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  • From Nature Walks to Business Talks: Leveraging the Great Outdoors for Entrepreneurial Growth

From Nature Walks to Business Talks: Leveraging the Great Outdoors for Entrepreneurial Growth

Debi Kinney

In partnership with

Happy Valentine’s Day! May yours be filled with love.

We’re getting “this” close to having the first geodesic dome on-site here at Idyllwild Woods. EEEE!!!

Many of you have expressed an interest in staying here - for a few days, for a week to write a book, or even to host a retreat. YOU are the reason we’re putting everything we have into this place, to make it an outstanding experience; and we can’t wait to share some campfire time with you.

Next week, we’ll have a way for you to pre-book a stay here at a massively discounted rate - a “better than a box of fine chocolates” rate. Stay tuned!

And now… for our featured entrepreneur of the week.

Picture this: It's 5:15 AM in Las Vegas. The city that never sleeps is, ironically, still slumbering. But Debi Kinney? She's lacing up her sneakers, ready to hit the pavement. Six miles ahead of her. Every. Single. Day.

Crazy? Maybe. Genius? Absolutely.

The Accidental Entrepreneur

Debi wasn't always a crack-of-dawn jogger or a business guru. Once upon a time, she was a 13-year-old aerobics instructor. Yes, you read that right. Thirteen. While other kids were obsessing over boy bands, Debi was leading fitness classes.

Fast forward a few decades, and Debi found herself climbing the corporate ladder in hospitality. Fancy job title? Check. Cushy office? Double-check. But something was missing.

Enter 2020. The year everything went sideways.

When Life Gives You Lemons, Start a Coaching Business

While the rest of us were perfecting our sourdough starters, Debi saw an opportunity.

The events industry? Toast.

Her corporate gig? Suddenly less appealing than a week-old banana.

So, she did what any rational person would do: she became a coach.

Risky? You bet. But here's the kicker - it worked. Debi's 25 years of corporate management experience, coupled with her lifelong passion for fitness, created a unique blend of expertise that set her apart in the coaching world.

The Great Outdoors: Nature's Boardroom

Now, here's where things get interesting. Debi didn't find her business mojo in some stuffy conference room.

Nope. She found it outside. In the desert. On foot.

The First Mile is Sacred

Debi's secret weapon? The "First Mile is Mine" motto. It's genius in its simplicity.

No phone. No podcasts. No distractions.

Just Debi, her thoughts, and the open road."The first mile is mine," she says. "To wake up, to appreciate my surroundings, to just ground after that."

Groundbreaking? Maybe not. Effective? You bet your last protein bar it is.

Nature's Productivity Hack

Here's the thing: Debi's onto something. Science backs her up. Studies show that spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly reduce stress hormones.

Moreover, exposure to natural environments has been linked to improved attention span, cognitive function, and creativity.

But the benefits don't stop there. Regular outdoor activity has been shown to:

  • Boost physical health and fitness

  • Enhance mental well-being and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression

  • Improve sleep quality

  • Increase vitamin D levels, essential for overall health

From Sidewalk to Success

Debi's outdoor escapades aren't just good for her health. They're her business incubator.

That 30-day coaching program? Conceived during a morning stroll.

Her rebranding as a goals coach? Another walk-induced epiphany.

This approach aligns with what researchers call "attention restoration theory," which suggests that natural environments have inherent benefits for people, including improved memory, attention, and creativity.

Beyond the Bottom Line

But Debi's not just about business. She's on a mission to make healthy living accessible. No six-hour kitchen marathons here. Just simple, delicious recipes that won't make your waistline weep.

Her coaching philosophy extends beyond just physical health. Debi's approach encompasses:

  • Health and nutrition coaching

  • Fitness guidance

  • Lifestyle improvement

  • Business coaching12

This holistic approach recognizes that true success comes from balancing all aspects of life, not just focusing on business or fitness in isolation.

Your Turn to Hit the Trail

Ready to channel your inner Debi? Here's how:

  1. Commit to 20 minutes outside. Daily. Even this short amount of time can yield significant benefits.

  2. Make it yours. No distractions allowed. Use this time for reflection and idea generation.

  3. Be consistent. Rain or shine. Building a habit is key to reaping the full benefits.

  4. Stay open. Let the ideas flow. Nature has a way of inspiring creativity and problem-solving.

  5. Act on inspiration. Don't let those eureka moments slip away. Keep a notebook handy to jot down ideas.

  6. Integrate nature into your workspace. If you can't always get outside, bring elements of nature indoors. Even small doses of "micro-nature" can improve well-being and performance.

  7. Consider outdoor team activities. Research shows that spending time in nature can improve team connections and be a catalyst for personal and team growth.

Remember, as Debi says, "Nothing changes if nothing changes." So, what are you waiting for? Lace up those shoes. Your next big idea is just a walk away.

By embracing the great outdoors, you're not just improving your physical health. You're tapping into a wellspring of creativity, focus, and inspiration that can transform your business and your life. As entrepreneurs, we're constantly seeking ways to innovate and stay ahead. Sometimes, the answer isn't in the latest tech gadget or business book. It's right outside your door, waiting for you to take that first step.

Ready to take the first step? Connect with Debi at hellocoaching.info and start your journey to purposeful achievement today.

Remember, in the words of John Muir, "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."

Your next big business breakthrough might just be waiting for you on the trail.

“Look at this freaking guy right here!”

Know that guy on social media? He does these really cool short videos giving creative business ideas.

Wedding tents, setups to help dog owners make yarn from their pups loose fur, turning plastic 55-gallon drums into a yard train (ok, we totally might do that one for Idyllwild Woods!)…

It’s like daily exercise for your entrepreneurial brain watching these things. Even if you’re not looking for a new business.

To me, looking at these ideas feels like doing Wordle or Sudoku - but better. Just thinking through how these businesses might do - even for a few minutes - feels like good exercise in the ole grey matter.

Anyhow, just found out he’s got a newsletter, too. It’s pretty cool. Thought you might enjoy it as well.

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