Habits: The Secrets to an Olympian Life

Are you missing the Olympics as much as we are?  Gary loves the Olympics so much that in June he went to watch the Olympic Swim Trials in Omaha, Nebraska. We couldn’t get enough of them and watched them in Minneapolis, Madeline Island, and Rhinelander, Wisconsin. I loved watching their incredible athletic ability and how they pushed their bodies to the limit. Maybe they motivated you like they did me. Watching them motivated me to swim longer, paddle my kayak farther and ride my bike faster.

Gary’s friends talked him into doing the Ironman in Madison.
Nothing like a super duper race to get your habits in shape.

The Olympics are over now. How can I wait four years to be motivated again?
I have thought and thought about this, and the answer I realized sits next to me at dinner every evening. Gary!!  I don’t know of a person that accomplishes more in one day than him. He works, fits in healthy eating and exercise, does lots around the house and always has time for friends and to unwind. Gary maximizes his energy. As a Wellcoach® the chief complaint I hear from clients is, “I don’t have enough time.” I say dump the “time theory” and focus on energy. The most productive, happiest and healthiest people I know manage their energy.

Energy, not time, is your most precious resource. You have twenty four hours in a day.Your amount of time is fixed. Your amount of energy IS NOT FIXED.

The foundation of a purpose-filled life is energy. Habits, good or helpful, bad or hurtful, are all an investment in your energy. Negative habits block, distort, waste, deplete and contaminate stored energy. People who accomplish a lot and are productive have specific habits which optimize their energy.

Gary’s number one value is being a good dad. Was fun to have to both
kids attend Big Ten Universities, Danielle at Madison and Brett at Iowa

Five Habits to Maximize Your Energy

Move Your Body Every Day: Gary hops out of bed at 5am or earlier and either bikes to work or goes for a swim. He moves his body every single day.  Exercise is the number one energizer and the CDC states regular physical activity preserves brain function over time.

Eat Real Food Real Often: The Olympic athletes ate real food – 95% of their diets were whole and real foods. If it can work for Olympic athletes it can work for you too. Gary eats three meals and probably three snacks a day. He minimizes his processed and junk food. It is as simple as real food is real fuel.

Daily Planning: “Structure equals effortlessness.”  To maximize your productivity you have to think ahead.Gary gets his clothes and food ready the evening before. You know the old adage, “Fail to plan is a plan to fail.”

Be a Positive Optimist: What you focus on gets bigger and bolder. If you think you are going to create an abundant day you are going to create an abundant day. Your thoughts create your emotions which create your day. No matter what challenge we have been thrown, Gary always says, “We can figure it out.” Choose your beliefs wisely.

Hang Out With Supportive People: Gary has a huge group of guys who share his values and are there to support him. Relationships oxygenate life. Who is oxygenating your life? Remember if you feel judged, you are really not loved. Gather a team of people who love you no matter what.

Everyone develops habits – some of which are helpful and others hurtful. These habits determine your happiness, how you relate to people and your productivity. As Charles C. Noble states, “First we make our habits, then our habits make us.” Perhaps you feel like your life keeps on getting away from you and you will start tomorrow. But the reality is that your decisions you are making today are your habits tomorrow. So, just start. You only have one life to live, just imagine if it was one you loved. Isn’t it time you went for your gold? Better get busy!

I would love to hear what habits you have put in place to maximize your energy. Your name will be put in a drawing for a 5 Ingredients for Healthy Living Cookbook.

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2 thoughts on “Habits: The Secrets to an Olympian Life”

  1. I am getting more and more that I want to be ruthless in cutting out the crap–whether it’s empty calories or wasted time. Gary is so productive because he focuses on what feeds him. Everything else is waste.

    1. Scottie it seems Gary has a plan for every day and just does it!
      I love your thoughts about empty calories or wasted time in the same boat!
      You rock Scottie!

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