If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you’re probably extremely busy. Heck, you don’t even need to be an entrepreneur to be busy, you just need to be a human in the 21st century. Between work obligations, families and other priorities, finding the time to work out seems impossible.
That being said, we all still have this nagging feeling that we should be exercising. We know it’s good for us. We also know it’s a long-term investment, but boy can it be inconvenient when you’re trying to build an empire.
I get it because, like most people, I’ve fallen on and off the exercise wheel. In the past few months, I’ve tried to exercise on my own, but it’s not happening. As such, I had to find ways to motivate myself. Here’s what has helped me find the time to work out.
Know your personality type.
The more I learn about business and personal development, the more I feel like knowing your personality type can make your life easier. This includes finding the time to work out.
For example, I’m an extrovert with a lot of energy and a lot on my plate. This means I need something fast, challenging and in a group setting. If I don’t have these three needs met then it’s just not happening for me. I also like to dance and I need variety.
I recently found a solution by attending SoulCycle classes. It’s a full-body workout in 45 minutes. It’s challenging, fun, fast and literally up the street from my apartment. This makes it easy for me to fit into my already busy schedule.
Know your natural rhythms.
Another thing that will help you find the time to work out is to know your natural rhythms. For example, I’m not a morning person. At least not for working out.
Mornings are my most creative time so that’s what I use for client work. For me, exercise is more about stress relief at the end of the day, not something that jump starts it.
If you’re not sure where your natural rhythms lie, I recommend tracking your energy levels for the next two weeks. When do you feel most energized? When does the mental fog start to kick in? When do you want to relax?
By knowing the answers to these questions, you’ll find the time to work out based on when you’re most inclined to do it.
Consider the alternative.
As I mentioned, I’ve tried to work out by myself the last few months and have failed. The good news is this showed me how I feel when I’m not working out. For the record, not very good. My energy levels drop, my mind is foggy and I don’t feel very good in my own body.
Sometimes we find the time to work out by remembering how terrible we feel when we’re not healthy. By remembering how messed up I feel when I’m not taking myself, I’m more inclined to find the time to work out.
Final Thoughts
Finding the time to work out is paramount to our health and therefore our business success. We can’t ignore this part of our lives and expect to show up to work. By using these tips, you’ll be more easily motivated to find the time to take care of you.
Amanda Abella
Amanda is a best-selling author of "Make Money Your Honey", a book that helps freelancers and business owners understand their relationship with money and how to make it more productive. She's driven by helping others live the most productive and fruitful way possible.