It really is that simple. I didn’t say easy, I said simple. And, I’m sure it applies to your struggles also.
You see, last week I ended your email with the following two questions:
What is holding you back? What are you worried about that keeps distracting you?
As people replied to the letter, one in particular really stood out. As I helped her work through some things, I realized that a lot of people are probably in a very similar situation. So, here is our exchange, and how it applies to you.
(If you missed last week’s letter, you can read it here.)
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What's holding me back? The first thing that came to mind is when I have homework due I want to make sure that’s done before I do anything else. Monday I missed because I had a lot of homework. I only made it in 1 day. Prior I have been coming 4 times a week. Also I have been feeling a bit discouraged. Like it always seems I’m always the last in time, and even though I know it's not something I should worry about (and should work on my form to build up to my goals) I still have my moments.
Another thing that seemed to be slowing me down is getting nauseous in the workout. I like that you say one step at a time. It is true. Sometimes like myself I want to already look my best and I'm just not there yet, but sometimes I look further ahead then the next step in the process. I used to think that I ate good, but when I really look at my eating habits (what I eat and how often) I don't think it's actually that good. Just like today, I was in a hurry and only had time to make toast and eat a yogurt for breakfast. When's the next time I will eat? Probably not till I get home later this afternoon. I may eat the banana I brought or protein bar. Anyway, that's what I am currently facing.
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There are a few things going on here, all of which are totally manageable. Below is my response:
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I appreciate you reaching out! Yeah, those are definitely challenges that a lot of people (myself included) can relate to. A few suggestions that might help.
Homework - Schedule your week out in advance, on Sunday. Build out your schedule like this - first put in time with family. Next put in actual time at work or in class. Third put in the days/times you're going to the gym. 4th, put in a block of 2 hours every day that you will spend doing homework. Then, anything else in life will have to fit in around those priorities. You definitely are busy, but 24 hours is actually a lot of time, even if you're sleeping 8 of them. Then, all you have to do is stick to your schedule!
Food - It comes down to scheduling again. Make sure to have a 'drop dead' time for getting ready. If you know you leave at 7 am - then your drop dead time is 6:30. At 6:30 stop getting ready and go to the kitchen, eat breakfast and pack your lunch. NO EXCEPTIONS. It's definitely possible, because if you had to leave at that time you would.... Maybe this means getting up 30 min earlier...that's OK.
Last in class - We've all been there. The goal is to do better than you did yesterday, not better than the person next to you who's been working out consistently for the last 5 years. You are only competing against yourself.
I hope that helps! You CAN do it. It just takes a little more discipline.
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All of the suggestions are simple. The hard part is in the follow through! Making a schedule is easy - but the discipline to follow it takes work.
Very rarely is ‘too little time’ the real problem. It’s how that time is spent.
If you turned on your TV, or did anything on your phone other than phone calls or texts, then you have enough time.
The problem is either a lack of pre-planning/scheduling, or a lack of discipline to stick to your schedule.
Don’t make the goal of going to the gym 3/week. Instead, schedule in exactly what days and times you will be going this upcoming week.
Don’t make the goal of eating healthy. Instead, wake up 10 minutes earlier and pack the food you know you should be eating.
Make a plan, and then all you have to do is follow through. You don’t have to worry about making the right decisions...they’ve already been made. Simply follow through with your plan.
Did this help you? If not, what is your current struggle?
Comment and let me know.
Talk soon,
Danny Lehr