#17 – Exercise v Creative Routine – The 21 Day Challenge

Over the last couple of weeks I have made a major shift to my usual routine, and done something more energetic than the occasional brisk walk or potter in the garden. However, what surprised me wasn’t what I thought would be would be hardest – the exercise – it was in fact the change in routine.

I admit I spend a lot of time in my office, mostly sitting and typing or some other computer work. The thought of exercise, well, it just didn’t happen other than thinking I should probably do some. I have read numerous productivity blogs and books about the marvels of waking up at the crack of dawn to complete 15-30 mins on a tread mill (or some such method) but it never appealed.

However, Sue had mentioned about doing more exercise herself, and when a friend and wellness coach mentioned a 21 day Ab Challenge I thought perhaps Sue may be up for it. As an encouragement to do it, and to keep it up, I thought I should join in too. As Day 1 was done I realised just how un-fit I was, but spurred on by a bit of competition, and not wanting Sue to give up, we made it part of the morning routine.

I that’s where the hard bit started.

I knew if I was going to continue then I needed to add it into a part of my day when I was good at routine – first thing in the morning. If I left it until later I would find a host of reasons not to bother. Unfortunately, this is also my creative time when I do any writing, content creation, planning etc., so for the last few weeks that time has had to be moved around. In turn, that has meant that it is taking me longer to write. To enable me to continue with the ‘healthy’ I need to re-organise the ‘creative’ better.

Another up/down-side is that I need to put more protein in my diet, and a bowl of cereal in the morning just didn’t cut it (I can hear Deborah ‘The Cereal Killer’ Mulvany now with her joy that another bowl of cereal has been culled). Cereal was quick. Putting together a healthy alternative of eggs, bacon, tomatoes, avocado and sweet potato, whilst ultimately much more satisfying, just takes longer.

So this weekend, as the end of the 21 day challenge approaches (Yes I did it everyday) I will be looking at how to incorporate this better into my routine, get my creative time back, and find quicker ways to eat more healthily.

Why am I bothering? It seems that those people up at the crack of dawn had a point, it was worth getting some exercise into my day. I am feeling more energised in the day, eating better, and getting a lot of work done, despite the major change to my time use. Some re-jigging of my schedule should mean improvements all round.

The important points I note:

• It is easier to add new things into part of a regular routine
• Don’t be afraid to try something new, to see if it works for you
• Don’t give up after a couple of tries – things take a bit of time to work
• See what works and what doesn’t and amend as needed
• Make time for yourself and your health – they are critical for your business too.

What could you be adding (or removing) from your day to improve your business outcomes?

It doesn’t have to be exercise, that was just what worked for me on this occasion. Take a moment to consider what changes you should make

– and if you need a bit of encouragement (or you have a tasty recipe for a quick but healthy breakfast) you know where I am.

Amanda