Have You Been Working Out?

Have you been working out?

 I love when a friend stops me and says 

“wow.  you’re looking good.  Have you been working out?" (that doesn't happen as often as I would like :)

So, I ask you - Have you been working out?

Chances are the answer is no.  Your reply is that you’re too busy.  Too much going on right now.  You admit you need to get back in the gym, after you get through your busy season. 

A mentor of mine said: "if you are too busy to exercise…  you’re too busy. " 

That hits me right between the eyes. No excuses. 

I want to take this beyond just exercise and healthy diet.  Consider this notion:

We should ALWAYS be in training

I love Tim Tebow.  I know there are many opinions about his football skills and the hype around his popularity.  However, the quality I love about Tebow is that he is always in training mode.  He has conditioned himself to be at peak performance level.  Even though he is not currently playing for a football team, he understands the importance of preparing himself so he is ready when opportunity comes.  He is doing more than just working towards a goal of winning some games; he is on a journey of perpetual excellence and discipline.  

That inspires me.  That motivates me.

You and I need to be training ourselves in the areas of our gifting and our life’s work (our calling, if you will.) If you are newly married, you need to train to be a good spouse.  If you are a new parent, you need to train in parenting.  If you are a manager at work, you need to train in learning the art of good management.  Not good with finances? train yourself in learning spreadsheets and systems that will get you on track.

Become a master.  Train and practice.  Watch videos, read books, attend a class.  Get feedback.  Have a teachable attitude.  Preparation, preparation, preparation.  Prepare - write it down - then, tomorrow, look at your notes and edit them again.  Put time and focus into whatever you give yourself to.  The laundry can wait.  Let the lawn stay long through the weekend.  Don’t watch the re-runs on tv.  Invest yourself today.

1. Training is a mindset

Don’t wait until opportunity comes to start preparing.  Prepare yourself everyday - starting NOW!

2. Training takes focus

What are you going to cut out of your schedule so that you can train with focus and clarity? Don’t give in to the myth that you must keep carrying everything that you are carrying in your life.  Let some things fall away and fall behind and start blocking out some time for personal training.

3. Training costs you something

If you think you can’t afford a class or buying a book, I would say YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO.  In your life, you are either investing or you are drifting.  Don’t let life just happen to you: make your life!

Reflect on your life - what is important to you? what is your dream? 

Begin taking on a training mindset.  You are not training just for where you are currently - you are training for where you are headed.