Ellin Gurvitch Helping High Achievers Build Mental Resilience and Success with Mentally Fit
Tell us about your venture/work!
At Mentally Fit With Ellin, we believe that true fitness extends beyond the physical—it’s about working the mind just as we work our muscles to build mental resilience, self-empowerment, and long-term well-being. Our holistic, research-driven approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Sport and Performance Psychology, helping clients thrive in every aspect of their lives. We offer a range of services: Individual Therapy and Coaching: Tailored support for managing stress, reducing anxiety, building mental resilience, and fostering balanced living. Group Presentations and Workshops: Designed for schools, corporate companies, and teams, covering topics such as managing anxiety and stress, navigating career and life transitions, developing a growth mindset, and building team communication strategies. We also focus on nutrition, wellness, and mental fitness for high performers. 1:1 Elite Coaching for High-Achieving Entrepreneurs: Perfect for professionals, entrepreneurs, and ambitious individuals aiming to optimize their mindset, sharpen focus, and achieve lasting success in a balanced, sustainable way. Our expertise lies in supporting individuals in high-pressure, performance-driven environments, including modern-day athletes, go-getters, busy parents, and women in business. At Mentally Fit With Ellin, we are dedicated to helping high achievers reach their full potential, personally and professionally.
How long have you been working on your venture? Why did you decide to work on something impact related?
My decision to tackle the issue of mental and physical fitness is deeply rooted in my personal journey. Growing up with dyslexia, I often felt unheard and struggled with self-confidence, always fighting to prove myself. When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, it heightened my awareness of the importance of mental and physical health. It was during this challenging time that I discovered CrossFit, which became a pivotal part of my journey. When I started CrossFit, I was the only woman in the class, lifting alongside men. That experience led to a transformative shift in my mindset, beyond just the physical changes. I gained confidence, belief in myself, and a sense of success I had never felt before as a woman with dyslexia. For the first time, I felt seen and powerful. People often talk about the physical benefits of fitness, but the mindset gains are even more important. Through CrossFit, I realized that building mental resilience was the key to my transformation. It gave me the confidence I had always fought for, and it inspired me to help others achieve that same sense of empowerment. Now, through Mentally Fit With Ellin, I focus on helping people connect their mind and body to become not just physically fit, but mentally resilient, confident, aware, and capable of success in every area of their lives.
How did you find out you wanted to take an entrepreneurial path? What was the first fundamental shift that happened to you as an early impact entrepreneur?
I realized I wanted to take an entrepreneurial path when I identified a gap in the system—most therapists weren’t addressing the full spectrum of mental health. Many traditional approaches focus primarily on emotional and psychological well-being, but I believe true mental fitness involves looking at everything: sleep, nutrition, fitness, physical activity, stress, and relationships. There wasn’t anyone offering this holistic approach that I’m passionate about, and I knew I could fill that gap. As a licensed therapist, I offer something unique. I’m not just a coach—I bring research-backed skills and an educational background that allows me to approach mental health from every angle. I became increasingly frustrated in my full-time job at a group private practice, where I didn’t have the freedom to specialize in the areas I’m most passionate about, like sport and performance psychology. I wanted to help high-achievers, athletes, and people in high-pressure environments in a way that looked at their entire lifestyle, not just one piece of the puzzle. That’s when I knew I needed to create Mentally Fit With Ellin to offer the kind of comprehensive support I believe in. The first fundamental shift I experienced as an early entrepreneur was the understanding that I had to carve out my own path to make the impact I knew I was capable of.
What do you enjoy most about being an impact entrepreneur? What are the main challenges?
What I enjoy most about being an impact entrepreneur is the freedom to create my own schedule and pursue the work I truly love. Each day, I wake up with a sense of purpose, knowing that I’m making a difference in people’s lives, and I’ve gained so much trust in myself throughout this journey. Building something unique that aligns with my passion gives me immense fulfillment and motivation. However, one of the main challenges I face is finding balance. As an entrepreneur, it can be difficult to shut down because there’s always something that demands my attention. Many people can relate to this struggle, and it can feel quite lonely at times—especially when I’m unsure who to ask for help or guidance. Additionally, I have so many ideas that I sometimes struggle to focus on just one thing at a time. I’ve been reading The One Thing, by Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan which is helping me understand how to narrow down my focus and prioritize effectively. Being on my own can make it hard to determine what to concentrate on at any given moment, but I’m learning to manage my ideas more effectively while staying aligned with my vision.
What advice do you have for early-stage impact entrepreneurs about using their time and relationships to prepare for this kind of career? What would you tell to your younger self?
For early-stage impact entrepreneurs, my advice would be to prioritize time management and relationship-building. First, invest time in understanding your strengths and passions. This will help you focus on what truly matters to you and guide your entrepreneurial journey. Networking is also crucial. Build genuine relationships with mentors, peers, and other entrepreneurs. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can provide guidance, encouragement, and valuable insights that can help you navigate challenges. Don’t hesitate to ask for help—collaboration often leads to new opportunities and growth. If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to embrace my unique journey, including my learning disability. I would remind myself that struggling with dyslexia doesn’t define my abilities or potential. Instead, it can be a source of strength and resilience. I’d encourage myself to trust in my skills and to recognize that the challenges I face are part of what makes me who I am. I would also emphasize the importance of patience and self-compassion. It’s okay to learn differently and take my time to process information. I would advise my younger self to seek out support and resources, whether through mentorship or communities that understand the challenges of learning disabilities. These connections can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Finally, I’d remind myself that my experiences can inspire others, and sharing my story can create meaningful connections. Embracing my journey, learning from my challenges, and focusing on my strengths will ultimately pave the way for success in entrepreneurship and life.