Do Or Die

 The irony is that human progress is often geared towards making us move as little as possible. Yet, true progress lies in embracing movement.

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Meet Mr A. He wants to become fit. He seeks out Mr Trainer. Mr. Trainer: “What’s your goal?” This is the quintessential question asked in fitness. But why is this so important? It’s simple and elementary:

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• Know what you have in mind.

• Chart the journey to achieve it.

• Let’s put this in the terminology used by Mr. Trainer.

• Perform a fitness assessment to set baseline.

• Design a suitable program.

• Evaluation of the plan as you go at regular intervals.

Then, begins the toiling and sweating. Mr Trainer cautions Ms. A that it could takes months and even years before he sees actual progress. He also supports and assures him to stick by the golden rule: always stick to the plan. Not many last that long. The ones that last transform. Let’s hope Mr. A does!

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Making Connections

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Can we apply this analogy to business? Yes, we can. In fact, it holds true for any transformation story. Be it personal or business. You set a goal, create a strategy and follow it meticulously. You will achieve what you set out for. You may have to measure and tweak the program as you go, but you stick to the plan!

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Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am waxing lyrical about fitness is because I am a certified personal trainer too. I know staying fit helps with mental acuity and well-being. It helped me when I was at my lowest ebb. While it keeps the body running smoothly, the benefits for the mind are often overlooked by many who are in the single pursuit of keeping a fit body. Now I wouldn’t say attributing exercise as a factor on career or professional growth is an overestimation. There are enough materials to sift through to understand the benefits to our brain when you exercise. To put it in simple terms - it decreases feelings of anxiety. It improves focus and concentration. It promotes growth of new brain cells. It protects your brain from ageing.

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Personal vis-à-vis professional

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The discipline we get in to when you are on a fitness journey automatically seeps into your professional side. A win-win! The side effects could be: showing up to work regularly, contagious energy, which boosts performance, you will be at your best version, physically and emotionally. Not a bad thing, isn’t it?

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The link between work and workout 

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Not many studies are done to find out how physical activity impacts outcomes at work. However, a study done by the Harvard Business Review found that daily physical activity generated a package of next-day resources, which they called ‘resource canvas’ that contributed to work-related outcomes. In short, they helped in the following:

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The link between work and workout 

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• Quality sleep

• Enhanced information processing

• Enhanced attention

• Better concentration

• High energy & vitality

We are built to move. We need to move to thrive. The irony is that human progress is often geared towards making us move as little as possible. Yet, true progress lies in embracing movement. By committing to regular exercise, we not only enhance our own health and longevity but also unlock the potential to achieve greater things. So, let’s choose movement.

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The writer is a creative director

with Yours Truly and a certified

fitness trainer