Working Nine to Five

By Paul Kearley

Back in October, I had the bad luck to twist my ankle while I was out running one morning. The timing could not have been worse... if there ever really is a good time to twist your ankle. At that time, I was on track for getting down to the ideal weight and fitness level that I have wanted to be at for quite a few years now. I was getting to that level, but it was only through my running. I wasn't really doing much about my diet, or anything else, health wise, for that matter. I knew that I could eat poorly, and then go out and run 10 k and still lose a little. I thought it was the ideal plan.

Well, the month of November found me sitting more than I was standing, and I wasn't running or walking or really doing anything to maintain my fitness. Well, I'm sure that you know what happened next, that's right... My pants shrank! I couldn't believe it. All the money that I paid for good quality pants, and they shrank around the waist. The length was still fine, but the waist kept getting tighter and tighter. Seriously though, I had a big problem... if you'll pardon the pun. I was embarrassed to look at myself in the mirror. In just one month, I had gathered 10 pounds of potato chips, ice-crème and chocolate around my mid-section. I still ate like I did before I had my injury, and yet I wondered why the weight was coming on so fast. I was in denial. I thought, "This couldn't possibly be happening to me! I come from a family of very slim people who just don't get fat. I'm sure that if I give it some time, it'll go." Well, it didn't.

So, a month ago, I decided that something had to be done. Other than the fact that I was able to get out running again, I changed my diet, and I thought constantly about fitness, I thought constantly about health and I thought constantly about being thinner. I asked myself what I was doing that wasn't working and I stopped doing it, and that has made all the difference. And today, as evidence of my efforts, my suits fit again.

The same can be said for achieving success in our lives. Many of us get into a routine that is all about taking the easy way through life. We look at life as only nine to five and weekends. We stop thinking, we stop moving, and we stop living.

Many of us have gotten to the point where we are looking for any holiday that we can from life so that we can stop running the wheel and get off, if only for a little while.

Stuart Scott, a very successful businessman from Toronto was heard to say, "Success is what you do before nine and after five and on weekends". What this means to me is that if we are to be truly successful in life, it has to be a way of living that is not dependant on any routine, or getting time off. We have to live it, think it, smell it and actually act it before we can be it. No matter what we do, if we have chosen to be successful in our lives, we must be ruthless with our own accountability. No one can make you successful without your permission.

What habits are you trying to shed, that are weighing you down? How are they working for you? Are you happy with what they are creating for you?

If you are not happy with your current results, then you have to determine which actions are working for you and which ones are not, and then stop doing them! By determining which actions are creating what you want, and which actions are not, you will begin to create clarity, focus and momentum. Success is an uphill battle, and always will be, but climbing hills builds strength and endurance, and that is exactly what it takes to go the long run and reach your goals.

So, this week, as you step on the scales of life to judge which actions need to change, resolve to make the decision to not be a "nine to fiver" in your thoughts and actions, commit to be a lifer!

Make this your best week ever.

Most people want to be successful... as long as it doesn't interfere with what's on television. ~Paul Kearley

© 2008 Paul Kearley CS, For 22 years, Paul Kearley has thrived in the personal development and coaching business. As a Master Business Coach, Paul's passion is in developing and creating increased potential, and coaching people to create success.

A newspaper columnist, and editor for "E-Motion", his own weekly ezine, Paul writes articles that address the everyday challenges we all have and face in life and in business, and offers suggestions for success.

If you'd like to connect with Paul to discuss your personal or business strategies or to subscribe to "E-Motion", simply visit http://www.mustthinking.com or send an e-mail to carnegie@nbnet.nb.ca