In working with hundreds of executive coaching clients over the past 18 years, I've definitely noted ONE HABIT that stands out more than any other as a truly LIFE-TRANSFORMING habit. Clients who have adopted this habit feel its effects in ALL areas of their life -- work life, family life, personal life, spiritual life, etc.
The habit of DAILY EXERCISE is the KEYSTONE HABIT I am referring to. It's earned the distinction of a KEYSTONE habit because it initiates, supports and sustains so many OTHER GREAT HABITS.
The impact of a DAILY EXERCISE habit is, without question, transformational. Consider the follow list of 25 Life-Changing Benefits of Daily Exercise -- clear evidence of its designation as a KEYSTONE habit:
- You lose weight, reduce your body fat percentage, improve your flexibility and muscle tone, and you look better
- You do a much better job of setting your boundaries; you're much more AWARE of those boundaries ... more than ever before
- You develop the habit of protecting your time for other things important to you -- time with your spouse, time with your kids, time with your friends, vacation time, weekend time, etc.
- Your overall energy level improves
- Your metabolism changes for the better; your body naturally burns more calories
- Your diet improves, which also positively improves your energy level and overall health
- You set a great example for others to follow - family, friends and work associates
- You feel better and are generally more productive
- You tend to get sick less often, missing fewer days of work. You also recover quicker when you do get sick.
- The habit of exercise re-frames and shifts your paradigm on time management and prioritization -- in all areas of your life
- You get MORE DONE in LESS TIME with SPARE ENERGY available
- Most people end up smoking less (or quitting altogether) - a change in habit that translates into hanging around with fewer smokers and more nonsmokers
- Most people consume less alcohol
- Most people sleep sounder and end up more fully rested when they wake up in the morning
- Most people end up watching less television
- Reading habits tend to change for the better -- you begin a more generalized focus on improving yourself and looking for books that help support that process
- Most people get more involved in outside activities ancillary to their workout routines
- They walk more
- They ride their bikes more
- They canoe, kayak, skate, swim, hike
- You become much more conscious of "in the moment" health and fitness thoughts and decisions
- You take the stairs instead of the elevator
- You eat the apple instead of the cookie
- You drink more water
- You forgo the fast food restaurant option more
- Stress levels are reduced and you feel more "in control" of your life
- Your sense of optimism and positivity improves; you tend to be "happier" in general
- Your confidence in setting and achieving goals increases -- in part because you've demonstrated to yourself that you can set and achieve (and many times exceed) fitness, weight and workout goals
- The people in your life -- your circle of friends in particular -- change; you're surrounded with more like-minded health and fitness-oriented friends and colleagues
- Your level of self-confidence increases, which readily translates into other areas of your life; you feel better about yourself overall
- Many people tend to "eat in" more, which for most, is a money-saving experience
- You're less prone to injuries and strains -- which translates into more available time to do the things that are important to you -- at work, at home and in your personal life
What other benefits and ancillary habits have you experienced by adopting the DAILY EXERCISE habit?
Andy Robinson, Executive Career Coach
Co-host, Career Success Radio Show
A leading authority on career success; 15-year executive coaching veteran
Contact: [email protected], 239-285-5575
Co-host, Career Success Radio Show
A leading authority on career success; 15-year executive coaching veteran
Contact: [email protected], 239-285-5575
Photo Credit: www.BigStockPhoto.com
Comments