Most entrepreneurs and top executives live a life of work and career above all else. For some it’s the money, other it’s the recognition, but for most it is the desire to impact the world in some way.
In this quest, many will sacrifice several other aspects of their life, including health. Being an entrepreneur myself (I have owned my own business for 14 years) I can relate!
There are times I may choose to coach clients and miss out on a family experience or I may need to travel and miss being with my wife and kids. An important fact to remember is we always have a choice. We may not like what happens based on our choice, but we can also make a choice.
Personally, something I choose to not compromise is my health. If I am not healthy (mentally, physically and spiritually) all aspects of my life suffer. Now I don’t spend as much time working out as I did when I was younger and had less responsibilities, but I make sure I am active daily and I exercise (weights, cardio and/or stretching) 5-6 times a week for 45-60 minutes.
Research shows that wellness programs can reduce medical costs by $3.27 and $2.13 in absenteeism costs by employee. Additionally, scientists have found that aerobic exercise decreases overall tension, improves sleep, and elevates mood and self-esteem. All positive things for you!
Exercise not only helps one to lose excess weight, body fat and all the above, but for an career oriented individual one of the most beneficial aspects of exercise how it helps reduce stress. Stress is inevitable as one is looking to climb the “corporate” ladder. Exercising helps reduce fatigue and improve alertness and brain function. The short and long-term benefits are worth the time to put them in your schedule.
Use these 4 principles to live a physically, financially, and personally healthy life.
- Block Time: Set specific times each day for work, personal time, fitness, and nutrition. Break up the blocks of time for greater clarity and focus.
- Accountability Partner: Find someone to share your goals with and to help you stay on track with your tasks. Select someone you feel exemplifies that particular aspect of your goal so they have the perspective of what you are working towards.
- Grade Yourself: On a scale of 1-10, how well did you do meeting the goals for each time block? If you didn’t score a 10, why? Learn from it and work towards it next week.
- Set rules AND Live by them: This will keep the other principles in check! This is your personal code of rules that you do not break on a whim and become your way of life. (like the reason you don’t punch someone or drink when you are pregnant!) Set rules regarding your fitness and self care. Don’t flake on these rules, bend them, negotiate changes to them, or create your own obstacles to meet these rules.
Scott Keppel is the owner of Scott’s Training Systems, a world-class coaching facility in Chandler, Arizona. He is a nationally certified trainer through NASM and ISSA. His mission is to empower women of all ages and fitness levels. For more information head to scottstrainingsystems.com or check him out on Instagram at @stsnation.
