With New Years having passed, the inevitable “new years resolution” of maintaining my fitness routine was in full session. I’m not going to lie, I may have (no, I definitely did) fall down the “I’m too busy to go to the gym because of the holidays” rabbit hole. Then the holidays passed so one excuse led to another, and just like “magic” my ass was out of shape. Like can’t make it 5 minutes on the treadmill without gasping for air. After my downfall, post holiday season I began to find my usual gym routine I followed during the summer to be impossible to follow, so in other words I my excuses and in-productivity had finally caught up to me. One missed gym session led to another. Do you see a pattern? : one excuse led to another, in turn one bad habit created a habitual routine filled with a day full of bad habits. The months to come, consisted of “I’ll do it later” or “I’ll do it tomorrow”. My list became so extensive to the point of needing a new self planner (that one you got from target but don’t actually use) , nothing got checked off and I was fed up with this person I had become. No, I’m not hear to tell you I woke up one day and decided to change my ways because of ted talk I watched the night before.
Just like my put off gym routine, my inability to complete things on time towered over me, problems on top of problem, it felt unmanageable. So I did what any person would do. No, not dealing with my issues…. I read a ton of self help books. Like 6 to be exact. So here’s what I learned and incorporated in to my life, thus becoming a productive lady and total bad ass ready for any obstacle to face my way.
Your Morning Reflects the Outcome of Your Day: Do you remember the book “Alexander and the Terrible Horrible, No Good Very Day”. Well if you haven’t read it, here’s a synopsis: basically this kid had a pretty shitty day, starting with getting gum stuck in his hair leading to one bad thing after another. His pessimistic attitude which began in the morning led to a catastrophic day. From this children’s book we once held near and dear to our hearts, we learn that our negative attitude only attracts bad energies. So it only makes sense that if we wake up with a positive attitude then it will reflect the outcome of our day. But the truth is life sucks sometimes and it is nearly impossible to wake up with a smile on our faces every morning but having a morning routine helps to set the stage for better prioritizing, more effective time-management, and greater productivity. The most successful individuals, including Barack Obama, have a solid routine they strictly follow every time they wake up. Our former president wakes up at 7 am and releases the stresses of running our nation at the gym, with a cardio or strength training session. Next comes nutritious breakfast (fun fact: his go to breakfast is a slice of whole toast, bacon, and eggs… I know not that exciting) with a newspaper in hand. Making sure to only spend minimal efforts on time wasters such as clothing choices and entertainment (social media, Television). So make your morning productive! With my all or nothing mentality, I decided to challenge myself by waking up at 4 am everyday for 30 days. In turn led to, me falling in love with early mornings . The time spent with my father (before he is off to work) at the crack of dawn over coffee before my gym sessions are irreplaceable. Following father/daughter time, I’m off to the gym. After a nice sweat session, I’m back at home to walk my dog and get ready for work, oh ya and I eat …duh. I’ve been following this routine for months and to some reading this might seem rather excessive. But by vitalizing my time, even if that means waking up a couple hours earlier, I aid my mornings to be more productive thus setting the tone for the rest of the day. Since beginning, I’ve actually begun to look forward to this part in my day. Start waking up with purpose: try incorporating at least one thing you want to add your morning routine and continue to build onto the list.
A Clean Workspace is A Clean Mind
My dad is a huge supporter of my new cleaning habits ! I am the Danny Tanner of my household. Whether it’s spiffing up my room or washing the stack of dishes from the night before, I simply can not function in a messy environment. My brain suddenly becomes as scattered as the mess in front of me. I’ve found keeping my workspace/home organized to be highly effective thus putting me in a better mood due to time saved from misplaced items. Everything has a place and purpose in my room. If it doesn’t, I throw it away or donate it. Starting by taking 5 minutes out of your day is feasible, so try it out. Start small, so start with the load of laundry you said you’d do yesterday, but never “got to”.
You Are, What You Eat
Before you freak out, I’m not telling you don’t eat the cupcake at Sally’s birthday party, just be mindful. Eat with purpose. I get it your just so busy, but this is your body and health we’re talking about! Your body is a temple so start respecting it as though it is the freaking Taj Majol (or whatever your temple of preference is) . The most common excuse I hear is eating whole foods is just too expensive which statically is true (only by a $1.24). But by prioritizing your health, you’ll be spending less money on medical supplies/costs from diseases that could have been otherwise prevented by a healthy diet. So pick your poison, the McDonald’s drive thru to save just $1.25 or a longer life:) No, I’m not talking about a fad diet (cough cough Keto.. or only eat salads diet to lose 20 lbs before bikini season), simply incorporate REAL nourishing foods to improve a variety of aspects within your life: overall health, cognitive focus, increase in confidence, decrease susceptibility to preventable diseases. No excuses, your life in valuable. Don’t take good health for granite when you have so many accessible sources laying at your fingertips.
STOP COMPLAINING
We all have that one friend, we’ll name her Nancy, who constantly nags about her “oh so terrible life” and no matter what you say to Nancy you can’t seem to cheer her up. She bickers about her boss, coworkers, boring sex life, lack of friends, her dad who doesn’t get her. So by the time you leave the conversation with Nancy, you are drained. Lesson to take away: Don’t be a Nancy, no one likes a Nancy. Every once in a while we are faced with bad day, but learn to minimize your complaining (be mindful). If your complaints stem from an a fixable issues maybe …hmmm solve your problem (less complaining, more doing) or share these issues with a professional (like a therapist) to figure out where to begin with your long list of problems. Sometimes we need help, even if some of us are too stuborn to admit. Train yourself to be less judgemental, we often pass judgments about the smallest of inconveniences imposed on our lives caused by others, which in turn ruins the outcome of our day. Put yourself in the shoes of others before acting, because just like you, other individuals have off days. It’ll save you a lot of time and conserve your energy to much more productive issues. Next time you hear your friends, coworkers, or family having a “complain fest” either speak up to change the subject to something more optimistic or stay quiet and don’t contribute to the complaining.
Ari
Ari Blogs 