This time of year is filled with to do lists, shopping lists, and after-the-holidays lists. Starting or improving a fitness routine typically falls in the after-the-holidays list. But really, physical activity can do incredible things for your productivity. And, if it makes it to your after-the-holidays list, how can we get it to rank higher and move to your to-do list?

When there’s so much to do, change can feel overwhelming. Chances are you’re already overwhelmed, in which case, a little change may actually be what helps you feel grounded and in control. It’s like the idea that the less time you have, the more time you make. The better organized you are and the less room you allow for wasting time.

Depending on how big of a change you want to make (either now or after the holidays) consider these three areas for focus: Your emotional state, your growth mindset, and your self-awareness. 

The word ‘change’ evokes an emotional response in just about everyone. The fact that most of us drag our feet when change is needed says a lot about how much growth we let into our mindset. Self awareness will help you identify your ‘why’ and help steer you toward the changes that will truly add value to your life… Not the changes that society imposes on you (like dropping 20lbs.)

Emotional State

Your emotional state is an incredibly sacred space. It harbors all the good, the bad, the desires, and the unknown. Learning to understand and regulate strong emotions can be a big task, but just like every skill, it starts with a small action put into practice. One way to begin is by slowing things down when you feel it all starting to bubble over, and identify it. Acknowledge the emotion and sit in it for a moment. Pushing away the discomfort tends to lead to a shorter fuse – a sure way to ignite overwhelm.

Growth Mindset

To have a growth mindset means you’re open to change… even if it doesn’t feel super good right now. Try focusing on the first step and then on the bright spots. So what if your first workout was more difficult than you expected, getting there was a crucial first step. Now focus on the bright spots – you made it through the 30 minutes, you met some new people who now support your efforts, and you already have your next workout booked! 

Self-Awareness

Self awareness is too much to fit into a handbag. It spans so many important facets that come together to shape who we present to the world. Your ‘why’ is your reason for doing everything and anything that you spend your precious time and energy on. You may find that learning more about your why may lead you to really dig deep into your values and, ultimately, your identity. From there, pay attention to the things that fill you up. I completely understand if the actual workout doesn’t exactly tickle your fancy, but I bet the results do. From sticking to the plan and making it to the workout, to the bragging rights for having completed your workout, to the physiological benefits and changes from the work you did in only 30 minutes… 

Building on your self-awareness gives you an invaluable opportunity to rewrite your script. Do more of what supports the person you want to be. Your to-do list should include these fundamental tasks that actually help you get more out of life and not just more done in a day. 

Ready to update that list?

xoLara