FITNESS MATTERS
Make those changes, now
RAHUL S. VERGHESE
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Here is a simple plan to help you make 2009 the best year, yet, of your life.
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Dear Busy Reader,
You spend so much time figuring out what’s best for your business, your people, your department, and your family. But I am sure you barely spend time on plans for living your dream, and less so, on your very own personal goals.
Resolutions are made, hidden and then dusted at the end of the year for review, else forgotten by most of us who are less conscientious. Let this January be different.
Here is a simple plan that you make for yourself, to help you make 2009 the best year yet, of your life. I have got e-mails people saying “You changed my life”, which makes me feel great, but then I mail them back with stating that I have not done anything; they have worked to change their own lives. It’s a very uplifting experience for both.
Pyramid of benefits
After 25 years in the corporate world, and having started running after turning 40, I have started experiencing that health is just the base of the pyramid of benefits that accrue with any regular moderate exercise. The simplest of them all, running, takes the benefits further, and includes perseverance, self confidence and ultimately, unbridled optimism. I have put down some basic lifestyle indicators, which you can monitor periodically.
Don’t worry; it’s very simple. With 25 years at a desk, in meetings, jet lag, late nights, hotel food, skipping meals and more, I can empathise with each one of you, but just as I made a start a few years ago, I know you can too. And this is your own plan where you are the defendant, the judge and the jury; so let all hell break loose!
The important thing is to focus on a few key areas and, to get you started, I have put down my draft plan. I may be fitter than you on some parameters and worse off on many others. You may be worse off on all parameters, but that does not matter at all. This is not about you vs. anyone else; this is about you, now, and what you would like to be, and a very simple way to help you get there, and monitor things on a more holistic basis, and set forth moderate amendments in your basic lifestyle plan to help get there. For instance, I run marathons and very few others do, so that may be totally irrelevant for you, but it would be good to put in a plan to run in a 5km race, or to read a particular magazine or website etc on running. Why running? Because it is the simplest anytime, anywhere, any age, anyone, sport.
Key areas
I have highlighted a few key areas for myself to focus on in the year, and record status at the end of each quarter. This will keep me in check, realistic and focused on the learning for the task ahead to achieve my goals and revisit my slippages if any and to celebrate my successes as they happen. The end goal is not in the running itself but that is my recommendation as a simple means to an end. When people ask me, “Hey how is it that the answer for most issues seems to be running, according to you”, I tell them that when you start running regularly, you begin to get more conscious of different aspects of your lifestyle and start making modifications as you go along. And over time, the approach becomes more and more holistic.
A great way to keep you going is to do this along with someone else — friend, colleague, spouse — and energise each other. Join a running group in your vicinity. Check out the links at http://runningandliving.com/running_in_india.html.
You will be surprised at how much of a difference that can make and your progress on some, if not all the parameters you highlight today.
Print out this planner, think about your goals and jot them down. Pin this up on your desk, on your mirror, on your fridge , a soft copy on your PC, to see it every morning……
As I said: Surprise yourself. And have a wonderful 2009; your best year yet
Yours truly,
Rahul S. Verghese
The writer left a marketing career of 25 years with Unilever, Nestle and Motorola, in India and overseas to start a venture focused on promoting running. Check out www.runningandliving.com for more information
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