Uplevel Your Sales with Fitness and Mindset Routines, Ep #472

Laura Hayton, Head of Business Development North at Transicon and a passionate advocate for the power of physical fitness in boosting sales performance, is with us on the show this week.

Laura opens up about her personal journey, revealing how strength training helped her overcome anxiety, build resilience, and unlock a new level of professional success—all while balancing the demands of her career and being a single mother to neurodivergent twins.

We explore the direct connections between physical well-being and high performance in sales, and discuss the practical steps sales professionals can take to manage stress, increase motivation, and sustain their energy—all grounded in Laura's hard-earned experience and actionable advice.

Whether you're struggling to find time for self-care and looking to overcome burnout, this episode is packed with valuable strategies and inspiration to help you become the best version of yourself, both in and out of the office.

Outline of This Episode

• [00:00] Fitness fuels professional success.
• [03:09] Connection between fitness and business performance.
• [04:45] Morning strength training as the key to daily success.
• [06:52] Fitness helps you keep those plates from spinning.
• [08:37] Consistency over intensity.
• [10:58] Self-care isn't selfish: strategies for avoiding negative burnout.
• [12:43] How to make fitness a habit.

How Strength Training, Mindset, and Self-Care Fuel Sales Success

For Laura, fitness wasn't always a priority. Like many, she found herself overwhelmed by anxiety, self-doubt, and the stressors of daily life—especially while raising neurodivergent twins during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But what began as a coping mechanism quickly turned into a transformative routine. Not only did it help her manage anxiety and self-esteem, it shifted her mindset entirely—replacing self-limiting beliefs with confidence and resilience.

The results transcended the gym. Laura began embracing opportunities she once found intimidating, from public speaking to taking on challenging roles. For Laura, the focus and mental strength gained through fitness directly translated into her professional achievements.

Morning Movement: Laying the Groundwork for a Winning Day

A major takeaway from Laura's practice is her dedication to early morning workouts. Waking up at 5 a.m. and training by 5:30, she carves out sacred personal time before life's demands kick in.

This ritual isn't just about breaking a sweat—it's a space to think creatively, set intentions, and cultivate a sense of control. "On the days that I do it, I feel in control, confident, and really ready… If I'm not doing it, my patience runs thin, and it always feels like my day just doesn't go to plan," Laura explains.

For sales professionals whose schedules can be unpredictable, this kind of intentionality can be essential for maintaining focus and motivation throughout the day.

Managing Stress, Motivation, and Performance

Sales is a high-pressure field, and managing stress is critical. Fitness, for Laura, is the cornerstone that keeps those plates spinning. It's a stress outlet that also boosts mood, sharpens focus, and builds the momentum that carries into her work and home life.

On those days when stress feels overwhelming, exercise acts as a "reset button," enabling her to show up as her best self. Most sales professionals know they should prioritize health, but common roadblocks get in the way.

Laura highlights three challenges: lack of time, inconsistency, and the wrong mindset. Her guidance is to: 

• Make Time: Treat fitness as a non-negotiable meeting. Even with a busy schedule, if it matters, you will find a way.
• Stay Consistent: Don't overdo it at the start and risk burnout. Start small, maintain the habit, and make it enjoyable.
• Shift Mindset: If possible, hire a personal trainer for accountability and fun. Don't view exercise as punishment, but as an opportunity for growth.
• The Do's and Don'ts of Fitness for Salespeople

Laura distills her wisdom into actionable tips:

Do:

• Protect your workout time—make it a top priority.
• Find joy in your training—pick activities you