Sameer Sacranie

Sameer Sacranie is a highly successful fitness enthusiast currently residing in London, UK. By studying the correlation between mental and physical health, Sameer works alongside athletes to develop comprehensive fitness plans. By utilizing a wide range of research-based techniques, he takes pride in providing his clients with long-term health-building strategies. He currently owns and operates his own fitness studio, where he works one-on-one with individuals looking to enhance their physical and mental performance. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

I take great pride in helping fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes reach their physical goals. I knew that it was something I wanted to do full-time. After obtaining my MSc in mental skills and mental health in sports and fitness, I spent most of my time researching cognitive approaches to exercise and this is where the idea for CogniFit was born.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I am an early-riser and I find that I am most productive when I first wake up. I typically take a quick twenty to thirty-minute run before breakfast. Early morning exercise gets my blood flowing and I find that I am better prepared to take on the day. I also take the time to write out my daily tasks. As a visual person, it helps to see my goals laid out in front of me. Most evenings for me are quiet. I like to get a lot of rest so I am well prepared for the next day.

How do you bring ideas to life?

By preparing achievable plans and monitoring them constantly. I think it is important to set measurable goals and consistently track your progress.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I would have to say, virtual exercise classes. With the onset of the pandemic, I think a lot of people have had to get creative with their exercise routines. I think virtual classes are a fantastic way to get moving despite the current gym closures.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I think it is vital to listen to the opinions of your team. I work with some exceptional individuals who bring a lot of value to my business. I think it is essential that their voices are heard. Likewise, they are not afraid to point out my faults and are always looking for ways to further improve our services.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Plan ahead and reach for your goals, do not be blindsided by the daily routine. It can be really easy to fall into a pattern without ever working to better yourself personally or professionally. I would tell my younger self to stay motivated and to keeping searching for additional sources of inspiration.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Believe in yourself first, before you ask others to believe in you. Early on in my career, I lacked the necessary self-confidence required for long-term success. Now with years of industry-related experience, I know that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I am always looking for new and exciting business opportunities.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Plan, listen, implement, review, then repeat in each aspect of your business. Success is the result of hard work and dedication. Anything worth doing requires drive and commitment.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Planning ahead and measuring my successes against pre-determined milestones. Prepare for the worst case scenario, so what you achieve will be the best case scenario.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Pitching to work for an international athletes’ team and to assist them during the Olympics, and losing the pitch because of a failure to listen to my team. This was overcome by preparing the pitch again and identifying the weaknesses of our competitor’s offer.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I would have to say personal cyber security software. This will be a must in a more connected world where more than 90% of our spending will be through electronic money.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I recently signed up for a program to sponsor a child in another country. As someone so fortunate, I try to give back whenever I can. I encourage everyone to do what they can to help others in need.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I recently started using www.workday.com to manage my day-to-day tasks. It is a professional platform used to manage financials and employee information.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn. It is fascinating book that explores how trauma is passed down through generations. It essentially guides readers through a process of reflection and self-discovery. I highly recommend this book.

What is your favorite quote?

“What helps with aging is serious cognition, thinking and understanding. You have to truly grasp that everybody ages and dies. There is no turning back the clock. So the question in life becomes; what are you going to do while you are here” Goldie Hawn

Key Learnings:

• Always prioritize open communication with your employees.
• There is a direct correlation between physical and mental health.
• Set achievable, short-term goals.