Finding the time to work out

I remember the first time I told someone I just don't have the time to do whatever-it-was, and he said back to me, "You know, we all have the same amount of time." Yeah, I know. Thanks for the insight.

Once I got over being pissed off at his superior tone, I realized that he was right. He was, after all, just saying that what we accomplish depends on what we prioritize. Of course we can't fit everything into our busy schedules, so we have to prioritize our to-do lists, written or mental, to make sure the things that are most important do get done.

At some point, getting into shape moved up my priority list. I think I probably owe that fact to my brother, because really, dammit, how was he gonna be in shape while I was a fat slob? It's that competitive nature. I mean, I don't have to be in better shape than him -- it's not like that -- but I'll be damned if he's going to just leave me in the dust.

So I prioritized working out. I set aside an hour or hour and a half every day to do it. And I did it.

How about you? Maybe you don't have even an hour to set aside, but how about a half hour, or fifteen minutes? Get started with what little time you do have and you may be surprised. Your physical improvements may lead to your giving a workout even more priority, even more time, and next thing you know ... boom ... now you do have an hour or hour and a half to get it done.

Don't fool yourself that a lack of time prevents you from getting into shape. That's just an excuse -- and, honestly, maybe a good one -- being in shape may really not be a top priority for you -- but be sure to analyze your motives and what has hold of your time before you decide you don't have enough.