All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. 

Sheer profundity and wisdom from the pen of C.S. Lewis. There have been many who have echoed that sentiment, including arguably the greatest sales coach and motivational speaker ever born, Jim Rohn, who is famously quoted as saying, “It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go.” So simple and so true.

The hands of time tick ever onward for all of us, and it is down to each of us to decide what to do with that time.

Do we take the weight off, kick back and relax, eating and drinking whatever we want because we can and who cares? Or do we push ever onward seeking a nirvana of golden unicorns gambolling in a sunny glade beside a gushing spring of clear water (or whatever the epitome of your ultimate goal happens to be)? 

Or, perhaps we could understand that life has a way of happening whenever we make plans, and that getting healthier (or fitter, or stronger) takes place on a continuum, with really unhealthy at one end and the healthiest we could be at the other. We know the direction of travel we want to go in – hopefully towards the healthy end of the spectrum – but understand that there will be setbacks and possible diversions along the way. The trick is to get back on track as quickly as possible, using the habits we have built up along the way which will allow us to be as consistent as we possibly can.

The current ‘Habit Master’, James Clear has something to say about this: “In theory, consistency is about being disciplined, determined, and unwavering. In practice, consistency is about being adaptable. Don’t have much time? Scale it down. Don’t have much energy? Do the easy version. Find different ways to show up depending on the circumstances. Let your habits change shape to meet the demands of the day. Adaptability is the way of consistency.” 

In previous newsletters we have examined the topics of building habits and of being consistent. You’ll also find a phrase that I have used a lot – Do what you can, when you can, with what you’ve got.

When life throws you a curve ball or, to paraphrase Jim Rohn, a strong wind that takes you off course momentarily, find a way to do whatever you can to get back on track. If that means only doing five minutes of exercise, because that’s all you can manage as a work or family schedule means you can’t do your full workout, then do that five minutes! It is certainly better than not doing anything. And yes, your mind will try to con you out of it – “Really? Five minutes? What a joke! What’s the point?”. But being adaptable and deciding what to do with the time that is given to you to make the most of it is an awesome way of doing your best to stay on track.

I’d love to be able to help you stay on track. Whether that is with programmed five minute bodyweight workouts you can do at your desk, or full gym strength and conditioning workouts in the gym, and everything else in between. Get in touch with me, and let’s see how we can work together to have you dancing with those golden unicorns in that sunny glade (or maybe ‘just’ getting you fitter, stronger, leaner and healthier 😃💪).