How bad you want something usually dictates how hard you work for it. This has been proven over and over again no matter your goal is. Think back to the time you achieved something you really wanted. How hard did you push to get it? How many sacrifices did you make? How many commitments did you have to re-arrange? How much support from others did you have to ask for? How many obstacles did you have to overcome? I am sure you get my point.
Believe me when I say this: I don’t think there is anyone busier than me and my family! So when you tell me you are too busy, too tired, or have no time, I call BS (in a nice way, please no attacking!). I truly think the question you need to ask yourself is, how bad do you want it?
We all have our busy lives and commitments. There are constant schedule conflicts, project deadlines, family and friend commitments, personal growth goals, work, school, and other activities. I know, I get it.
Being a police officer, a Mom to 4 young boys, a kickboxing instructor, a fitness model and competitor, a contest preparation coach, a writer, and a motivational speaker, I get asked this question a lot: “How do you find the time to fit your workouts in?” Without sounding arrogant, my answer is simple: “It’s all in how you prioritize and manage your time”.
Thankfully, I have always had a knack for organization, and multi-tasking. To give you an idea of how I manage a day, I have outlined a sample day in my life.
I wake up before the rest of the household and get my cardio done. Then I start the morning routine: lunches, snacks, and getting the kids off to school. I am then ready to hit the gym! That hour and a half is my ONLY me time; my dose of daily sanity, and selfish indulgence that I don’t allow anyone to take away from me. My afternoon is spent focusing on daily tasks: running errands, returning phone calls, booking appointments, food prep, picking kids up from school, after school activities, cleaning, cooking, or laundry. My evening routine then begins, and once the kids are down, I get to enjoy my second dose of daily sanity! The unwinding involves catching up on quality husband/wife time, answering emails, client plans, networking, and occasionally, just relaxing.
If I am scheduled to work (policing), all my priorities are prepped in advance, and my workout is incorporated into my lunch hour. Yes, I am definitely exhausted by the end of the day, but I just push through knowing it has to be done, NO EXCUSES.
When you have many responsibilities to juggle, being able to manage them all at once can be challenging. Here are a few tips that will hopefully help you accomplish it all without feeling too overwhelmed.
Prioritize. Write down what you need to accomplish and number each by importance. Figuring out what task is most important will leave you less stressed, less overwhelmed, and happier. Family is FIRST, then your health and fitness should be at the top of that list! You will be more productive if you are healthy and your family is happy.
Motivation. Find what motivates you, pushes you, and keeps you accountable. Sign up for a fitness competition or class, a race, book a vacation, use a reward system, and keep a training log.
Time Management. Using simple time management skills will help your day flow smoother. Returning a phone call, or booking an appointment while in the car on the way to somewhere can help. Work out on your lunch break to help get the most out of your time.
Use a Planner. Mark in your events, deadlines, and special dates and work around these dates when planning your other tasks.
Stick to a schedule to create habits. Set a routine and try to stick to it. Focus on the main goals that need to get done for that particular day, and fit the smaller obligations and tasks in if there is time.
This process may take some time to master (and of course it is hard work), but sticking to your daily plan without distractions will help you get it all done and feeling a sense of accomplishment. If I can certainly do it, you can too!
Good luck, let me know how you are making out!
If you are ready to invest in yourself, and make a commitment to a more healthier, happier, and fit you, contact me today!
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