Recently, my dad’s been asking me, “When’s your next event?”
His question caught me off guard. It had been awhile since I last challenged myself to a triathlon. So I wasn’t expecting his question.
My first response was to list all of the reasons why I couldn’t possibly enter. And of course, my biggest excuse was that I didn’t have time. Yes, even with being a pretty good master of my calendar, I went into my default mode of saying “no.”
After some contemplation, I threw in the towel of my avoidance, and said “Why not!” My dad loves seeing me compete, and at 96, he deserves some of my time to make him happy. By scheduling my activities according to my priorities, I “made” time.
I hired my old triathlon coach, dusted off my gear, fixed the tires on my bike––and committed to a 10-week training program that has me sweating six out of seven days a week, some with two-a-day workouts.
I can hear Coach Frank remind me, “You only get from it the intensity you put into it.” Skip a lap and you’ll know. Skip a workout and it’ll show. So I decided early on that I’d be all-in on training.
As I began my training, I remembered how much I loved being in “tri-shape,” so I heightened my awareness and sharpened my intention to go all out. I have my sights set on race day––April 30.
I’m about a week away now, and I’m seeing my body return to tri-shape once again. I’m in the pool by 5:30 a.m., run at lunchtime, and do group bike rides on weekends. I’m actually faster than I ever dreamed possible––by land and by sea!
I’m stronger, leaner, and less stressed out––not only during trainings but at work, too.
Who knew that committing to a vigorous training regimen would have such a positive effect on my work? Yet, it has. The investment I made into my health and physical performance is producing better results at work.
A number of personal development experts attest to “How you do anything is how you do everything.”
I see evidence of this in other areas of my life. My 10-week dedication to my performance on the track, on the road and in the pool, up-leveled the energy and commitment I bring into the office––and to my relationships with family and friends.
So why do I bring this up for SPMs?
I believe you too can find the time––make the time––to test your mettle. Do something that takes you outside of your physical comfort zone and has you reaching beyond your day-to-day routines.
This single commitment will heighten your sense of well-being and will positively affect your efficiency and productivity at work.
You might not want to sign-up for a triathlon, (though I think most people could do a sprint if they made up their mind to do so).
There are other options. Consider a thirty-day yoga challenge. A hike to the top of your nearest mountain. A walk for a charity.
Do something different. Do something exhilarating. Do something that will stretch you.
And now it’s my turn to ask: When is your next event?
