How to get more out of the day!

This post will focus on a simple way to accomplish more in our 24 hours.

Getting the most out of the day means we need to be proactive. If you are looking to get more out of the day, there may be a few different reasons as to why our ambitions have increased. This increase in ambition will also increase our stress level. The stress level is increased due to the decreased time to accomplish goals. In an effort to reduce this stress, start by setting limits on leisure activities. Social media, video games, and Internet browsing can be a great way to relax, but they can also be a major criminal, the way they steal our time.

Setting these limits, on leisure activities, can be as easy as setting a reminder on your phone. Having an outside regulator, pushing you to the next task, may be just the thing to help generate the needed momentum for behavior modification. We set goals for many different reasons. The ability to accomplish these goals really depends (usually) on the determination and discipline we are willing to put forth. Not understanding how to get started can feel quite overwhelming. The alarm to move on to the next task will set the ground work to be more self-reliant, self-aware, and focused.

Time management can be worked on at any moment in the day. The idea about setting an alarm to move on to new tasks is only the beginning. If you are finding yourself losing time on socializing and wondering through the internet, over the course of a few days, try to notice how long you are scrolling and cut the time by 25%. This reduction of self-indulgence will be difficult to combat, even if you are actively trying to change the behavior. The needed support system will come in the form of an alarm pushing you to your goal. With this information in mind, work every moment of every day to achieve the things that are important to you.  

5 Stages of change

In life there is adversity. We are challenged by different obstacles on a daily basis. In order to mature we must change. In life (and fitness) there are stages of readiness. I am certified by NASM as a personal trainer. Today we will talk about NASM's 5 Stages of Change. If I want change I must set an attainable goal, with a deadline, then focus all efforts towards that goal. If you are not ready to change you will never reach that goal. There will be no magic pill purchased on the internet or the dark web, that will allow you to achieve your goals. You must be ready to modify your behavior to achieve.

1. Precontemplation: As a trainer, I would need to educate & dispel any myths that folks at this stage may have. People at this stage have no intention of working out and do not plan to start in the next 6 months. Because I cannot force intention on anyone, education is key for people who are in this stage.

2. Contemplation: These people are not very active either, but they are thinking of becoming more active in the next six months. Because contemplators are thinking about starting training, education is still the best strategy. Trainers could help influence the decision by listening to what the person wants, and what they actually need. Contemplators need the proper support system to help motivate them in the proper direction. 

3. Preparation: Ok here we are! People in this stage do workout (occasionally), but are looking to make it a regular thing in the next month. They believe in the health benefits of fitness and nutrition. People in this stage may have a few misconceptions or unrealistic ideas about achieving their goals. This misunderstanding increases the chances of disappointment an early dropout.

4. Action: These people are getting after it, but they aren't able to maintain the behavior for six months. Again, education is great for reenforcing their beliefs in the health benefits of exercise. It is important to discuss the obstacles & disruptions that may lay down the road. Anticipate upcoming events that can derail progress made, Unforeseen adversity is a given and we can be better prepared by practicing for the known adversity. 

5. Maintenance: This is the place to be! People here have been able to maintain change for six months or more. Fitness is apart of their lifestyle. In this stage we can still be tempted return to old habits of less exercise. A certain level of discipline is reached at this stage, but a support system is just as important as it is for the people in the previous stages.