Game Changer
This simple habit can be a game-changer for you
If you’re reading this, I’m going to assume (dangerous, I know ;-b) that you want to become the best version of yourself, and you agree that a regular fitness program is a key component of making that happen…
Now, let me ask you this,
“What do you suppose is the #1 factor that I’ve found - in two decades as a fitness professional - for you to be successful with a fitness program?”
The answer is hands-down...CONSISTENCY.
Working out really hard or eating “perfectly” once per week or a handful of times per month just doesn’t cut it.
You’re better off getting a little “right” each day than being spot-on here and there.
Today, I want to build on that with regards to your workouts…
So, let me ask a second question,
“What do you suppose is the #1 factor that I’ve found - in two decades as a fitness professional - for you to be CONSISTENT with your workouts?”
9 times out of 10...SCHEDULING YOUR WORKOUTS AHEAD OF TIME.
I say, “9 times out of 10” because there are those rare folks who can just wing it and still workout consistently - I’m NOT one of them!
For most of us, life gets in the way too easily…
We get caught up in projects, work late, or just bail out because we don’t feel like it today.
BUT, when we schedule things we tend to stick to them…
It’s pretty rare that you just no-show your dentist or a meeting with your tax accountant, right?
Sure, those are once in a while appointments that are typically booked way in advance and are hard to reschedule… I get that.
That’s not the point.
The point is, when you commit to something by scheduling it, you’re more likely to follow through.
I’ve also found this to be true with general productivity…
For example, if I just show up to work each day without a plan to run my day...the day will quickly run me!
That’s why I like to take a block off time (about 30 minutes) at the end of each week to review what I accomplished and plan out the following week or two… I literally plug everything I want/need to get done into my Google calendar.
By the way, I teach this simple activity management technique to my business coaching clients and they tell me it’s a game-changer for their businesses!
I’ve seen this same “system” work really well for fitness clients…
Each week they sit down with their schedules (juggling work and family activities) and determine when they will workout.
For many, the workout planning is pretty redundant because they always workout on the same days at the same time. For others, this is an absolute must because their weeks can be so different.
Now, let me address the rare few on the opposite end of the spectrum - their schedules are so erratic that they change from day to day without much advance notice…
Here’s how I would approach that:
At the end of each day, take 5 - 10 minutes to plan out AND SCHEDULE (including your workouts) the next day.
I actually do this even when I’m booking my calendar a week or two in advance. Things come up and I have to reschedule from time to time, plus I like to review my plan for the next day so I know what I’m walking into and what my goals for the day are.
FACT: When I fall out of this practice, life becomes way more stressful, I get less done, AND I miss workouts. :(
Of course, once you schedule your activities you still have to STICK TO THEM...but, generally, people are pretty good about following a plan. It’s the lack of planning that messes them up.
I’d love to hear back from you…
Tell me if you found this to be helpful or if you have a different system that works well for you - I’m always game for learning ways to be more productive. :-)
And, if you’re still struggling with being in control of your schedule let me know - I’ll see if I can offer any additional tips that fit your individual situation.