Your business performs only as well as you do, hence a healthy body makes a healthy business.
When we start a new business we devote so much time to the success of our new endeavors that we tend to shirk other responsibilities, most of all our health. We lose track of what we eat, how much sleep we get and how often we exercise. It’s not necessary to accomplish or maintain all three of these aspects to lead a healthy lifestyle, just two are enough to keep your body healthy so your business can stay on track.
The key to a healthy lifestyle is eating right, time management and self-discipline. Eating right is something we tend to neglect the most with our highways lined with every fast food chain imaginable. Scheduling time to exercise is just as important as every other activity that is beneficial to your business. Having the discipline to maintain that schedule is even more important because when you schedule an activity into your business, following through with that activity reflects on how committed you are to your business, even if the activity is not directly related to your business.
Eating right is something everyone can do. Everyone eats so it’s not difficult to just choose better foods when you go grocery shopping. Growing up I hated eating vegetables, but I enjoyed eating fruits. From that day forward I consumed at least two pounds of fruit everyday. After some time I started to enjoy vegetables as well and included those in my eating habits. Fruits and vegetables are mostly water so you can eat them all day long and not gain weight., but don’t forget the rest of the food pyramid. Eat healthy but eat in moderation.
Start to read books and magazines on how to improve your health. You can learn so much about which foods can give you the most energy for your day, which foods can boost your immune system and all that other good stuff that can keep you, and your business, going strong.
Everyone leads a different lifestyle and their bodies need different exercise regimens. Finding the right exercise methods is like finding the right pair of shoes, find something that you feel comfortable in and then use it every day. Devote time every day to lacing up those shoes and using them to their fullest.
A good starting point for those who could never find the time to exercise is walking. Walking for just 30 minutes can burn 100 calories. If you have children, playing with your children for that same amount of time burns even more calories because your mind and your body are engaged. When your business begins to grow you’ll have more time to exercise and work towards the body you have always wanted.
Now the difficult part. Maintaining the self-discipline to adhere to your new eating habits and exercise routine will determine how committed you are to the success of your business. If you think this is easy then ask how many people have stayed dedicated to their New Year’s or Lent resolutions. The key is to schedule an exercise time into your day just as you would any other activity for your business. Involve your family into your exercise time, friends too, but only if they are supportive of your new habits.
Your body can either be a temple or a theme park. It’s your choice.
As my mentor, Aaron Rashkin, says, “Take care of your body because you’re going to be living in it for the rest of your life.”
