All too often, we push ourselves past the limits of mere mortals, and into the netherland of bad health. We eat wrong, we don't sleep enough, we load up on caffeine, and we don't exercise. Notice I said we; I'm guilty too. I know I need to exercise more, I know I need to eat better, and I definitely know I don't need that fourth cup of coffee. Why do we do it, and what can we do to change our behaviors?
Let's start with the easiest part first, why do we do it? We push ourselves because we think that if we go just a little further, that we'll get that raise, promotion, or be able to accomplish one more thing that we really need to accomplish. Too bad this is so foolhardy. What we really need is not more time, but rather more productive time. You have to make sure you're running "hot" all the time, and to do this, you need to take care of yourself. You know that. So how do you do it?
Let's start with the eating issue. Let me begin by saying, I live in Wisconsin, and thus have a love for frozen custard, deep fried fish (okay, deep fried anything), and of course, beer. So let's just say it's not easy for me to make good choices when it comes to food. The first thing I find is that I need to eat something within 60 minutes of getting out of bed, or I'll be hungry the whole morning. It doesn't have to be anything huge, but I need to eat something. I usually look for fruit, or pre-packaged oatmeal. That's easy enough.
Lunch is often trickier, as it's the best time to spend catching up with a fellow manager of mine, so if I can order a diet soda, an iced tea, or stick to water, I can cut many of the calories out. I try to eat slowly, and this often curbs my appetite some.
Next, a small snack, at 2:30 or 3:00 PM in the afternoon is in order. Another small snack works wonders, maybe some veggies, or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich will tide me over. This makes me less hungry for dinner, which is usually a fairly large meal.
Dinner time is good time for me. My wife and I love to eat, so we frequently go out for a nice dinner (okay, usually a quick dinner), and this just packs on the pounds. Again, I try to pace myself, drink water (no caffeine after 4 PM for me), and introduce a salad instead of a delicious cream soup.
Right before bed, I'll grab another quick snack, maybe a fruit and juice bar and a glass of water, maybe rice cakes, maybe more fruit. If I've been a good boy, I might even eat a "Skinny Cow" ice cream bar.
Then, I try to get myself ready for the next day by packing a few of the things I'll eat tomorrow, saving me a few minutes in the morning when I can get lazy. Keep in mind, this day is an ideal day for me, and I often stray from it (too often) but when I don't, I have more energy than before.
So take the time, focus on your diet, and make it a great life! You'll be glad you did!
Phil Gerbyshak leads a team of IT help desk professionals in Milwaukee, WI, and finds that sharing his knowledge is a crucial component in his success as a leader and as a person. Phil's personal philosophy is paraphrased from Tim Sanders' fantastic book Love is the Killer App: "Share your knowledge, your network, and your love. The rest will follow." If you'd like to read more of Phil's work, please head over to his blog at http://www.makeitgreat.org. Make it a great day!
professional maid services Deerfield ..One the most important Self Improvement skills to develop to... Read More
Success is a journey and along the way we need... Read More
If failure is the roadway, then Perseverance is the vehicle... Read More
"See, I told you so," she emailed me, "it turned... Read More
My studies of the highly successful prove that they continually... Read More
Do you want to achieve your most important goals in... Read More
Personal missions statements (PMS) are just nothing but the winning... Read More
The start of a new year is a good time... Read More
Several years ago, I attended a "success" seminar in northern... Read More
I am going to tell you something you already know... Read More
Success is a word that is much used in our... Read More
Ray Winstone, the London East End barrow boy, who became... Read More
Take a page from Eastern wisdom Meditation, martial arts that... Read More
You will have the greatest success if you read the... Read More
I've long been a student of those who have achieved... Read More
Creating a goal tracking chart is as simple as drawing... Read More
Success could be just about making money, but I think... Read More
Following are a series of questions I needed to ask... Read More
The 72,500 men, women and children sat in an uncomfortable... Read More
Something For You To Consider?How To Create What You Want... Read More
Becoming successful requires a lifestyle change. It requires that you... Read More
Have you failed before and wished the earth could open... Read More
Whoever first said that knowledge is power was probably selling... Read More
They all know it's part of the success journey.They know... Read More
Man is the most advanced being on this earth. We... Read More
quick home cleaning Lake Forest ..If you'd like to fulfill your long-held dreams, try a... Read More
Have a therapeutic meltdown It's crunch time: you're two days... Read More
Plants of all kinds (including trees), herbs and roots have... Read More
Of course by now we are all becoming aware of... Read More
Life is not a competition.Not at all. Life itself is... Read More
Do you remember when you were a child and no... Read More
As a work-life and career coach, I regularly work with... Read More
Let me say this to get it out of the... Read More
Commit yourself to spending time only with people who are... Read More
How many times do we fail at something, then attemp... Read More
Jim Rohn, the success guru and mentor, said, "Failure is... Read More
"Things might have been worse"This is the most powerful, dynamic,... Read More
Energy and persistence conquer all things. - Benjamin FranklinThough Ben... Read More
People like to emerge as winners by hook or crook... Read More
One of the questions that I am asked most often... Read More
I once heard a speaker use the statement, "I have... Read More
No matter what goals and dreams you desire, there's a... Read More
Fear.Everything in this world has its opposite.Good has bad.Optimism has... Read More
Becoming successful requires a lifestyle change. It requires that you... Read More
The need to be successful. This is the bottom line... Read More
Do you feel you lead a healthy and happy life?... Read More
IF and WHEN were friends. Every week they met and... Read More
"When I think back on all the crap I learned... Read More
Why is it that most people still equate being successful... Read More
In 1989, when the Berlin Wall came down and the... Read More
Success |