I’m not usually one to watch reality TV, but I felt compelled to tune in this week to “The Biggest Loser.” One of the trainers, Bob Harper, is a member at my CrossFit gym, and I often am standing right next to him sweating and pushing myself to complete a strenuous workout the same as he. Curious about how his on-camera character compares to his in-person persona, I gave the show a go.

Coincidently, the theme of the episode was Fear. And it really got me thinking. The last few years must have been quite scary for the swimming pool/spa industry and aquatics professionals. As the recession took its toll on all aspects of our lives, uncertainty of the future plagued the minds of many. 

But fear can be a good thing. The recession forced us to face challenges, rethink strategies, overcome obstacles and tackle issues foreign to previously thriving businesses. 

Like many of our faithful readers, Pool & Spa News and Aquatics International are entering a new era. For more than half a century, and 25 years, respectively, the editors have provided award-winning content that explores pressing issues to help you become a success. 

Today, we are taking our exclusive coverage to a new level. In addition to offering our print publications, we also now will be examining the latest trends that shape your businesses in the digital form. From showroom solutions and pricing strategies to store staffing and inventory assessment, I will be blogging weekly about topics that will continue to help you reach new heights. 

Fear can be a motivator that pushes us outside of our comfort zone to defeat our insecurities. It can be a source that strengthens us in the face of adversity. If there’s anything we’ve learned about the last few years, it’s that we can overcome any obstacle when we use fear to empower us. 

As we move into this recovery, let’s use our fear of the unknown and dare to take risks. Let’s be bold and creative. Let’s be brave — together. For as Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”