Last week, I suggested scheduling your workout and putting it on the calendar as one of the ways to stick to an exercise program. But let’s be honest, exercise may not always be an appointment that is important enough to keep. Before you can actually stick to your program, it has to become a priority.
As we move halfway through our top list, this is where the rubber meets the road. Have you ever said, “Exercise is important to me, but I just can’t find the time.” The truth is where you spend your time demonstrates what is important to you. If you want to really know what is important to you, look at where and how you spend your time each day.
Does My Time Equal My Priorities?
There are times in my life when things get so hectic, I have to stop and evaluate if I am putting my time toward what I say is a priority to me.
Am I being truthful if I say God is important to me, yet do not take time each day to spend quiet time with Him? Can I say my husband is a priority, yet, our only spoken words each day are good morning and good night? What if I never spent quality time with my children just to play and talk? What would they benefit from me as a mother? And can I honestly say, my health is important, yet never take at least 30 minutes for myself to get in a little exercise.
Determine Your Priorities?
Here is a little challenge that takes courage. Spend a few minutes and make a list of the top five most important things to you. Now make another list of how you spend your time from the moment you wake up until you go to bed. Don’t forget things like checking email and Facebook, watching the news and favorite TV show, or talking on the phone. All of which can be beneficial, educational and/or helpful, but do they support your priorities and are you using your time wisely?
The Bible gives us guidance on how to use our time in Ephesians 5:15-16: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
If you are ready to make yourself a priority, be wise with your time and eliminate or alter those things that are unnecessary at this time in your life. You may discover you have an extra 20-30 minutes to design a program that you can stick with and actually fits your lifestyle.
Number 5 on our list of ways to stick to an exercise program:
MAKE IT A PRIORITY
Is it for you?
In Good Health,
Crystal
