Time Management & Motivation

Contributing Writer: Evelina Osiadacz

Let’s face it, one of the biggest struggles of fitness is securing enough time and motivation each day towards our goals. Between being a top-notch student, excelling worker, devoted parent, or a committed lover, we find ourselves buried in tasks which cloud our personal ambitions. On top of that, we feed ourselves empty promises such as “I’ll do it tomorrow,” or “next time,” all to not follow through in the end. We are constantly racing against the clock, but what if I told you that time is on our side and you can be the superhero you are without compromising your fitness goals?

We need to start with reframing our conception of time. Remember when I said that time was on our side? That’s only as true as you make it. Dedicating a few minutes in the day to stay active and take care of yourself should not be a task you do to fill up moments of inactivity, but a regular part of your routine. If you are able to take on more projects you can count, why not and squeeze some self-loving time as well?

Here are some little changes we can work to incorporate into our routines which will go a long way in fulfilling our fitness desires:

1. Make lists


2. Set realistic and achievable goals


3. Plan ahead


4. Create a support system


5. Make lists – Write out daily and/or weekly lists outlining what you need to complete. Visualizing what you need to do in a day/week will help you to allocate time accordingly. Make sure you write down “stay active” and “me time” so that you prioritize giving yourself exactly that. If it’s written down, you subconsciously make yourself responsible and even accountable for completing that task. Once you finish something, cross it off so that you can feel a sense of accomplishment each time.


6. Set realistic and achievable goals – Although we are capable of more than we often give ourselves credit for, don’t get too crazy with setting countless goals. If I know I have exams coming up and my boss needs me for extra shifts at work, I’m not penciling in 2 hours of cardio every day. Instead, I am working in enough training time to get me moving, but not to the point where I will be exhausting myself physically and mentally. You know yourself better than anyone else so plan what makes sense for you. Challenge yourself, but not to a point where you set yourself up for failure.


7. Plan ahead – this can work hand-in-hand with writing out lists if you’re a fan of writing in agendas or calendars. Planning ahead can go beyond scheduling your tasks and even consider what you eat in a week. Preparing meals ahead of time reduces the stress of making a well-rounded meal when you have dozens of other tasks you need to get to. Also, with having meals ready to go, you eliminate the temptation of ordering out for the sake of convenience. Next time you are cooking dinner, make a little extra for lunch the next day and to freeze in containers for those nights where you don’t have the time or energy to cook. When you are unpacking your groceries, make baggies of healthy snacks right away so that you don’t find yourself reaching for the most convenient, and often unhealthy, snack in the pantry. Having meals ready to go compliments a busy lifestyle and makes staying on track all the more attainable.


8. Create a support system – Our environment plays a significant influence on our ability to succeed in accomplishing our goals. It is difficult to make it out to the gym or stay dedicated to meal plans when you have friends tempting you with going out to a bar, or when your partner turns on a movie, pulls out the fuzzy blanket, and offers a bag of chips. Creating an open line of communication with those around you and explicitly stating your goals may not only allow others to understand the importance of your fitness story, but influence their choices as well! Also, reach out and connect with others who have the same intentions as you. The power of encouragement and support helps maintain the motivation you may need to stay in line. It is also a great way to network and make friends who will help you rise to your potential.

These ideas do not virtually give us extra time in a day, but help us to organize the 24 hours that we have. By making small improvements to our busy lifestyles, staying focused will come effortlessly. The main thing to remember is that YOU matter. Just like the various projects that need completing, YOU need to give yourself attention because YOU are a priority, not an option. Take each 24 hour time bracket and make it one that matters. It’s not about not having enough time or the countless tomorrows that exist in our minds, it’s about how we choose to act now in the hour that we are choosing not to.