Did you walk your dog today?

Anyone who has a dog knows, without a doubt, that their beloved furry friend will get to go on a walk every day. You will move around your schedule, get soaked in the rain, freeze in the snow, or even hire someone when you are traveling - but the walk WILL HAPPEN. So why doesn't the same apply to the things that you know you need to do for your own health, happiness, and effectivity? ?

Why Did I Stop Walking??

When my wife and I had our golden retrievers, we were the same way – we walked every evening, no matter what. Because we knew that they needed us to do that for their health. And for those 2 furballs, we would have done anything. But as soon as they both passed away (it was cancer – but don’t cry, they lived amazing lives!), we stopped walking. And you know what? We need to walk every day for our health too! So why did we stop? Why did we choose to take care of their health, but not our own??

There are so many things that you already know would make you stronger, smarter, faster, and more effective as a leader both at work and at home. And the same things would make you healthier and happier as a human being. Why aren’t you doing them??

The Answer is Tough, But Here’s Some Thoughts?

In Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules For Life (great book!), he gives a few reasons why he thinks we don’t take care of ourselves. And the main one boils down to the fact that we don’t believe we are worthy of being cared for in the same way that we think a completely innocent baby or pet should be. And while I think this may have some truth at a deeper psychological level, I think there is much more low hanging fruit that we can address so that we take care of ourselves.?

What are some of the more straightforward reasons? First, we respond much more strongly to our fear of pain than we do to the pursuit of improvement. When I am told I have a health concern that threatens my life, I will quickly and sometimes drastically change my diet and daily practices. But if someone tells me to eat healthy food now to prevent life-threatening illnesses 10-20 years from now, then my resolve may not last more than a week or two.?

Second, I am just plain lazy sometimes. Life can be tiring – you work all day, give energy to your family in the evening, take care of the home, and take care of all those who depend on you. After all of that, it is much easier to sit on the sofa and watch a good show than to work out at 8:30 or 9pm. ?

Third, we chase instant gratification – things like wealth, people liking us, appreciation from the opposite sex, or even an appreciative smile from a loved one. If I was still 20 and trying to impress my wife when we first met, and I knew walking everyday was going to do this, then walking wouldn’t be an issue. If I know working 60 hours a week will earn a certain amount of money this year, then I’m in. But what about working on something 60 hours a week to make money in 3 or 5 years? Much more difficult.?

So What Do We Do??

Fundamentally, how do I take care of myself as if I was someone that I am responsible for, like a dog or even a child? Perhaps the solution can be taken in stages.?

Use your desire for gratification to your advantage. Pick a single item, do it without fail, and reap the rewards. As you celebrate this achievement and receive its benefit, you gain the confidence and the dopamine rush you need to continue on the path. Instead of starting an entire workout routine, start doing 5,10, or 20 pushups every day (heck, start with 3 if you need to!). This takes no time and can be done in the morning or at night. Within 2 weeks, you will already see that you can do more than when you started. And you will see your muscles getting stronger or more tone.?

Let’s say that isn’t enough to keep you motivated. Then make up a reward. After 2 weeks of pushups, you’ll go to the restaurant that you saw online, or get that amazing salted caramel ice cream that you love. After 4 weeks, you get a new watch, or pair of shoes. After 12 weeks, you get to plan a weekend trip! Once you make it 4-6 weeks, you will have formed a habit, and you will have started to see results that will keep motivating you. ?

Some other examples of easy small items to start with? Let’s say you want to have a morning routine – meditating, reading, or even working out. The only task you need to hold yourself accountable for the first 2-4 weeks is waking up at the same time every day. Once you wake up, get out of bed, and get ready, you can do whatever you want - read, browse online, or even go back to sleep. Your reward is just for waking up. Trust me – after you’ve done this for 4 weeks, you will naturally be able to add in the other activities. But don’t start with the need to wake up at the same time every day, work out for 30 minutes, meditate for 30 minutes, and read – it is just too much.?

There is a second, hidden benefit to doing this. Doing one thing, ANYTHING, with discipline for an extended period of time (3+ months) builds your resolve and mental strength so that you can overcome the excuses or laziness that prevent you from doing a second thing. This is training your mind to overcome the inertia that you naturally have. ?

From my own experience, I will tell you that this starts to naturally overcome the “worthiness” issue that Peterson raised above. As I start to do 2 or 3 things regularly that make me healthier, happier, and more productive, then my own beliefs about myself change. I start to create a deeper belief that I am strong, capable, and worthy – which encourages me to take care of myself even more (along with taking better care and spreading more positive energy to those around me!). ?

Start NOW!?

So consider this my challenge to you – start the first small piece of something that you have known for a long time will make you a stronger, healthier human being and leader. Don’t make it large or imposing. And create a tangible reward for doing it consistently for 2 weeks, even if that feels cheesy. ?

And if you have any ideas or reflections on how you get motivated to do the things that make you better, then share in the comments so we can all use them too!?

About Us?

Maneva Group is a?woman and minority owned?national?Executive Search firm focusing on the social sector,?with expertise in completely managing the recruiting process, curating diverse and exceptionally qualified candidate pools,?and advising C-suite executives and board members through crucial hiring decisions.???

If you want to discuss hiring impactful leaders for your organization, reach out to me at? [email protected] . We will schedule a no-cost, no obligation 30-minute consultation to discuss how to meet your goals.?