Use Fitness to Change Your Life

Use Fitness to Change Your Life

Fitness – “I don’t have time for fitness!” That is a common complaint I hear from people I coach. Is that a complaint or just an excuse? Being fit does not mean you have to go to the gym everyday and work out 10 hours a week. And, fitness is not limited to physical fitness.

In today’s work environment that is stressful and constantly changing, placing a focus on being mentally and physically fit can positively impact your career. It starts with liking yourself enough to make fitness a priority. Finding ways to release the stress and find your own balance can improve your energy level and get you started on the life long journey of fitness.

Fitness is not a one-time event, and it does not mean the same thing to everyone. But, it does impact how you feel about yourself and how you come across to others. It is actually healthy to be selfish when it comes to your fitness. Yes, I know that you are competing with multiple priorities all day long, and there is no time (i.e., children, work, school, professional commitments).

Alleviating stress helps you clear your mind, become more alert and engaged in discussions and projects at work, and it makes people happier. It starts with finding just 10-15 minutes a day for that cup of coffee or breakfast in the morning. Or, just 15 minutes to yourself to decompress before the day starts! Plan your day so that you have 20-30 minutes a day to incorporate some exercise into your schedule. Start small and find something that you like (i.e., walking at lunch, stand up desk, taking the stairs, walking the dog). These are just some of the ways you can get started and get people noticing the new you!

For those individuals who are hard-core fitness buffs, you travelled down this road once to achieve your current level of fitness. It is about discipline and mind over matter. Fitness does not give in to excuses or take time off. Because, you know that you feel more confident, have more energy, and are ready to take on the world each day! You are also in a great position to help and encourage others to commit to this idea of fitness.

Ultimately, once you set a few achievable goals and define how fitness can work for you, it can change your life. You feel so much better, you have more energy to focus on your career, new goals for your personal and professional life, new friends through your fitness network, and you find a balance in your life that did not exist before. And, this newfound focus can open up new career opportunities. I know because I started one mile at a time years ago.

So, make fitness a habit – one that can pay huge dividends!