Strolling to Success: How Walking Boosts Entrepreneurial Creativity

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When we started working on the property for Idyllwild Woods Retreat Center, we faced a massive task: clearing a quarter-mile stretch of timber, piled fifteen feet high and fifteen feet deep. At first, we tackled it with nothing but chainsaws, one log at a time. It was slow, grueling work, and honestly, it felt like it would take years to get through it all.

Then we got a tractor.

That one piece of equipment changed everything. What felt impossible with chainsaws alone was suddenly manageable. Within two or three months, the entire stretch of timber was cleared. The tractor didn’t just make the work faster—it made it possible.

It got me thinking about business.

Where are the chainsaws, and where are the tractors in your business? Are you stuck trying to tackle massive tasks with tools that aren’t built to handle the job?

Chainsaws are great for precision, for tackling specific pieces, but they can’t do the heavy lifting. Tractors, on the other hand, are built for that. Whether it’s automating repetitive tasks, hiring the right team, or investing in tools that streamline your processes, having the right “tractor” can transform the way you work.

Ask yourself: What’s weighing me down? What’s taking up time, energy, or focus that could be done faster, easier, or better with the right tool or support?

Clearing the timber by hand might feel noble, but there’s no prize for making things harder than they need to be. When you let the “tractor” do the heavy lifting, you free yourself to focus on what really matters—building, growing, and creating impact.

So, where’s your tractor?

If your money mindset is proving to be more of a chainsaw than a tractor… you know, making you work harder than needed for less of a result than you want, this free Rewrite Your Money Story event might help you make that swap.

Lori Bertoni was fed up. Exhausted from years of intense workouts and restrictive diets, she found herself gaining weight despite her best efforts.

Sound familiar? It's a story many entrepreneurs know all too well.

But Lori's journey took an unexpected turn. One that led her not to the gym, but to the great outdoors.

The Accidental Discovery

"Walking," Lori told me, her eyes lighting up. "It changed everything."

At first, it seemed too simple. Too easy. But as Lori incorporated daily walks into her routine, something remarkable happened. The weight started coming off. Her stress levels plummeted. And most surprisingly? Her business began to thrive.

From Fitness Instructor to Walking Evangelist

Lori's path wasn't always clear. She started as a fitness instructor, teaching high-intensity Zumba classes and pushing herself to the limit. But when she hit her late 30s, things changed.

"I was starting to gain weight despite my diet and nutrition," Lori explained. "My tactic was to exercise more and restrict calories more. That's all I was trained to do."

Spoiler alert: It didn't work.

The Periminopause Plot Twist

Enter perimenopause. Suddenly, Lori's tried-and-true methods were failing her. She was exhausted, frustrated, and at her wit's end.

"How is it possible?" she wondered. "How can every diet fail?"

Then, a lightbulb moment. Or should we say, a walking epiphany.

Walking: The Unexpected Hero

Lori discovered that gentle movement – specifically walking – was the key to balancing her hormones and shedding those stubborn pounds. But the benefits didn't stop there.

The Business Boost

As Lori incorporated more walks into her day, she noticed something peculiar. Her business was thriving. How? Let's break it down:

1. Content Creation on the Go: Lori's "walking wisdom" strategy was born. She records ideas and content while strolling, effortlessly creating material for her social media and podcast.

2. Problem-Solving Power: Stuck on a business challenge? Lori takes it for a walk. The change of scenery works wonders for fresh perspectives.

3. Networking, Nature-Style: Who says meetings need conference rooms? Lori invites colleagues and clients for walking meetings, fostering deeper connections and freer-flowing ideas.

The Mindset Shift

But here's the real kicker. Lori's approach isn't just about physical movement. It's a complete mindset overhaul.

"We get inspired when we're in spirit," Lori mused, "and we're in spirit literally when we are in nature."

Profound? Yes. A little woo-woo? Perhaps. But the results speak for themselves.

The Walking Wisdom Revolution

Now, Lori helps women over 40 transform their lives and bodies through her coaching practice. Her secret weapon? You guessed it. Walking.

But don't expect a drill sergeant approach. Lori's philosophy is refreshingly gentle:

"You don't have to run. You don't got to do burpees no more. You're welcome."

Hallelujah, indeed.

The Entrepreneur’s Dilemma

Now, I know what you're thinking. "I don't have time for walks. I've got a business to run!"

Lori's response? "What if working a little less might make you more money?"

Mind. Blown.

The 10-Minute Challenge

Lori throws down the gauntlet: "What if for two seconds, just for fun... you took 10 minutes in your day and went for a walk just to see what would happen?"

No long-term commitments. No expensive equipment. Just you, your feet, and the great outdoors.

The Results

So, what happened when Lori embraced this walking-centric approach?

1. Her hormones balanced out.

2. The weight came off (and stayed off).

3. Her stress levels plummeted.

4. Her creativity skyrocketed.

5. Her business flourished.

Not too shabby for a simple stroll, eh?

The Walking Revolution

Lori's story isn't just about personal transformation. It's a wake-up call for entrepreneurs everywhere. We're so focused on the hustle, the grind, the never-ending to-do lists. But what if the key to success was right outside our door?

It's time to lace up those sneakers, folks. Your next big breakthrough might be just a walk away.

The Final Step

As our interview wrapped up, Lori left me with one final thought:

"We bang ourselves literally in the head with that computer, trying to figure out and sort things out on our own when the answers are all around us, outside of us."

Wise words from a woman who's walked the talk.

So, entrepreneurs, are you ready to step into your success? The path is clear. The journey starts with a single step.

Just don't forget to bring your voice recorder. You never know when inspiration might strike.

Connect with Lori on Instagram at @loribertoni

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