Recently I asked a friend why he didn’t train with me. He replied that he had so much on his plate and was so busy that he couldn’t fit anything else into it. It got me to thinking. In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for personal pursuits can seem like an impossible task. With work, family commitments, social obligations, and the myriad of responsibilities that come with modern life, it’s easy to let important activities like training fall by the wayside. However, for those passionate about self-improvement, or one who’s life may be on the line, carving out time for physical fitness, self-defense, skill development, or personal growth training is essential.
The first step in making time for training is to establish clear and achievable goals. Whether you’re aiming to get in better shape, learn new defensive strategies, or simply sharpening those you already have, having specific objectives will give your training purpose and motivation. Break down your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks, and prioritize them based on their importance and relevance to your overall objectives.
Take a critical look at how you spend your time each day and identify activities that could be considered time wasters. This could include excessive social media scrolling, watching TV, or spending too much time on non-essential tasks. I hear the lack of time excuse often when speaking with potential clients. We always claim to never have time, yet they can tell me who won the latest sports contest, what happened on their favorite sitcom, and what the latest celebrity gossip is. By eliminating or reducing these time sinks, you can free up valuable hours for training.
Once you’ve identified pockets of time in your day, create a schedule that includes dedicated training sessions. Treat these sessions as non-negotiable appointments with yourself and prioritize them just like you would any other important commitment. Whether it’s early morning workouts, lunchtime cardio, or evening skill-building sessions, consistency is the key to progress.
Incorporate training into activities you’re already doing. For example, listen to podcasts or audiobooks related to your training goals during your commute or while doing household chores. You can also combine socializing with exercise by inviting friends or family to join you for a workout or practice session. Having someone to whom you are accountable helps keep you on the path, especially when it comes to working out early in the morning.
Life is unpredictable, and there will inevitably be days when your best-laid plans are disrupted. Instead of letting these setbacks derail your training, embrace flexibility, find alternative ways to stay active and engaged. Whether it’s a quick bodyweight workout at home or a few minutes of meditation during a hectic day, every little bit counts towards your progress. A good friend of mine, Neal Bryant, once said, “A little bit every day is better than a lot once in a while.”
Remember to prioritize self-care and rest alongside your training efforts. Adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, and stress management are essential for optimal performance and recovery. (We did an entire blog series on the Code of the Warrior that you can view here) By taking care of your physical and mental well-being, you’ll be better equipped to tackle your training goals with energy and enthusiasm.
Finally, stay motivated by celebrating your progress and acknowledging the positive impact that training has on your life. Surround yourself with supportive peers, seek inspiration from role models in your field, and remind yourself of the reasons why you started your training journey in the first place. Stay away from the scale! All too often those looking to lose weight tend to track their progress by stepping on the weight scale. However, if you are working out, you may also be gaining muscle so your weight will fluctuate often. Taking pictures in 90-day periods will give you a much better, more accurate depiction of your progress. And don’t be afraid to adjust your goals or approach as needed to stay engaged and excited about your training. Our Centurion Holdings, LLC Full Body Workout Program is available here.
In conclusion, making time for training is not about finding extra hours in the day, but rather about prioritizing what truly matters to you. By setting clear goals, managing your time effectively, and staying flexible in the face of challenges, you can create a sustainable training routine that fits seamlessly into your busy life. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start making time for the things that bring you closer to your goals. Your future self will thank you for it!