Setting a Fitness Deadline

Busy – the English language’s most overused word that really doesn’t mean much of anything. Everyone’s busy. We practically compete with each other about how busy we are. Sure, you’re friends and acquaintances are busy, but you are way busier. After all you run a business and a household. You are likely way to busy to exercise.

Ok, let’s be honest, none of us are really that busy. We all have an extra 20 to 60 minutes to which we could add a bit of activity to our life. And it really doesn’t take any longer to make a healthy versus unhealthy meal choice. What it truly comes down to is priorities and deadlines.

As a businesswoman, this is language you likely understand. Give yourself a deadline and you’ll likely hit it. You might just make it in time with only seconds to spare but you’ll do it. Why, because your business or family life (or both) depend on it. It’s time to give yourself a Fitness Deadline. Here’s how it’s going to work:

• Schedule it in! Make your workout a meeting in your day timer. One that is just as important as any other meeting you may have, including with your next big customer, your distributer or your employee. If others want to meet during that time, tell them you have another meeting. They don’t need to know any more details (plus it gives the impression that you are in demand, which is always a good thing).
• Don’t minimize it. It’s not “just a workout”. It’s time to focus on you and improve yourself – mentally, physically and maybe even socially. Use this time to listen to business or self-development books on your iPod; think through the tough problem that’s been eating away at you; or simply let your mind go of all things business and come back to home and/or business life feeling refreshed.
• Write a business plan. Not a business-business plan but rather a fitness/healthy living plan. Just like in business, if you don’t know where you want to go, how are you going to know how to get there? Write down your goals, make them mean something to you and then make a plan of action!
• Share your plan with others. Hire a Personal Trainer; workout with a friend; let Facebook know what you are doing. You need to let others know what you are trying to achieve and that you may need a bit of support.
• Reward yourself! We like to celebrate when we acquire a new customer or close a big deal or even if it’s just been a great week. So start rewarding yourself when you have stayed true to your plan. Pedicures, massages, tickets to an event, a new outfit/bag/earrings/etc.; all ideas to use as little rewards. Set up rewards as often as weekly and no less than monthly.

Finally, keep in mind that you weren’t a business success overnight and you likely won’t be able to transform your fitness level that quickly either. But with a little dedication, commitment and perseverance, it will happen!

Photo credit: jessebezz / Foter.com / CC BY-ND