Creativity Tips: I don't have time ...

So ... we had the holiday break. I was off from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3. Throughout that time, none of my usual exercise classes were scheduled. And, oddly enough, I never exercised.

OK, it's not all that odd. You didn't exercise either, did you?

Now, I don't know what your excuse is, but I was busy with holiday stuff. I mean really busy. Really, really, really busy. Like, there's no way I had time to exercise.

Hmmmm. The busy-ness of the past few weeks is a legitimate excuse. But, we need to put the emphasis on excuse. I had the same 24 hours per day last week that I had mid-December, when client work was piling up all around me.

I didn't exercise because there wasn't a class scheduled, no one expected me to show up, and no one noticed if I did or didn't do a bicep curl. It wasn't a matter of time. It was a matter of priority. I didn't make it a priority. I didn't make myself a priority.

As we start a new year, it's the perfect time to look at what really matters. Do you want more time with your family? Would you like to paint/sew/redecorate/unclutter/rest more this year? Is there a really cool book agent waiting for a revised proposal from you?*

Once you've decided what the priorities are, consider what makes them happen. For me, outside accountability matters. Shanna expects me to show up at circuit and yoga. That, along with my own desire to stay healthy and strong, is incentive enough to spend time on exercise. The scheduled classes are also essential -- I produce on deadlines. It's my career. It's my life. No deadline? No progress.

This week, determine your priorities and your motivators. Then, go for it! We've got a new year ahead, folks. I have the feeling it's gonna be great.

Shanna.
The woman who taught me to enjoy exercise.
We all need a cheerleader.

*Woot!