How Entrepreneurs Can Balance a Hectic Schedule and Physical Fitness

You would think that being in the fitness industry lets me maintain a healthy lifestyle and focus on my physical well-being. But, just like any entrepreneur reading this, there are no fixed work hours and I am constantly on the move. While I have made it my life’s mission to ensure that people have access to various options for a healthy lifestyle, my physical fitness may have taken a backseat; if I had not treated it like another business meeting that I cannot miss.?

Your business is your baby and it is natural for you to put it above all else. But, to keep going, your body and mind need to function like well-oiled machines. If not, the grind of being an entrepreneur can take its toll on you.?

In this newsletter, I will take you through some really simple things that you can do to incorporate fitness into your busy schedule. And, there is a bonus for entrepreneurs. I will share some similarities between building a business and maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well. As a game, I suggest that you start thinking about how the two are similar at the back of your mind. And, if you think that I missed some similarities, let me know in the comments below.??

Why Fitness is So Important For Entrepreneurs

Fitness is important for everyone! But, being an entrepreneur comes with many challenges that can actually be overcome by working out every day:?

• It keeps you focused: When you work out and go through that final rep without giving up even though you are exhausted, it does wonders for your ability to focus. Did you know that chess players, whose game doesn’t really require physical exertion,? indulge in activities like running and swimming so that they can endure mentally exhausting chess matches??
• Unlimited motivation: That feeling of wanting to do more when you achieve your fitness goals, gives you an added source of motivation. This will even extend to your business when it becomes a habit.?
• Better sleep: For entrepreneurs, it is almost impossible to just switch their minds off. This is one of the primary reasons why most struggle with sleep and it has a cascading effect on everything that they do. Now, unfortunately, there is no ‘off’ button for the brain. So, the next best thing is to tire the body out so that you can sleep well. Better sleep also means a better ability to cope with stress.?
• Improves creativity: It is a known fact that working out releases those happy hormones. And, given the focus, motivation, and good rest that comes with working out, you are bound to be able to think better.
• Stronger immunity: Entrepreneurs don’t have the option of ‘sick leaves’. How many times have you felt that immense guilt when you missed work because you were sick? Of course, you should take it easy when you are unwell. But, when you work out regularly, you build stronger immunity and will fall ill less often.?

How Do You Balance Work and Physical Fitness

These tips are easy to follow. And, I can tell you this confidently because this is what I apply to my own fitness regime:?

• Set a time and stick to it: You know your schedule and it is certainly possible to set aside some time in a day for working out. It may require you to wake up, maybe an hour earlier than usual. But, it will be completely worth it. And, treat this time like you would any meeting. Do your best to avoid missing it, even when you are traveling.?
• Keep it short: A good, focused workout of about 30-45 minutes is good enough to keep you going. You don’t have to train for hours in the gym. And, avoid distractions when working out so you can be in and out quickly. That means, no browsing through the smartphone and avoiding unwanted banter ( networking is important, yes. But, it is okay to be picky or politely excuse yourself when your day is busy.)
• Make realistic goals: Small, but achievable goals are important when you are training. If you start out being very unrealistic, you will be demotivated faster than you think.? On the flip side, your entrepreneurial brain will want more when you achieve the goals that you have set.?
• Learn a little bit about fitness: I am not saying you need to be an expert. But, learn some basics that will help you work out when you cannot access a gym or a trainer. Let us say, you need to travel for work. Learning how to use a resistance band or effective bodyweight exercises will let you stick to your schedule even when you are on the go.?
• Delegate tasks: This is business advice that will help you make time for yourself, too. Try to delegate tasks that you don’t have to do. That will leave you with some extra time that you can use to train.?

Bonus: Why Working Out Is Like Building a Business?

Nothing motivates an entrepreneur more than building a business. So, I am certain that this last bit will hit the home run if you are not already convinced about the benefits of working out.?

• It’s all about discipline: When you work for yourself, no one is watching over you. But, you still set goals and make sure that you achieve them. You have a schedule, even though you are not bound by work timings. The same discipline can be extended to working out, too.?
• You have to commit: You had an idea and you committed to it. That is how your entrepreneurial journey began. Now, when you have made the decision to start training, you just have to bring in this commitment.?
• They are both goal-oriented: No amount of training will help you if you do not have goals. Just like business where the grind is of no use if you are not working towards a fixed goal.?
• You have to show up no matter what: In the end, the most successful entrepreneurs are the ones who showed up even when they were down in the dumps. Similarly, whether you had a busy day, had to sleep late, or ‘just don’t feel like it’, you have to show up and work out to achieve those goals.?
• Mindset matters: If you have the right mindset, you can balance work and work out like cake walk. The right mindset means to keep constantly motivating yourself and going all in.?

As an entrepreneur, the journey is never easy. Having good health by your side will make all the difference. I wish you the best. And hope that you will pay more attention to your physical fitness.?