs Outcome

6:20 Reflection on Ghost-Written Books vs Personal Writing

7:52 The Obvious Choice Book Release Experience

9:35 Dealing with Unexpected Depression

11:14 Learning from the Experience & Getting Back to Work

15:53 Story About the Wealthy Oil Businessman

17:35 Retirement & Finding Purpose

19:55 "Boring Not Vacant" Concept

21:18 Critique of Living Without Projects

23:20 Story About Friend's Movie Podcast

24:34 Reflections on High School Friends' Reunion & Closing

In this conversation, I reveal the pivotal $10,000 decision that shaped my career path and eye-opening insights from launching my new book "The Obvious Choice."

From social media's false promises to the counter-intuitive truths of building lasting success, this episode challenges conventional wisdom about what it really takes to build a sustainable business in today's digital age.

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

(Not sure if you want to get the book yet, that's okay, you can get a free sample of "The Obvious Choice: https://www.theptdc.com/the-obvious-choice-free-chapter)

My co-hosts:

Ren Jones https://www.instagram.com/fitnessjonestraining/

Amber Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/amberreynolds.me/

Who Am I?

Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center and host of the popular Obvious Choice podcast, a top show for coaches, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Jon’s been featured in most major business and fitness publications including Men’s Health, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Robb Report, Inc., and many more. Over 200,000 coaches and small business owners in more than 120 countries have purchased business development materials from him.

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "5 Reps Friday" read by 73,000+ each week: https://www.theptdc.com/newsletter-subscribe

Get my FREE "Jacked Nerds Reading List" here: https://www.theptdc.com/11-best-books-for-jacked-nerds

Join my Online Trainer Mentorship program: https://onlinetrainermentorship.com/mentorship/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=OTMEvergreen

Follow me on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

X: https://x.com/itscoachgoodman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-goodman/

Timestamps

0:00 Episode Introduction

2:47 Jonathan has to pause for his son Jaden bringing lunch

3:30 Story about Ignite the Fire and early publishing decision

14:04 Modern social media marketing

22:25 Gym sales conversion rates discussion

26:23 Social media influencers vs thought leaders discussion

34:00 Balancing short-term vs long-term projects

45:04 Book launch results and reception

51:52 Lessons learned from book launch

59:47 Final thoughts on being self-reliant

This week on the podcast I spoke with Jason about him writing his new book, how to recreate his marketing, and much more. Enjoy!

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

(Not sure if you want to get the book yet, that's okay, you can get a free sample of "The Obvious Choice: https://www.theptdc.com/the-obvious-choice-free-chapter)

Who Am I?

Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center and host of the popular Obvious Choice podcast, a top show for coaches, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Jon’s been featured in most major business and fitness publications including Men’s Health, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Robb Report, Inc., and many more. Over 200,000 coaches and small business owners in more than 120 countries have purchased business development materials from him.

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "5 Reps Friday" read by 73,000+ each week: https://www.theptdc.com/newsletter-subscribe

Get my FREE "Jacked Nerds Reading List" here: https://www.theptdc.com/11-best-books-for-jacked-nerds

Join my Online Trainer Mentorship program: https://onlinetrainermentorship.com/mentorship/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=OTMEvergreen

Follow me on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

X: https://x.com/itscoachgoodman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-goodman/

Timestamps

0:00 Jason Introduction

0:28 Book Publishing Details

1:33 - Audiobook Production Discussion

3:01 - Marketing Strategy Discussion

5:19 - Digital Strategy Development

6:38 - Marketing Implementation Plan

8:18 - Landing Page Strategy

11:04 - Email Marketing Strategy

14:29 - Implementation and Scale

15:37 - Technical Implementation

16:33 - Workflow Integration

Today we're diving into something I've wanted to talk about for a long time: adult friendship.

This is probably one of the most important and least understood topics that can massively impact your quality of life. And I've got some pretty strong opinions on it – opinions that might seem a bit counterintuitive at first.

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to obviouschoicepod@gmail.com

Hosts:

Jonathan Goodman https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

Ren Jones https://www.instagram.com/fitnessjonestraining/

Amber Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/amberreynolds.me/

Every Friday, over 75,000 jacked nerds (just like you) read 5-Reps Friday, my newsletter with actionable tips on marketing, health, books, and earning more www.5repsfriday.com

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 41,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

Timestamps

0:00 Friendship introduction

1:00 Audiobook narration and author readings

2:31 Adult friendship topic

6:06 Aristotle's three types of friendship

8:46 The importance of true friendship and time management

13:30 "Cameo friends" and guilt in relationships

15:24 Kindergarten friendships lasting through life

20:15 Parasocial relationships

24:43 Converting online friendship to real connection

28:12 Building community in different locations

33:13 The value of acquaintances and casual connections

41:10 Work-life balance and friendship priorities

47:19 Maintaining friendships