Nathan Heddleston, born on May 10, 1979, in Parma, Ohio, grew up in East Liverpool, Ohio. Raised in a Christian home by his parents, Richard, a Vice President and CPA, and Rosalie, Nathan cultivated a diverse set of interests and talents from a young age, excelling in sports like soccer and track and developing a passion for playing the piano.
Nathan’s academic journey took him to the University of Mount Union, where he demonstrated academic excellence as a member of Sigma Tau Delta and consistently made the Dean’s List. He also distinguished himself athletically as a two-time Ohio Athletic Conference Champion. Nate furthered his education at Nova Southeastern University, earning a Master of Arts with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Nathan’s coaching career at the University of Mount Union was marked by significant achievements, including guiding teams to NCAA National Championships and earning multiple coaching awards, such as the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Association Coach of the Year. His leadership and coaching prowess were integral to the team’s success, leading to numerous accolades.
Transitioning into the corporate sector, Nate excelled as a Senior Manager, where he served as an Accredited Parking Organization Site Reviewer and was board chair in the Healthcare Advisory Forum. His exceptional leadership was recognized with the 2019 Manager Academy Award for Top Manager.
In his personal life, Nathan is an avid runner, weightlifter, pianist, and golfer, maintaining a well-rounded and active lifestyle. Residing in Akron, Ohio, Nate’s life is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his impactful contributions to both his professional field and personal pursuits.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early with a morning run or a gym session. It helps me wake up and clear my mind. I then go through my emails and prioritize tasks for the day. I use a planner to map out my schedule, balancing meetings with focused work time. During the day, I try to take short breaks to stay energized. Coaching sessions or team meetings are also part of my routine, where I brainstorm and strategize with my team. I wrap up my day by reviewing what I’ve accomplished and planning for the next day. Staying organized and active keeps me productive.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by jotting down my ideas, no matter how rough they are. Then, I break them into smaller, actionable steps. I like to discuss these ideas with my team to get different perspectives. We brainstorm and refine the concept together. Once we have a clear plan, I set specific goals and deadlines. I also believe in testing ideas on a small scale before fully implementing them. Gathering feedback is crucial, so I always look for ways to improve the idea as we go along. It’s like training for a sport, practice and adjustment lead to success.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the integration of technology in sports and fitness. From smart wearables to apps that track performance, technology is changing how we train and stay healthy. It’s amazing how data can help improve performance and prevent injuries. I’m also excited about virtual coaching and online fitness communities. These innovations make it easier for people to access expert advice and stay motivated. The blend of technology and fitness opens up new possibilities for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. It’s a game-changer in how we approach health and performance.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me be productive is planning my day the night before. I make a list of tasks and prioritize them. This way, I start my day knowing exactly what needs to be done. I also set specific goals for each task, which helps me stay focused. Breaking tasks into smaller steps makes them more manageable. I also make sure to include time for breaks and physical activity to keep my energy levels up. Reviewing my progress at the end of the day helps me stay on track and make adjustments as needed.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to focus on balance and not just on winning. It’s important to work hard, but also to take time to enjoy the journey. Building strong relationships and taking care of your health are just as important as achieving goals. I would also advise being open to new experiences and learning from failures. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Remember that every setback is a learning opportunity. Lastly, stay curious and keep exploring different interests.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that sports and arts have more in common than people think. Both require creativity, discipline, and a lot of practice. I think athletes can learn a lot from artists and vice versa. Both fields also require mental strength and the ability to perform under pressure. Combining elements from both can lead to new ways of thinking and problem-solving. It’s about seeing the connection between physical and creative disciplines.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I repeatedly set small, achievable goals and track my progress. This habit keeps me motivated and focused on the bigger picture. I recommend everyone do this because it makes large tasks less overwhelming. Celebrating small wins helps build momentum and confidence. I also suggest regularly reviewing and adjusting your goals. This keeps you flexible and open to new opportunities. Whether in sports, work, or personal life, setting and tracking goals is key to continuous improvement.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a break and get some physical activity. A quick run or a few minutes of stretching helps clear my mind. I also find it helpful to step away from my work and do something completely different, like playing the piano. This shift in activity often gives me a fresh perspective. I then revisit my tasks, prioritizing what’s most important. Breaking tasks into smaller steps also helps make them more manageable. Deep breathing or a short meditation session can also help me regain focus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that’s helped me is setting clear, achievable goals and tracking progress. I break down big tasks into smaller steps, which makes them less overwhelming. This approach is like training for a race; you focus on one mile at a time. Regular check-ins with my team keep everyone aligned and motivated. We celebrate small wins, which builds momentum. I also make sure to stay flexible and open to new ideas. This strategy helps keep the team focused and moving forward together.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I took on too many projects at once and struggled to keep up. It felt like I was running a marathon without training properly. I overcame this by learning to prioritize and delegate tasks. I also started using a planner to manage my time better. The big lesson was understanding the importance of focus and teamwork. It’s crucial to know your limits and rely on your team’s strengths. This experience taught me the value of balance and effective planning in achieving success.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Consider starting a service that combines fitness training with mental coaching. It’s like having a personal trainer and a life coach in one. People are increasingly looking for holistic approaches to health. This service could offer customized fitness plans and mental wellness strategies. You could use technology to track progress and provide virtual sessions. It’s a way to help people achieve both physical and mental well-being. This idea taps into the growing interest in overall wellness.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Trello to stay organized and manage my projects. It’s like having a digital coach for your tasks. I create boards for different projects and list all the tasks needed to complete them. Each task is a card that I can move from “To Do” to “In Progress” to “Done.” It helps me visualize my work and track progress easily. I also use it to collaborate with my team, assigning tasks and setting deadlines. Trello keeps me on track and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I really like the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It’s full of practical tips on building good habits and breaking bad ones. The idea of making small changes for big results resonates with me. It’s like improving your sports technique bit by bit. The book offers simple, actionable advice that’s easy to implement. It’s helped me refine my daily routines and stay consistent with my goals. I recommend it to anyone looking to make lasting improvements in their life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching “Ted Lasso.” It’s a show about a soccer coach with a positive attitude. I love how it combines sports with humor and heart. The main character’s optimism and team spirit are inspiring. It’s a reminder of the importance of leadership and kindness. The show also highlights the value of perseverance and teamwork. It’s a feel-good series that’s both entertaining and motivating. I recommend it for a good laugh and some life lessons.
Key learnings:
- Setting clear, achievable goals and tracking progress helps maintain focus and motivation.
- Balancing tasks and taking time to enjoy the journey is essential for long-term success and well-being.
- Integrating technology with fitness and mental coaching offers innovative ways to enhance overall health and performance.