I came across a study done several years ago that interviewed 366 entrepreneurs in the USA asking if they did any kind of exercise and how frequent this was. The study found that those who ran or weight trained a few times a week were 3%-4% more likely to be reaching their financial goals, whereas those who exercised daily were a whopping 14% more likely to reach those goals! It makes sense right? Fitness improves mental productivity as well as physical productivity, and leads to greater achievement.
I want to be on the top of my game in business and in life, so what can I do in a positive way to help my brain function at it's best?
1. SLEEP - get enough of it.
Sleep deprivation is linked to major disasters throughout history. Lack of sleep can affect our judgement, organisation, planning, impulse and control. I know when I have been burning the candle at both ends I do not function as effectively as I can. As an entrepreneur I have the choice to get up when I want....BUT...am I making smart choices? Am I really being effective and achieving all I desire? Good questions to think about!
2. FOOD - make smart choices
We all know the negatives to avoid - high calorie, low nutrition foods filled with loads of fat, sugar and salt. And it's so much easier to say this than do it, but it's good to remind ourselves of this from time to time.
What we put into our body is what we get out! As a positive action we can fill our pantry with fresh and healthy ingredients. I started to get my fruit and veg delivered every second week from a farmers direct company here in Australia "Aussie Farmers Direct". Not only am I helping the farmers get better profits, but by having the seasonal fruit and veg delivered I have it on hand and it makes the choice so much easier.
Walk 30 minutes a day! Again, easier to say than to do. How many times do you get home from work and the thought hits you..."I should go for a walk"!? Then something happens, you get busy at home and then the night is over and you have not gone for that walk. Is that just me, or does that happen to you too?
Well, the topic of exercise has been one of many conversations in our household lately. My husband and I have just signed up for a 6km fun run for charity. I have been so slack in my fitness and I thought this would be a good way to challenge myself and kick-start my fitness level. I am excited, scared and nervous all at once as i have never done anything like this in my life! But, it is because of the clammy hands and butterflies in the tummy feeling I get when I think about running for 6km that I know I am doing exactly what I should be doing and what is going to get me good results.
Wish me luck!
4. BRAIN TRAINING - make that muscle work!
Reading, doing puzzles, crosswords, soduko, learning new things - these can all help keep our mind fresh and functioning. There are so many brain training programs for the computer or gaming system, i-pod, i-pad - you name it, there's something out there that can help....if it is used! I also heard the other day that playing Role Playing Games on your computer (no, not just shoot-em-up games, but strategy and RPG) can actually assist in brain function.
Here are a few links to free online brain training games you can do:
* Brain Metrix
* Mini Clips - they have some brain training games as well as other games
* Test your Brain Age - beware....these may be harder than you think!
5. POSITIVE THINKING - what we think about is what we bring about!
There are a lot of good things our brains tells us that we need to listen to - not to put our hands on the stove-top (hot hot hot!!) or not to go on that date with the guy who looks like a serial killer (seriously?) - these thoughts are a protection for us if we listen to them. But there is also a lot of things our brain tells us that we should not be listening to. One of them is Monkey Chatter! Negativity that goes around and around in our heads - it is not protecting us, it's hurting us.
Not ever stupid thought we think can be relied on: - I just have to look at food to put on weight. I'll never succeed at achieving my goals. I'll start my exercise program on Monday. My weight is in my genes. I can't start my diet today - it's Friday! I'm a failure. I can't reduce my stress because of my job. I have no time for exercise. These are all excuses - little lies we tell ourselves to support the poor choices we have made.
The key is to being self-aware. When we are aware of these thoughts we can put a stop to them - tell your brain to 'shut up' and just say STOP! Then replace that thought with something positive.
Choose a positive thought or action to put you on the track you really want to be on: I may have just eaten that chocolate bar and fallen off my diet, but if I start again right now I am back on track - success! I don't have a lot of time today to start my exercise, but if I walk for just 10 minutes I'll be on my way! My job might be stressful, but it doesn't mean I have to be - I can learn how to keep calm.
Learn to challenge negativity - don't just accept it as true.
The brain is the origin of our personality, character, intelligence and every decision we make. It governs everything we do, think, say, feel and how we interact with others. When our brain works well, we work well.
By making smart choices we can look after our brain, keep it healthy and we'll be a happier, healthier, wealthier, wiser person and make better decisions - all good traits for entrepreneurs and good leaders!
Susan Dorrington
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"You don't have to be great to get started....You just have to start to be great!" - Les Brown
Make positive changes in your life with personal development
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