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The Importance of Time

 

Over the years I've not spent that much time on myself. 

About 15 years ago I signed up for a challenge. I would be a member of a sailing crew and I wanted to be a great team member, so I invested time in getting fitter and stronger so I wouldn't let the side down. I got into the best shape I'd ever been in (with the seriously unexpected side effect of losing all interest in consuming alcohol, even before I'd ever heard of Dry January)! 

So, I guess I was working on me, and obviously getting fit cannot ever be described as a waste of time, but I didn't do it for ME. I did it for the team, for US. So when the team fell apart in some spectacular circumstances, I lost the reason to carry on that path and lost the gains I'd made.

But since I've been working on my alcohol free life, and also working on my nutrition and my health, it's become really obvious that I'm working on ME for my own sake, not for anyone else. And it takes up a LOT of time!

I've written before about planning and preparation for sober challenges. Sure, you can just jump in, feet first, and it might work out. But some time spent planning and preparing may make for a more certain outcome.

Going out for the evening or going on an holiday might work out, but if you take time to plan what you're going to say to people, and research what's available to drink, you will increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Similarly, when I'm thinking about my nutrition it takes time to research recipes, to plan what I'll be eating for the week ahead, shop according to the list I prepared, make meals in advance. But when I don't spend that time I end up with an empty fridge, nothing suitable to eat and guess what? I end up with a takeaway or poor quality snacking. Or I can take a few minutes to check a restaurant menu online so I can make a healthy choice in advance instead of losing my resolve in the heat of the moment.

When I'm thinking about exercise and fitness, I've had more success when I've taken time to research a plan, download a training programme, schedule sessions into my diary so there's a visible commitment to challenge me when I might otherwise not be bothered. Taking time tonight to check tomorrow's weather so I have the right kit set aside ready to put on in the morning helps increase the chances of me making it to that workout tomorrow. 

Planning in this context isn't a waste of time. Spending time on preparing for the desired outcome isn't useless or futile or selfish or procrastinating. It's saying my sobriety, my weight, my health and fitness, my life itself are important and deserving of time. I'm doing this for me because I'm worth it - and you are too. 

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Location: 11000 Carcassonne, France

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