Good morning, guys.
In the world of personal finance, most advisors tell clients to “pay yourself first.” Of course, we know what that means. When you get paid, put something away for your future needs right off the top. That can be a 401k, a stock option plan, a savings account, whatever. In other words, the most important thing you do today is to prepare for tomorrow. If you live for the moment and don’t tuck anything away for what lies ahead, you are in for a major lifestyle change when you retire. Good, sound advice that is solid and makes sense. Right?
That same message can be carried over into the world of personal wellbeing and, in many ways, is even more important. When it comes to fitness, simply “pay yourself first.” As with our paychecks, there are also many drains on our time. It takes real effort to put aside money that could easily be used in the here and now. And, what may be even more difficult, it takes real effort to put aside the time to devote to a fitness routine with so many demands on our schedules. But, as with your finances, you have to put it into perspective. You are not avoiding other obligations. You are not neglecting work, family or friends, just because you choose to devote 45-60 minutes a day to keeping yourself fit. It is that healthy body that will carry you through the future. It is that healthy body that will give you the energy to devote even more of yourself to family and friends. Let’s face it, work gets enough of your time already.
I am not saying that you have to get up at 4:30 in the morning, as I do, to begin your day with a workout. But, what I am saying is that you have to decide, in paying yourself first, that you will devote a portion of your day to a fitness activity and, what’s more important, that you will stick to it. Believe me, it isn’t easy, but the benefits far outweigh the return on investment that you get from your savings. Let’s face it, what good is it to be financially comfortable if you don’t have the energy, stamina and mobility to enjoy it? Spending my retirement as a fat, happy couch potato is not an option. And the great thing about a fitness program is that it begins paying dividends immediately, in the way you look, the way you feel and the way others see you. So, put a little something aside for the future and reap the benefits right now.
What are you waiting for? It’s payday.
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In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler
__________________ In Fitness & Friendship, MAHLER
______________________________ __________________________ There is no light at the end of the tunnel. You carry the light with you.
I recently heard a talkshow host tell people to think about putting their oxygen mask on before helping others to do the same (remember, the bag will not inflate). If you don't, and die, how will you be around to help your kid with his mask?
Very good parallel, John. I'm sure most people on this site have made that decision to pay themselves first, but it's a good reminder nonetheless to keep focussed.
Personally, I find that blocking out time in my e-calendar for working out is a good tactic. It puts that activity on an equal par with meetings, etc. and it means others can't automatically book me into meetings during my "sacred time".
__________________
"Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right." - Henry Ford
"UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." - Dr. Seuss
"Life is no brief candle to me. It is sort of a splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." - George Bernard Shaw
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