So your kids come home from school one day and they’re very excited about an upcoming fundraiser. It’s a 5K run. You chuckle and say, “You better start getting into shape.” They look at you sideways and say, “Oh no, we’re not going to be running. YOU are.” And they’ve already signed you up. You put a stoic smile on your face and nod your head, but on the inside, you’re running through the calculations. What exactly is a 5K? K means kilometer, right? How far is a kilometer? Is it more than a mile? No, it can’t be. They can’t possibly expect a bunch of middle-aged parents to run five miles, can they? You casually pick up your phone and Google 5K and you feel a little bit of relief. It’s just over three miles. That sounds doable. You’re in pretty good shape, although the most running you’ve done in the last five years is to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Are you going to be ready?
Ready. Set. Go! The most important word in that sequence is Ready. You can’t get yourself set, and you certainly can’t go anywhere, unless you’re ready first. One of my colleagues on the leadership team is a big fan of Peloton. She rides everyday and likes to quote her favorite instructor, Alex Toussant, who says, “Stay ready so you don't need to get ready.” We should always be ready to take action, take advantage of an opportunity...stay fit, stay poised, stay alert. Don't get caught snoozing on the couch when your big opportunity comes up.
And being in a state of readiness not only applies to areas of health and fitness, but to all key aspects of your life. Are you ready to see potential challenges in relationships as opportunities for growth? Are you ready inside of career to see opportunities that might easily miss your radar if you’re not paying attention? Now, I’m not talking about being constantly alert or on edge. That would mean we’re operating with the fight or flight sympathetic nervous system engaged. When I talk about being ready, what I mean is keeping both the nervous system and our physical health tuned up. Are you engaging in a regular routine of internal practice? Do you make a habit of checking in with yourself? Do you consistently maintain a healthy nutrition and fitness regimen?
Maintaining a state of readiness requires consistency and repetition. Following a regular routine keeps our bodies and minds in tip top shape. Obviously, if you’re already a runner, then you wouldn’t blink an eye at a 5K. But even if running isn’t your thing, by just committing to a basic workout, twenty or thirty minutes a day, your body will at least be ready to take it on. You might not be the one breaking the ribbon at the finish line, but you also won’t blow your heart out half way through the race. Of course, you don’t have to be fanatical about it. Enjoy a piece of cake, have a cheeseburger, give yourself a cheat day. Once in a while. But if you go the other way, if you choose the cheeseburger over a salad every night, and you don’t get your body moving at least once a day, the biggest thing you’ll need to be ready for is answering to the consequences to your health.
Our Power Series is designed to train thoughts and emotions that align with the outcomes we’re looking for. Our thoughts and emotions live in the nervous system, so if we want to be ready to spot opportunities when they present themselves, we need to keep the nervous system finely tuned. So if you’re ready to start being ready, or if you’re already engaging in a regular practice but could use a little work under the hood, click HERE to learn more about the Power Series and sign up today!