Things haven’t always come easily for our January/February cover star (and new president of the brand), Jenny Van Barneveld-Pe. In her exclusive interview, on newsstands this January, she explains just how desperate things got when it came to her relationship with her body, her finances, and a lackluster career.
But for Jenny, eventually, enough was enough. “I wanted to create depth with what I was doing,” she says. So along with her husband, Vince, the two set out to conquer the world and build their fitness empire. “When I aligned my actions with intention, I started to feel successful and that snowballed into optimum health, financial stability, and opportunities to have a real impact,” she shares with STRONG.
Now, this 38-year-old mom-of-two operates multiple businesses, all while holding it down at home. Wondering how she does it all? We did, too, and luckily she let us in on her non-negotiable rules for creating the ultimate balancing act.
Set Firm Boundaries
This business mogul had to learn just how much she wanted on her plate before refusing to accept anything more. “Learning to say ‘no’ was a big step for me, but when I prioritized the top things in my life, I had to learn to cut other things out,” she says. “For me, it’s family and my health first, and then my business. In order to create more time in my day, I’m diligent about creating boundaries by saying ‘no.’”
For example:
- I say no to grocery shopping (or any type of shopping right now). I only shop online, and I’ve saved over 161 hours from grocery shopping alone!
- I say no to scrolling on social media. There’s zero return on investment there.
- I say no to most paid promotional brand offers or collaborations.
“I’m also very strict with business hours and family time hours. I have a hard cut-off time so I can be with my kids,” she says.
Create a Rock-Solid Nighttime Routine
If you think you’re going to roll out of bed at 5 a.m. for your workout without any hesitation or stress, you’ve got another thing coming. That’s why Jenny gets ahead of the game by prepping for success the night before. “After my kids go to sleep, I prep healthy breakfasts for the next day. My go-to is banana chocolate chip protein muffins—my entire family loves them. I also get lunches ready and some healthy snacks ready to go in the fridge. Coffee is ready in the coffee maker, and my workout clothes are laid out. I don’t have to think twice about it.”
Snag Jenny’s favorite recipes, including her famous protein muffins, in her free guide.
Process the Mom Guilt
“Mom guilt is for real,” says Jenny, who experienced these feelings of anxiety as a new mom to her first-born. Whether you’re unsure of what’s “right” as a new parent, or you’re struggling to balance your personal passions with family life, Jenny suggests taking some time to recognize how it’s all connected—and how it actually benefits the most important people in your life. “It took me about two years to finally accept that mom guilt will always pop up here and there, but when it does, I remind myself that the things I need to do outside of all the “momming” is actually for my kids. If it’s business, this is what provides for them, and if it’s something for me, this is how I stay happy and fulfilled so I can be the best mom I can be.”
When Things Get Hard, Go to Bed
No, seriously. Jenny’s best advice to combat an overwhelming day or when you’re starting to feel the wheels come off? “I make it a priority to go to bed earlier,” she says. “It may sound so simple, but when I get more sleep, I feel like I can handle things with more grace and ease the following day.”
Get more health and fitness advice and change your life! Join Coach JVB in the 2021 Transformation Challenge!
