The perfect day....

After a few conversations this past week with friends, it is apparent that I need some serious help. Most of you knew that already! But really, I have gotten into the habit of just living for work - not doing too much for me.

See it is ALOT easier to get into my work mode than deal with straightening up my life. Funny how we tend to flock with similar creatures. Most of the folks I hang out with have the same concern. So, I’ll get right to the point on this post - I want to share a challenge that I have set for myself, and your are more than welcomed to join in.

If I play my cards right this will be an opportunity to learn and grow. I know what you’re thinking, “I don’t want to learn and grow, I want to ( fill in the blank)!” Trust me, this one activity could mean the difference between enjoying your dreams or not.

Everyone that I have met has a dream lifestyle. I was once asked by a friend, what my perfect “average” day would be like. I told him that it would start early in the morning so I could watch the sunrise while exercising, and in my mind, I still know what kind of day I would like to have everyday if I could choose.

In thinking about it today, it would include time spent reading literature (perhaps poetry), learning how to improve my business, helping other people somewhere and somehow, spending quality time with my family, getting adequate exercise, spending time in prayer, enjoying the outdoors, making the most of my hours spent working (high efficiency and productivity), and time spent relaxing. It sounds like a lot to fit into one day, but I think I can do it with the right mindset and a little planning.

So, tomorrow, I am going strive towards having a perfect day – a day that is optimized for not only my athletic and fitness goals, but for all of my lifestyle goals. Granted, this is probably impossible since there are so many unexpected things that CAN happen to put a wrench in my progress.

Regardless, my goal will be to do everything in my power to push towards achieving my goal, if only for one day – even if something comes up to put a stop to my progress.

Here is my idea of a perfect day and what I want to accomplish tomorrow, Saturday, March 29, 2008:

Be up by 7:00 am

Perform a full body joint mobility routine outside in the fresh air.

Eat three large, nutrient dense meals, and have at least two snacks

Begin work early, and try to finish main projects by noon.

Take 5-10 minutes to brainstorm ways to improve my business

Read some fictitious literature

Study something that will help me improve my business.

Study something regarding improving health, burning fat, or increasing athleticism

Spend unhurried time with either friends, family or both

Spend time in focused exercises that will help me reach my goals

Go for a brisk walk or spend time moving around outdoors (outside being the key)

Take time to “play”

Turn off computer by 6:00 pm – all work must be done by this time

Brush and floss my teeth twice

Contact an old friend that I haven’t spoken with in awhile

Help someone without having anything to gain from it

Write something, anything – educational article, reflective journal, a letter to someone (e-mail doesn’t count)

Those are just some of my ideas of a perfect day – I’m sure you may have a completely different list. But think about it, how cool would life be if we all picked a day this week and came up with a list of goals to accomplish that day. It can be as long as you want it to be, longer or shorter than mine.

The key is to plan out in advance everything that you will have to do to make this day perfect. For instance, I want to cook three nutrient-dense meals tomorrow, I will be going to the grocery store today and deciding on my meals for tomorrow. This way, I'll be as prepared as I can for the big day.

I realize this can take the spontonatity out of an "off" day, but the truth is that dreams will not come without persistence and sacrifice. Here are some strategies that I am going to use to make this experiment a little easier:

* I am going to have to cut out some things from my day to fit in activities. For instance, in my case, cutting out couch time in front of the TV could free up plenty of time to go for a walk or spend time with a family member or friend.

** I'm not married but if I were, I'd make sure that I would tell my spouse about what I'm doing in advance so that they wouldn't give me that puzzled look when all of a sudden I'm in “super-mode.”

*** Finally, I'm going to write out my goals/list on paper, even if I know I can remember everything. This will be my checklist for the day of. Then, tomorrow, the day of my experiement, I'm going to write down everything I do - EVERYTHING, with time slots. Every hour of the day will be accounted for in writing so that I can get a very good perspective as to how much time I spent on specific activities and more importantly how much time I waste.

Now, I think I have it covered, and I feel like I'm equipped for the challenge. But honestly, this type of activity is only valuable if you are actively choosing to seek improvement in your life - For sure it’s not a secret formula or a quick-fix solution, it’s just an honest way to seek success. Care to join me? It will give us something to talk about next time we meet. Now go get ‘em!

Til Next Time....