If you are a busy professional (how is it that those two words always seem to show up together?), it’s in your best interest to become a healthier and more fit person first. I believe it’s time to change things up so that you are no longer a “busy professional,” but a fit and productive professional who is performing better in your business and personal roles.
A study by the Journal of Labor Research revealed professionals who stay fit earn nine percent more than their peers. That alone is motivation enough for me to write about this.
Below I share eight easy and proven techniques I’ve used myself and shared with my clients to move away from the “busy” title to a more productive and fulfilling lifestyle.
So what are the professionals who are also “lifestyle champions” doing right?
- They are self-confident.
This key belief in your ability to succeed is vital. Confident thoughts, behavior, and actions can lead you to better health and feelings of well-being. Even the smallest acts (like skipping dessert or going for a short walk) can boost your confidence level and make you feel better about yourself.
- They View Every Day as a New Opportunity.
Even the fittest professionals fail to meet their health goals once in a while. What do they do? They move on. Quickly. Every day is a new opportunity to make a better decision. Get in the habit of re-dedicating yourself to your health goals without beating yourself up.
- They Prioritize Eating and Sleeping.
Countless medical studies show the benefit of eating whole, unprocessed foods because they provide energy, help you feel full throughout the day, and make your time in the gym as fruitful as possible. Getting proper sleep is equally as important, as it keeps all of your body’s systems in rhythm.
If you do only one thing do this: Stay away from all electronics (TV, phone, tablet, computer, e-readers, etc.) at least two hours before going to bed. This will improve your sleep in as little as three days.
- They Document and Manage Their Progress.
Look at documenting progress as a necessary task, like managing your finances. The most successful entrepreneurs pay attention and document their money. Managing your fitness and health is the same thing. Once you get into a routine, you’ll quickly see the benefits of tracking your progress. I recommend documenting and tracking your body composition, workouts, strength (when lifting weights) and agility. Documenting progress raises your awareness level and can be used as a reward system or to tweak anything that’s not moving you in the right direction.
- They Are Intentional About Their Workouts.
It’s common to see folks at the gym mindlessly run on a treadmill with terrible form. The smart ones avoid this. They are intentional and stay present during their workout. If you want to increase your fitness level, put some thought behind what you do in your workout and how you perform each movement. Focus on form, muscle, and breath. Approaching every rep with clear intention increases your overall workout benefit and reduces the risk of injury.
- They Listen to Their Bodies.
You should feel energetic and healthy after a good night’s sleep or after a good workout. For example, if working out is another cause of frustration, leaving you with a feeling of unease, it’s time to change something. Either your food choices or workout routine are not agreeing with you. Fit people let go of whatever it is that’s causing them not to perform at their best. Take the time to listen and interpret the constant messages your body is sending you so that you can take care of it responsibly.
- They Have a Coach/Trainer.
Lifestyle champions are busy, and they have no time to try different things to see what sticks. They trust someone with experience who can quickly get them into gear. Having a coach/trainer increases your success rate in achieving your goals because they keep you accountable. I don’t know what I’d do without mine!
- They Turn Excuses Into Reasons.
Does being fit escape you? Have you ever wondered why you couldn’t get into a routine and stick with it? The successful professionals do not give into excuses of why they shouldn’t exercise or eat right. Being fit is the priority simply because they are busy, stressed, overworked, have children, travel a lot or are tired.
The month of January is riddled with guilt-inducing ways to stick with your goals or resolutions. This post is different. I don’t want you feeling guilty for messing up every now and then, I’d rather you change up your routines so they suit you, so that you can succeed with those plans for 2019. Take those two words: “busy professional” and change them to be “fit and productive professional.”
Are you ready for change? If you are ready to stick to your goals to become a fit and productive professional, let’s have a conversation. If you are ready, contact me to schedule a complimentary consultation at http://maricarmenpizarro.com/contact-mari-carmen/
