Train like an Athlete

Athletes today use many different types of metrics in order to help them achieve more. However, there is a constant. They train in their chosen profession and train their bodies. Here is just a glimpse of what athletes do to train.

Let’s take a boxer training for a big fight. These boxers spend anywhere from 8-12 weeks in “camp” training for the fight. Each day of “camp” these boxers are actively working on their technique, polishing skills and getting stronger. They are dedicated to their nutrition and make sure they get their “roadwork” in. Roadwork is what fighters do to strengthen their lower body and develop stamina. Lay people call this running.

Boxers spending 8-12 weeks prepping for the fight spend up to 10-12 hours each day for 12 rounds of the fight. That’s approximately 45 minutes of work they are prepping for. That's dedication.

Now most of us are not paid professional athletes working hard to put food on the table. Most of us are in industries of sales, marketing, construction and other noble occupations. You might be reading this and wonder why I am writing about this today.

We all have a profession that pays us to put food on our table and provide us the money that it takes to live our lifestyle. Do most people who live the typical 9 to 5 job put in the effort similar to the above example, the boxer? Do you train daily and put in effort for the 45 minutes of fight that you must give?

The answer to that question is probably no. Most people do not train in their dedicated profession because they feel as though they are doing the job they pay you to do. That might enough to live the life you are currently living, but what about the life that you dream of?

In order to achieve the life we dream of we may want to take a page out of the boxers book. Maybe we should dedicate the hours it takes to make sure we are ready to fight when we need to fight.

Some examples on how to ready ourselves for when opportunity knocks:

• Drink more water, quit alcohol

• Read self improvement books

• Take an skills inventory and start studying the subjects you are deficient in

• Get a mentor.

• Stay away from processed and fast foods

• “Be comfortable being uncomfortable.” Do the difficult things first.

There are many more examples of training that one can do daily than what I have posted. Some of the above examples are simple adjustments in your daily routine like drinking more water and staying away from fast food restaurants. Some are a little more tougher to get through like, doing difficult things first and acknowledging your deficiencies.

Take the time to see where you can do better. Develop habits that get you 1% better each day. If you do these things your skills will grow and you will begin to standout to others.

Bottom line is we should apply the dedication that athletes have and train in our profession in a similar manner. Let me know your thoughts on this subject, email me at jphawkins99@yahoo.com.