I can already hear the grumbling of some who regard exercise, or rigorous activity of any kind, anything BUT a gift. To some degree we are all in that boat. It IS difficult to get going. It IS difficult to keep after it when 10 minutes into your run, or any other aerobic activity, your mind is saying "Enough already!" And YES, it is usually your mind, that persistent trickster, which speaks for your body. Convincing yourself to keep exercising often involves an inner conversation and plenty of negotiation between the voice which says "stop" and the other which says "keep going." Actually, I think there are abundant lessons on the faces of the endurance athletes of the recent winter olympics in Vancouver. When I see the cross country skiers in that final push of 100 or 200 yards, I know which voice is loudest in their minds. It's that same voice which got them into the sport and punched their ticket to Vancouver. It's all about quieting the negative voice.
One of the persistent observations made on modern life is how little time we seem to have. It's almost all spoken for, mapped out when we rise in the morning, a constant sequence of one obligation after another. We go to work and then bring work home with us. Those with families have the responsibility of making time for the partner and for the kids. And then there are those emails, not to mention the traditional paper mail which stacks up on the desk. Is it any wonder we are increasingly a stressed out, out of shape society?
They say that the best way to save money is to pay yourself first. It works. In fact, it works so well that I have begun to regard my 45-90 minute jogs as paying myself first. It feels great when thought of in that way. First, you know you will feel better for having exercised. You also know that this all accrues in the form of longer life expectancy and even canceling out some of the damage we have done to ourselves during those sedentary, careless periods of physical neglect. But here's the best kicker - you're finally getting your priorities right. How often do you really make time just for yourself? No, this isn't being selfish. If you really have to think about it, consider this: a fit you is a better husband, wife, parent, you're a better employee too. Some employers are even beginning to realize this as they offer employees opportunity to slip out of the workplace for an hour at the gym, or a run around the track. I get a little nervous in this area since I want my exercise time to be really mine, not something given me by someone else. Nevertheless, this does give us all an idea that if the BOSS thinks his or her employees are going to perform better if they are more fit, then this is likely a good investment.
So, for now walk away from those unanswered emails, that stack of homework from the workplace, those other demands which will knock you down if you allow it. Better yet, don't just walk away. Run away! You'll find you are a much better match for those other challenges once you have made that important investment in self. And one more thing. Once you acknowledge the workout ahead as a gift, you will be much less bothered by the naysayer within, that voice which demands you stop just as your heart rate is getting into that aerobic zone. Take the gift and go to the fitness bank. You'll be glad you did.
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