Frans van Leeuwen is going to be my new business coach!
Or actually, he already was in a way. We’re just going to take things up a notch over the coming period.
And the first thing he said to me?
“We’re going shopping for new running clothes. This really isn’t working.”
Hahaha. 😂
My first reaction was obviously: why?
I want to be authentic.
If I want to go for a run, I just put on whatever I’m wearing, grab my shoes and go.
That’s exactly what I like about it.
No overthinking. No fuss. No extra distractions.
Just focus on running.
And honestly, it works.
The lower the barrier, the more often I actually go.
But Frans does have a point.
Actually, he has two.
First: preparation affects your mindset.
When you put on good gear, have the right equipment and feel prepared, you approach things differently.
You feel more professional. More serious.
And good equipment genuinely helps too.
I’ve already noticed that with my running shoes.
And right now, I regularly end up running with my phone in my hand because my pockets flap around all over the place while I’m running.
So yeah…
That could definitely be improved. 😂
But there’s a second lesson here.
And I might actually find this one more interesting:
personal branding.
Frans isn’t exactly my fashion designer, but how you present yourself does matter.
Sometimes I’m probably a little too casual and too laid-back.
And yes, that’s authentic.
But being authentic and being professional aren’t opposites.
There’s a difference between consciously being yourself and simply looking careless.
And honestly, the same applies to the content you create.
How do you come across?
How do you look?
Does it fit who you are?
Is it representative of you?
Or do you sometimes use “being authentic” as an excuse not to think about it at all?
I find that balance really interesting.
So…
I bought new running clothes.
Frans, what do you think? 😂
And beyond the new wardrobe, I’m genuinely really excited about this journey.
I’m looking forward to challenging myself in new ways again.
I’m the boss.
