THE GRIND AND THE BALANCE
Updated: Sep 20, 2020
Monday to Friday - aka the grind - I wake up at 5 am and start my day out the same way. I start with a pre-workout (because let's face it without it there is no way that I will actually be awake). I then proceed to push play on the workout scheduled for the morning. Afterwards I start the whole getting ready for work process from showering, getting my stuff together, eating breakfast while packing lunch, taking care of the pups - you get the picture!
Fast forward to about 8 am and I'm headed into the office for the day. My office is similar to a lot of other typical corporate environments - definitely not glamorous, cubicles, no windows etc.- Honestly from the time I step in the door I don't stop between emails, running items around for other teams meeting after meeting. That constant motion continues pretty much until I sit down to go to do some quick personal development reading before I head to sleep. It seems to be never ending! Can anyone relate?
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People ask me how I do it all. There are a lot of little things that I do to keep going, keep myself accountable etc. Below are some things that I always keep top of mind to keep going.
Keep a list. I always have a checklist that I start the day with updating for personal to dos for the day and priorities to get done for work. People tell me I keep sticky notes in business because I am the queen of lists at work but it really does keep me on target and help to remember all the things that I would most definitely forget without those notes. It also helps to prioritize what needs to get done first and what can wait. Does anyone else create lists like it's no ones business?
Cross things off the list. Is it just me or when you cross things off the list do you just feel accomplished for the day? This might seem like something that you
Meditation. It is something that I never did. I honestly didn't really know what it was to be honest but it does help to quiet the mind, slow down and focus so you can be ready for whatever gets thrown at you.
Create goals. I personally think this is one of the most important things you can do. I set goals each year (short term and long term goals) and then I also like to set goals or milestones at the start of the month to make sure that I am on track towards the bigger picture and it helps to break down those bigger goals into more manageable tasks.
Remember your "why". I know I said that creating goals is one of the most important things but this one is another big one. Your why is why you are looking to do all of these things, to improve yourself and take this next step whether that be starting a new fitness journey, coaching others, working on nutrition. It's more than - I just want to lose a few lbs etc. - Why do you want to lose those pounds? To be better for your kids? To be the best you you can be? What is your why?
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Ever since I can remember I was in constant motion because I felt like if I stopped, I might not get started again or I wouldn't be productive and I would fall behind. But that isn't true. You should always be looking forward but you have to have balance. I have never been good at taking time to relax or to reflect on myself and what is going on presently. That is something that I am trying to do better every day. It is the same as when we workout - you cannot keep weight lifting and beating your body up constantly and never stop to stretch and gain flexibility or even take a rest day to recover.
Working out is essentially a metaphor for not only your day but also your life. You have to push yourself to your limit and then past that point where you think you might fall to get to that next level. That is the only way to find your edge - whether that be lifting weights, balancing in yoga or trying to figure out that solution to the project you have been working on in the office. Life is all about the balance and finding what works for you and your situation! You can do it and you aren't alone. There is always someone else that is going through a similar situation so share your story, be proud of where you are today and just remember that you are not alone and you get to create the person you want to be.
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