Today was another one of those days where my best intentions were to get to the gym and do my workout - challenging on this long holiday weekend when I'd rather be reading, watching football - anything other than a couple of hours of cardio and weights. After all I do have an Ironman race in 7 months - time flies when you think you have all the time in the world to train.
But there is the 15 minute rule that many athletes are taught early on in their training......just give your workout 15 minutes and see how you feel. If after that you are still not motivated then let it go.
And of course that never happens. The combination of your intentions, getting moving, listening to your breathing, having those endorphins kick in - you're committed now, there is no going back. Just that 15 minute gift to yourself makes all the difference in achieving your goals.
What if we "gave" that same 15 minutes to other ventures and tasks? The project at work that never seems to make it off your "to-do" list; the colleague who needs your advice or help; the family member you keep meaning to call or sit and talk with. We have become so accustomed to having things happen instantaneously - expecting immediate responses from everything and everyone. I believe we are missing out on deeper, more meaningful experiences, personally and professionally , because we just can't stand to give things time - not a lot, but maybe just a little for a change.
Try it out this week and see how you feel, what you accomplish and what you learn about yourself and others. I'm going to.
