Call me greedy if you like but I want both. We all know the struggles of maintaining the work and exercise balance. If managed correctly the two can feed off of each other. Staying fit has proven to help alleviate those problems. I have not always maintained that balance when the demands of running a business became overwhelming. As a member of the U. S. Army, and entrepreneur running a marketing agency, I learned a lot about discipline and motivation which helps to keep me focused today. As a successful business owner you already have those traits of discipline and motivation. It is a matter of shifting them to other positive habits.

This may seem obvious but it has to be mentioned. Set reasonable goals. What are you trying to accomplish? Knowing your goals will tell you how to proceed. Do you want to meet a mate? OK, then you need weight lifting, cardio, and change of diet and you need to start yesterday. Do we want to relieve stress? OK, you can start walking or running around your schedule. Do you want to relieve stress and have more energy? OK, you start with something fun and easy and add to it as you improve. Knowing where to start will get you where you are going. Other goals to consider will be based on your level of fitness. If you have never worked out or it has been a long time since you worked out my suggestion would be to start slow and easy. When I was in the Army we routinely ran or worked out five times a week. At the time I was easily running seven to eight minute miles. I tell you that to let you in on my mindset when I started running again after a 20 year hiatus. I had set unrealistic goals for myself that almost destroyed my esteem and motivation. I was devastated that I could not even finish two miles without stopping. It seemed, at the time, like a waste of time. It is OK to set those goals small with the intent in raising them later. The feeling of accomplishment in the beginning will fuel you to the next workout.

Now that you have your goals laid out it is time to write them down. Literally. It is time to get out your appointment book and schedule working out. Yes, I understand you are busy and have a company to run. I get it. What is more important than your health? Schedule working out just like it is an important meeting with a new client. Before you know it you will be looking forward to working out. What has worked for me is to sign up for an event. I like obstacle courses but there are plenty out there to choose from. I run three or four a year as well as the occasional 5k for charity. When I know I have something coming up that I have already paid for and planned then that motivates me to get to work. I know what I ran it in last year so I have a time to beat. Who better to compete against than yourself?

There are plenty of other tips or techniques from a myriad of sources but these can help anyone get started. What it comes down to is motivation and dedication. The only person who can make you go to the gym is you. If you show up you are halfway there. Even if you are having a bad day or do not feel well then just show up. A bad day working out is better than not working out. Be safe and show up.

This is going to sound harsh. If you are not making an effort to exercise and take care of yourself then you are being selfish. You are being selfish to your family, friends, employees, and neighbors. All of these people in one way or another rely on you. Are there reasons to be selfish? Do it because you want to look good. Do it because you want to feel better. Do it for yourself. Be selfish and show up.