For many years I would have told you I didn’t have time to exercise. I was busy homeschooling and parenting seven kids, active at my church, trying to be a great military spouse, and attempting to manage all the other details of life.
But then I realized that not making my health a priority meant that everything and everyone else on my priority list was getting less of me because I had less to give.
I decided to list my top five priorities and make sure those things got my attention every day. My list looked like this:
- Faith
- Family
- Fitness
- Friends
- Work (I tried to think of a clever “F” term for work but I couldn’t.)
You know that jar and pebble analogy? If you fill a with lots and lots of small stones (things that are not in your top five) you will never be able to fit the five big stones (your priorities) into the jar. But if you start with the big stones, the smaller stones will settle into the jar.
I knew that I had to work out before many of the other activities in my day. So I worked out every day between the hours of 6am and 9am. I didn’t work out for three hours, but rather depending on the day and my schedule, my workout would start at either 6, 7, or 8. At 9 am my workout ended and my family (homeschooling) took over.
This worked for me because my children are old enough to make breakfast and get dressed on their own. This might not work if you have very small children, so figure out how you can make sure your priorities are a priority.
For me, doing the most important things before I start less important projects works. Depending on your season of life you might have to save fitness until after your husband is home from work, or when your children are at school.
It doesn’t matter when you do it, just do it.
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Matt says
Great post and a very valuable analogy.
When I started a new job I thought my workouts were going to suffer because the new job meant working several hours later in the evening, which had been my sacred workout time.
Instead I can proudly say that I’ve become a huge fan of AM workouts (which I never in a million years thought I’d say). It’s almost like a type of meditation for me in that it prepares me both physically and mentally for the day ahead. Focused and fierce.
“Just do it.” It’s as simple and as complicated as that. 🙂
Cheers,
Matt
Tonya says
Gotta do mine in the morning although I might take a walk in the late afternoon, too. Real exercise has to be done first thing before showering and getting ready for the day for me.
Chelle says
Loved this post! If you can do it, then so can I! Anyone can! Thanks for the encouragement 🙂
Gary and Lorie Cashe says
You could use the work “Finance” as your clever word for “Work”
Heather says
I too am making my workout a must in the morning. I WILL not do it otherwise. My kids are still small but they like to watch cartoons before hubby comes in from the barn (he’s a dairy farmer). It’s a perfect time for me to get the treadmill in before breakfast! Thank you for your page/blog!