Entrepreneurs Are Athletes

"The same qualities that make someone a successful athlete can also make them a successful entrepreneur—discipline, competitive spirit, and the ability to push oneself beyond perceived limits." - Daymond John

Be 1% better every day with regular exercise. In just 6 weeks, you'll improve your memory, reduce mental fatigue and brain fog, increase both physical and mental stamina, and be well on your way to making the most of each workday. With Harvard studies proving exercise increases brain capacity, your productivity and creativity will be at an all-time high.

Starting a fitness journey can be tough because our brains are wired to crave instant rewards, stick to what feels safe, and the comfort of familiarity. Even though we know exercise is so beneficial to our health and well-being, forming a habit out of it can be a real challenge thanks to these natural inclinations. Here are some tips to start your fitness journey and ACTUALLY stick with it.

1. Find Your Why: Motivation is a great catalyst to starting any new habit, but it's your intrinsic reasoning, AKA your "why", that will keep you going when your habit stops feeling new and exciting. As a professional, exercise has so many career-boosting benefits such as improved creativity, stress reduction, better work-life balance and increased energy. Take some time to really think. Why do you want to change your life?
2. Set Concrete Goals: Establishing a clear objective gives us the push required to overcome stagnation. Whether your goal is to run a half marathon, gain 20 pounds, mastering a challenge-specific exercise, like handstands, make it a SMART goal. Start with realistic, short-term goals to foster a sense of progress, gradually expanding your aspirations as you accomplish each milestone. Consistency is key, and maintaining a visual reminder of your objectives— through journaling or creating a vision board—can serve as a constant source of inspiration.

3. What Inspires You?: On days when motivation is out the window, drawing inspiration from sources you love can reignite your fire. Find creators, books, people or anything else that aligns with your why. I spent the last full moon planning my next projects, fitness routines and defining my limiting beliefs with a friend. Spending time with like-minded people can keep you both accountable and inspired. After all, Jim Rohn says that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with, so make them amazing. Surrounding yourself with inspiring people will help keep the fire inside you lit and help keep you committed to a healthier lifestyle.

4. Get Up & Go: Sometimes, the most challenging step is the first one—the decision to act despite wavering motivation. Establishing a routine lays the groundwork for long-term success. If you want to learn more about habits and routines, I HIGHLY recommend the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. Short on time? Just a 15-minute workout will reinforce your new habit and set the tone for the rest of the day. Make your fitness journey a priority, get up and go!

5. Change It Up: Monotony is the adversary of sustained commitment. The same workout every day will get boring. In order to stick to your new fitness routine, you'll want to keep it fun and mix up your workouts. I started by only using the elliptical. Needless to say, I got bored after the second week. Once I started experimenting with the machines and weights at the gym, I woke up every morning excited to get to the gym. Then when I wanted a new challenge, I incorporated yoga, and now running. The possibilities are endless. I believe that living a healthy lifestyle has to be exciting and achievable, and sticking to one exercise for the rest of your life is BORING. Each day I have a new workout planned, and I wake up with new excitement to try it.

Here are some ideas to try out if you're stuck:

- Weight training

- High-Intensity Interval Training

- Go for a run on the beach, park, with your dog, explore new trails etc.

- Take a long walk while catching up with a friend or listening to a podcast

- Go swimming

- Relax with some yoga

- Pilates

- Kayaking or canoeing

- Join a recreational sports league

- Hiking

- Skiing or snowboarding

6. Start Small: Begin by incorporating small, manageable changes into your routine—whether it's increasing water intake, reducing sugar consumption, or committing to a few weekly gym sessions—building momentum as you progress. If a regular workout routine is your goal, start with two days a week and go from there. Start with lighter weights until your form is perfected. Soon you'll be feeling less stressed, clear-headed, energized and inspired for your next project.