It’s All About The Start

Last fall I set a goal to not only run my first half marathon in 11 years but also to set a new personal record.  Needless to say prepping for a half takes a lot of time and energy.  Due to also participating in the Market to Market relay, my training program was extended to a total of three months.  During the second month I was really beginning to feel the fatigue hangover which was affecting other aspects of my life.    I spent so much time running I ended up finishing my days staring aimlessly at the TV or my social media apps.  Those who know me well know I watch very little TV and limit my time on social media.  This was a true sign of the derailment of my typical life routine.  When I would attempt to read a book my eyes moved but the words were not being absorbed.  As the balance of my physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies fell further and further out of balance I began to realize how frazzled, unmotivated, and just how close to hot mess status I was beginning to feel.  It was time to make some adjustments.  I didn’t really have any ideas of how to meet the commitments of my days without being so drained and lethargic that I would still have energy to be astute to the other facets of my being, but I knew I had to find something to help me make a change.

I absolutely love to read and am always taking book recommendations.  A couple friends had mentioned the book “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod and raved about the positive effects it had on their lives.  I decided to check it out and have since been astounded by the impact it has had on my life.  I have not always been a big fan of the mornings, but with time I have slowly shifted my routine to work an early in/early off work schedule.  This book recommends starting your day by setting your intentions through six specific steps (SAVERS).  The most arduous factor for me was the requisite of waking even earlier to make it happen.  I knew if I was going to remain committed to waking earlier than I already did the payout was going to have to be unequivocally positive.  It has not disappointed.  In a nutshell here is what the book suggests incorporating into your everyday routine:

For me the SAVERS has been a lifesaver.  Writing down my gratitude list, goals, visualizing my life with those goals achieved, and reading affirmations at the beginning of everyday puts me in a positive mindset to take on the rest of the day.  When adversity occurs my commitment to resiliency is much higher than it was prior to establishing this routine.  I am far more amenable in responding to any unexpected circumstances which might arise.  While the book suggests rising an hour early to complete all six of these items every morning, you can customize this routine to what works for you.  I do not exercise in the morning, but do so after work as I have always done.  I am a creature of habit.  It goes without saying, devoting time for mental, spiritual, and emotional personal development first thing in the day while I have the energy prevents me from not getting anything out of it later in the day when I am exhausted.  Aside from feeling more positive, more focused, and more enthusiastic about life, I also saw my running times naturally hasten after a couple weeks of practicing this routine.  Our human bodies naturally work more efficiently when we are able to establish and maintain a balance between our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical bodies.  It is much easier for us to address and give energy to the tangible demands and aspects of life.  However, the intangible sides of us are equally as important in order to live up to our optimal potential.  The key is in keeping it all balanced.

Disclaimer:  I am not getting any kickbacks for making this book recommendation.  This is just an honest and genuine attestation to something which has significantly impacted my attitude and ability to make desired achievements in life.  I am always seeking book recommendations.  Please leave your favorite nonfiction reads in the comments below.  My read list needs rejuvenating.  I wish you a wonderful week of balance and personal lifesaver seeking.  Thanks for stopping by!

Peace & Love,

Janessa