Author: Susie Nelson | Owner of The Cycling Yogi
As I sit down to reflect on our studio’s 15-year anniversary, I’ll admit—I’m a little stuck. Should I reminisce about what this space has meant to our community (and to me)? Should I share some heartfelt stories? Or maybe I could entertain you with a peek into my unconventional approach to running a business. (Spoiler alert: it would probably be titled “I Never Check My Voicemail…Follow Me for More Business Advice!” Not exactly a page-turner.)
If you know me, you know that self-deprecating humor is my specialty—trust me, there’s no shortage of material. Case in point: my uncanny ability to convince my husband, Greg, that my latest “brilliant idea” is worth pursuing. (He’s a saint. Seriously, send him a prayer for his endless patience, support, and, of course, his paycheck!)
But instead of diving into my missteps or quirky business habits (like my refusal to check voicemail), I’ve been reflecting on something unexpected: JEALOUSY.
Wait, what? I know—bear with me. (picture me walking my dog, Mookie, around Green Mountain, talking to my phone about this idea, while he gives me that “What are you even talking about?” look.)
Here’s the truth that got me here: I have a love-hate relationship with social media. On one hand, it’s an incredible tool for connecting with our community and growing the studio. On the other hand, it can mess with my head. I’ll scroll through Instagram and see another studio or small business thriving while I’m over here feeling like I’m climbing a slippery slope in roller skates, only to faceplant into a pile of mud.
And honestly? I’m not proud of it. I’m a yoga instructor, for crying out loud—shouldn’t I be all zen and enlightened, cheering everyone on with a peaceful smile?
Turns out, I’m not.
If you’ve been around the studio long enough, you know I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’ve shared some of my struggles with many of you (thank you for listening), but let’s be real—nobody comes to class to hear me vent!
So why am I sharing this? Because I think it’s important to acknowledge these feelings and reframe them. Owning a small business is HARD, and seeing others thrive sometimes brings up feelings of inadequacy, comparison, or that nagging question: “What can we do better?” And when I think about going another 15 years, I sometimes wonder how or even why I could do it.
But I know I need to turn those thoughts around—starting with my attitude and outlook.
Recently, I listened to a podcast by Mel Robbins (she’s amazing—highly recommend her book Let Them!). She talked about comparison and jealousy, and she suggested that jealousy isn’t inherently bad. What if, instead of being a negative trait, jealousy is just a nudge from your future self, pointing you toward something you truly want?
That perspective hit me like a lightning bolt. Jealousy isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a spark, a motivator, a teacher. Instead of letting comparisons drag us down, what if we used them to clarify what we value and inspire us to take action? If that’s the case, I’d practically have a PhD in this!
For example, if you feel jealous of someone’s dedication to their fitness or mental well-being, maybe that’s your future self saying, “Hey, this matters to you too!” Comparison, when reframed, can be a powerful tool for growth rather than a source of frustration.
This idea made me reflect on what success actually looks like. The truth is, success can take so many different forms. I once heard a quote from Tom Brady—bear with me, I know he’s not exactly winning any “spiritual guru” awards, but he made a great point: “To be successful, you don’t have to be special; you just have to show up more than most.”
Whoa. Who knew Tom Brady was so wise?
This quote resonates deeply with me, our studio, and our community. Success isn’t about perfection or shiny trophies. It’s about building habits, showing up consistently, and celebrating the small wins. For us, that might mean attending class regularly, even when life gets busy. It’s not about being the best at yoga or cycling—it’s about committing to yourself and making progress, one step (or pedal stroke) at a time.
And that’s why I can laugh about things like ignoring voicemails or fumbling through business decisions. Running a small business isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, learning from missteps, and figuring out what works for you along the way. It’s messy, it’s imperfect, and sometimes it feels like climbing that slippery slope in roller skates. But it’s also deeply rewarding because it’s real.
So, as we celebrate 15 years of The Cycling Yogi, I want to leave you with a few questions to consider:
– How can comparison help you grow instead of holding you back?
– What does success look like to you—on or off the mat?
– What’s one habit you’ve built that’s improved your mental or physical well-being?
– What’s one thing you’ve committed to consistently, and how has it changed you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts (and, as always, please email me instead of leaving a voicemail—some habits die hard!).
To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support, energy, and commitment are what make this studio so special. Together, we’ve created something truly meaningful—a space for growth, connection, and community.
Here’s to embracing comparison as a teacher, redefining success on our own terms, and continuing to show up for ourselves and each other. Cheers to 15 incredible years, and to many more filled with lessons, laughter, and love.
With gratitude and love,
Susie
