Every waking day is a challenge to stay on track. I’m not just talking about fitness. I’m talking about your career, pursuing your passions and probably every other aspect of life that demands your full attention. It’s not easy to take the reins and consistently be in control. More often than not, we let all the noise around us mess with our heads, which ultimately affects our performance.
I’m listing down three very simple, yet highly effective ways to stay on top of your game. This isn’t a one time thing, though. No magic pills to pop. No instant results. Because just like any other art or any other sport, you have to make it a part of you in order to be GREAT.
- PRACTICE Pratyahara and Dharana. Two of the 8 limbs of yoga and also a couple of my favourites. Pratyahara is Sanskrit for withdrawal and or control of the senses. It’s the practice of looking internally, in order to stay aware but not easily distracted. Dharana (immovable concentration) on the other hand, immediately follows when you hold an object of focus in your mind.
How do you practice these two? Sit still for at least five minutes, holding just one thought as point of focus or perhaps even having a competely clear mind. What’s a good focal point to stick with? Your breath. Just observe every inhalation and exhalation. Build up to a longer practice in increments of 5 minutes and work your way up to 20 or 30 minutes depending on how much time you have.
2. DRAW LISTS, KEEP LISTS. Write down whatever you have to accomplish in bite-sized pieces. Ones you can easily tick off at the end of the day or week. Use an actual pen and notebook and dump all that’s taking up space in your head so you have room to breathe and work on each one. Go beyond your regular task list for the day, we’re talking about every tiny step you need to make to become healthier, better and to get ahead. Need to start adding more greens to your diet? Write it down and tick off after your’ve shopped for groceries. Need to add an extra mile to your run this week? Write that ish down!
Out of sight, out of mind. Keep your thoughts out of your head but in close enough so you can continue acting on them. Write everything down in a handy journal or planner you can always take with you. If you need to work out more often, calendar it! Write it down or set a reminder on your phone. Make it an important appointment with your biggest boss: YOURSELF.
At the end of day, it’s not just about the things you need to do or things you’ve already accomplished. It’s also about being able to find contentment in whatever it is that the often generous, sometimes playful universe, throws your way. Keep a gratitude list and look back at them whenever you need a lift of spirits. There’s also nothing wrong with becoming someone another person could be thankful for at the end of his/her day. Small deeds go a long way.
Karma: sometimes a bitch, but always a two-way street.
3. INDULGE CONSCIOUSLY. There’s really no sense in feeling guilty about every calorie you take in. Or taking a leave from work when you feel so out of it or skipping a workout for one day. That doesn’t make you a failure. That makes you human. Welcome to the club, there are more than 7 billion of us. Turn down that guilt and it becomes mindfulness. If you’re eating cake, then might as well really go for it! You’re going to fall out of the wagon a hundred more times in the future. Get used to it. Just keep climbing back on and stay for as long as you can. No regets, no negative energy.
You ready to find focus?
Featured here: The adidas ZNE hoodie and pants, Pureboost X and Techfit bra. Available at all adidas stores today.
