What if your biggest goal wasn’t meant to be achieved this year — but instead, meant to be set up this year?

That’s the mindset I’ve been in since late 2024 when I got crystal clear on a vision that had been slowly building for a while: I want to open a gym. Not eventually. Not maybe. But definitively, in 2026.

This episode isn’t just about the gym itself. It’s about how I’ve been planning, preparing, and intentionally laying the foundation to make this dream a reality — and how you can approach your own long-term goals with the same level of clarity and commitment.

Let me take you behind the curtain.

The Dream That Took Time to Clarify

To be honest, early in my career, I was pretty set on not opening a gym. It seemed overwhelming — leases, equipment, real estate, financing, staff — all of it felt like a headache I didn’t want. But over the last few years, something shifted.

That old resistance slowly turned into curiosity. Then desire. And finally, certainty.

A podcast episode I listened to became the final push. Mel Robbins and her husband were talking about opening a restaurant, not just as a business — but as a way to involve their kids in community and teach them what hard work and connection looked like. That hit me. I thought, how cool would it be to build a gym where my own future kids could help out, build relationships, and see what purpose-driven work looks like?

That was the moment I stopped saying “someday” and started planning for 2026.

Phase 1: Discovery and Clarity

Once I committed, I realized how little I actually knew about opening a gym. So the first step wasn’t action — it was education.

I met with three different gym owners — each running different types of models — and asked them every question I could think of. How much space do you need? What does equipment cost? What about taxes, utilities, financing, insurance, business structure?

I took voracious notes, summarized them after the meetings, and started creating my own list of takeaways and next steps. One of those gym owners has since become a mentor — we’ve had three deep-dive calls already, and I’ve walked away from every one of them with actionable clarity and a greater sense of confidence.

In addition to those meetings, I also started exploring the real estate side. Did I want to buy or lease? I initially thought buying would be the way — maybe get investors involved. But after speaking with three commercial real estate agents and a few investors, I realized buying in Nashville wasn’t realistic right now. Leasing made more sense.

These conversations, while intimidating at first, gave me something I desperately needed: clarity. And clarity breeds momentum.

Phase 2: Execute What You Learn

Once I had the information, it was time to do something with it.

I began mapping out the actual roles I’d need on the team — not just “trainers,” but clearly defined roles around marketing, operations, and coaching. I brought Judea onto the team to handle social media and she’s been instrumental in capturing what we’re doing and growing awareness. I started running more workshops — Fat Loss Forever, Nutrition Mastery, and Build Your Intentional Life — to both serve more people and sharpen my coaching message.

I committed to getting better at sales — not by “selling,” but by having genuine conversations with people about their goals and struggles. I now make 15+ calls every week to clients, prospects, and past clients. Not everyone signs up, and that’s fine. What matters is that I’m creating a consistent rhythm of connection and service.

I also created a full 12-week internship program for future 10WT coaches. Why? Because when the gym opens, I won’t be able to coach every class. I need to have a bench. And that bench starts now — with systems, onboarding, and standards.

One of the hardest pieces was figuring out the business model — especially because the 10WT is already so different from a traditional gym. I had to run numbers, get feedback, adjust, rework, and rethink dozens of times. But once the model clicked, it was like a weight lifted. I finally knew what I could afford — and that meant I could move forward with the real estate search.

Phase 3: Launch Planning (Coming Soon)

The next phase is the launch plan. Once I find the space, I’ll need to work backwards: How far out do I need to start pre-selling memberships? What marketing campaigns do I run? What does the grand opening look like?

These are questions I’m starting to explore now so that when the moment comes, I can execute with confidence. And thankfully, the same gym owners who helped me earlier are continuing to offer guidance on this next step.

Phase 4: Open and Crush It

I’m not there yet, but I know what comes after launch. It’s about creating the most welcoming, supportive, and results-driven fitness community in Nashville. That’s not just a marketing slogan — that’s my personal mission.

When people walk into Best U HQ, I want them to feel something — energy, purpose, fun, accountability, progress. I want them to look forward to showing up. That’s the kind of gym I’m building. And if you’re in Nashville, I hope you’ll be a part of it.

How I’m Measuring Progress in 2025

I’m not waiting until 2026 to make things happen. This year, I set specific goals tied to gym prep.

I wanted to fill up our 5AM, 6AM, and 10AM groups in January and April — and we did. In July, I opened the new 6PM time slot and hit 55 clients. For October’s 10WT, my goal is 64 — the most we’ve ever had. And as of today, I’m 12 people away.

That’s why I’m running a giveaway. If you’re listening and you want to join the last 10WT of the year for free, DM me “64” on Instagram (@carrier_bestyou) and I’ll enter you into the giveaway. We’re going to make one person’s health and fitness goals free this round.

Why 64? Because if I can consistently fill four different time slots before the gym opens, I’ll know that there’s demand. That gives me real confidence heading into 2026.

What This Means for You

Maybe you’re not trying to open a gym. Maybe your big goal is writing a book, switching careers, running a marathon, or being more present with your family.

Whatever it is — don’t just dream about it. Prepare for it.

Clarity creates momentum. Preparation creates possibility. And intentional planning makes success predictable.

You don’t have to have all the answers now. But you do have to start asking better questions, seeking out mentors, and taking the next step. Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s slow.

I hope this episode gave you a little bit of inspiration and a roadmap for how to approach your biggest goal — whether that’s 3 months or 3 years away.

And if you want to be part of this last 10WT of the year — or just want to support the gym dream — DM me “64” on Instagram.

Let’s finish strong and get closer to our Best You.