Photo by Kyran Aldworth on Unsplash
Hey there!
I'm pretty sure you've been in this boat: You've got your week all planned out, down to the minute, ready to crush your goals. But then, life happens. Your boss throws a curveball at work, a new episode of your favourite show drops, or you're tired. Next thing you know, your plans are gathering dust. That was my story last week - more work piling up, no runs, and feeling like I'm just spinning my wheels.
But here's the deal: I'm not letting that slide, nor should you. It's about time we take the driver's seat in our lives. Those outside noises, like work chaos or the latest TV binge, are always going to be there. The real trick is how we handle them.
So, let's roll up our sleeves and craft our very own 'Battlefield Action Plan'. I've been picking brains from some of the best in the game to come up with this:
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Brain Dump (Thanks to David Allen): Jot down everything that's on your mind. No need to play memory games. Then, sort them out - what needs action, what's just a thought.
Thiago Forte, bestseller author of Building a Second Brain, gives us a hint on how to achieve this with his 10-to-15 rule (PARA method):
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Choose Your Battles Wisely (Hat tip to Stephen Covey): Covey's trick is to figure out what's urgent and important. Stick to the stuff that moves the needle for you.
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One Thing at a Time (Shoutout to Tim Ferriss): batching tasks. Group similar stuff together - it's like tackling a bunch of mini-goals, and it feels great.
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Keep It Simple (Thanks, Barbara Oakley): Cut down on the daily choices. Prep your meals, and set a workout schedule. Make life easier where you can.
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Stop. Breathe. Reflect (Eckhart Tolle's Wisdom): Take a moment just to be. Reflect on what's working and what's not. Helps clear the head.
- Rest is Best (Cheers to Alex Soojung-Kim Pang): Rest isn't slacking off. It's recharging the batteries so you can go harder and smarter.
You might be wondering, "What do the insights of David Allen, Stephen Covey, Tim Ferriss, Barbara Oakley, Eckhart Tolle, and Alex Soojung-Kim Pang have to do with running or sports?" The answer is quite a lot. The discipline and focus you develop in sports can profoundly transform your life beyond just physical activity. It's a two-way street: the mental and physical state required for effective training also hinges on the small habits and time management skills these experts talk about.
So, the next time you catch yourself saying, "I don’t have time to go for a run or hit the gym," that's your cue to pause and reassess. It's a red flag indicating it's time to revisit your 'Battlefield Action Plan'. In simpler terms, it's a moment to stop and take stock of your life. Ask yourself: What are you doing, or not doing, that’s creating a life where you seemingly don't have time? This reflection is key to unlocking a more balanced, fulfilling lifestyle.
Goodbye,
Jhony
