As we look to get better at balancing work and fitness, understanding the difference between actual problems and mere situations is key. Once we understand that difference, we can work to solve our problems. This is where measurements of progress become important. We can’t lose sight of the problem. The problem, in this case, isn’t your health. Nor is the problem that you may need to lose weight. The problem is that there’s an imbalance between work and fitness in your life. So, that’s what you need to fix. Therefore, your progress toward that fix is what you need to measure.
It’s easy to get confused and try to measure so-called progress toward goals that aren’t even a part of where we’re trying to go. For example, let’s assume you’re getting fairly consistent with incorporating time for fitness into your schedule. Jumping on the scale after each workout, or measuring the size of your biceps aren’t the things that are important in this case. What is important, as you look to better balance work and fitness in your life, is the fact that you made time for exercise 3 or 4 times this week. The fact that you deliberately left work earlier than usual to exercise is important. Making the decision to get up earlier to exercise before going in to work…that’s important.
Progress can be measured in many different ways. But whatever way you choose to measure progress, make sure it’s appropriate for the problem you’re trying to solve and the goal you seek to achieve.
Measure the right things.
Balancing Work and Fitness – Problem or Situation?