Mindset is often overlooked in favour of strategy and tactics, but for fitness business owners, it could be the make-or-break factor.

In this special episode of Profit Made Simple, mindset coach and author Gavin McHale joins the podcast to explain how your internal belief system could be the silent saboteur limiting your growth.

Why do we fear the very things we claim to want?

Gavin explains it as a deep-seated safety mechanism. Our nervous system and subconscious brain interpret change—even positive change—as a threat. This fear of the unknown keeps us stuck, clinging to outdated beliefs even as we crave new results.

You can’t change what you’re not aware of. Gavin outlines the critical first step in any mindset transformation: building awareness. That means identifying patterns of self-sabotage and outdated assumptions like “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t have time.”

Once you’re aware, the next hurdle is judgment. Most high achievers immediately label their limiting thoughts as “bad” or “stupid.” Gavin offers a better way: replace judgment with curiosity. Instead of condemning yourself, ask, “Why do I feel this way? What is this emotion trying to show me?”

You don’t need a therapy session to uncover your blocks. Gavin recommends paying attention to your feelings throughout the day. Moments of frustration, avoidance, or guilt often point to deeper beliefs that need unpacking.

One of Gavin’s standout tools is the “Vibe Check,” a chart from his book ConsciousPreneur. It helps logically-minded business owners interpret emotional signals and trace them back to their root beliefs.

Statements like “I don’t have time” or “I’ll never be good enough” are assumptions masquerading as truth. Gavin teaches how to deconstruct them with strategic questions: “What would it look like if I did have time?” or “How would I know if I were good enough?”

Every decision starts with a belief, which creates emotion, which drives action. Gavin calls this the Decision-Making Cycle. Left unchecked, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. But when consciously interrupted, it becomes a tool for exponential growth.

Money beliefs are especially sticky. Many of us grew up with phrases like “money doesn’t grow on trees” or “rich people are greedy.” Gavin reframes money as energy. The key is learning how to hold it safely, not just earn it.

Making more money than you’re used to can actually feel unsafe. Gavin discusses how to build capacity to “hold” money by developing systems and beliefs that support abundance, rather than eroding it.

Without a North Star, change feels arbitrary. Gavin emphasises the need for a crystal-clear vision—both personal and professional. Only then can you make purpose-driven decisions that align with the entrepreneur you are becoming.

The episode ends on a powerful truth: you’re always brainwashing yourself—either towards your goals or away from them. The good news? You get to choose which direction you go.

If you’re frustrated by plateaus in your business, it might not be your strategy. It might be your stories. By cultivating awareness, replacing judgment with curiosity, and upgrading your beliefs, you can unlock the next level of growth. Start doing the inner work now—your future self (and your business) will thank you.

About Dan:

Dan Henderson, founder of Fitness Profit, is a coach and business consultant who helps fitness owners achieve more freedom, impact, and income. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Dan is a well-respected leader, owning two successful businesses within the space: Momentum 360 gym and Australia’s largest fitness conference, Filex. As a published author and entrepreneur, Dan shares his knowledge on the Profit Made Simple podcast, where he interviews industry experts and offers practical advice for growing your fitness business, building your brand, and achieving your goals. Join Dan each week and take your fitness business to new heights with Profit Made Simple.