| Don't Sweat The Small Stuff; But Do Sweat | | | | First, have a plan. Don't just wander into the gym |
| | | | and wait to be inspired by the equipment. I have |
| Entrepreneurs are busy people. They're | | | | a very exact workout regimen that never takes |
| self-reliant, so they have great initiative... they | | | | more than 45 minutes out of my day, and which |
| never wait around for others to take care of | | | | provides enough daily variety to keep me into it... |
| them. They're driven... usually by the Big Idea that | | | | at least enough to get it done. |
| inspires their commercial activity, and by their | | | | One plan is to alternate weight training on Monday, |
| genuine desire to create great things in the world | | | | Wednesday, and Friday with cardio workouts on |
| around them. | | | | Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. There are |
| For all that, the most successful entrepreneurs | | | | several excellent books on programs like this; I |
| are also dedicated to good health habits. You see | | | | recommend Bill Phillips' "Body For Life" program as |
| them working out with a discipline that's the envy | | | | a quick intro to a system that's proven to work. |
| of others, and with the same work-ethic that | | | | Again, the notion is to find a workout program |
| drives everything else they do. | | | | that fits into your life, rather than the other way |
| It's almost like they have something to live for, | | | | around. |
| and intend to live for it... for a long while. | | | | The key is to raise your heart rate to a |
| If you're an entrepreneur, you probably think the | | | | fat-burning and metabolism-enhancing level every |
| last thing you have time for is to go on "a health | | | | day. Usually, your top heart rate is 220 minus |
| kick." I can relate. I've started and run several | | | | your age. I'm pushing fifty, so for me, my |
| businesses, and in each case The Big Idea tends | | | | theoretical max heart rate is around 170. The goal |
| to take over. It becomes your obsession. You | | | | is to get my heart rate up to about 80% of that |
| question everything you do against the standard | | | | for a few minutes every day. |
| of whether the activity advances the business. | | | | You want to do your workout first-thing, if you |
| Consider that it is your personal energy that is | | | | can. Some studies show the metabolic benefit is |
| the most defining factor in your business' success. | | | | three times greater if you start your day by |
| If that's true, you better carve out some time to | | | | starting your heart. |
| take care of yourself, and your energy level. | | | | Another tip I've heard that bears repeating is that |
| To accomplish this, I believe in five daily disciplines | | | | the best exercise program for you is the one you |
| I refer to as The NEWSS: Nutrition, Exercise, | | | | will actually do. If you hate jogging, find a different |
| Water, Sleep, and Supplements. Today, think | | | | way to increase your heart rate. Take a dance |
| about what you can do to create an exercise | | | | class, or a boot-camp at the gym. Ride a bike. |
| program that doesn't take too much time and | | | | Swim. If you look forward to it every day, you'll |
| attention away from your business. Consider | | | | do it. And consistency is key. |
| what small changes you might make in order to | | | | Whatever it is for you, find a way to get into |
| use your workouts to rekindle your energy - and | | | | working out. Remember, your business depends |
| therefore your enthusiasm for the great things | | | | on it... it isn't just a meaningless exercise. |
| you're trying to accomplish in the world. | | | | |