In sports, an athlete sets apart time to practice. It might be a practice that they schedule for themselves independently or a practice scheduled with a group of people that all share the same goal. No distractions, no interruptions, just a goal to be the best they can be. They are determined that no matter how hard the drill or how short or long the practice may be they will be present for not only themselves but for their team. All athletes know they won’t be the best soccer player or best gymnast just in that one practice but that if they keep showing up for themselves they will get better and better every day, therefore making their team better and better.
It’s time to be a YOUlete, an athlete with a goal to be the best YOU. In order to be the best you, you have to set up “practice” times for yourself. Here are the 6 “practices” or steps to building routines to be a better you.
Step 1: Pick a time(s) everyday or every week that you can have uninterrupted time just for you. A time where you won’t have any distractions. Maybe it means waking up an hour earlier or setting aside 10 minutes during your lunch break at work each day. Just set a time that you dedicate to showing up for yourself, to valuing your passion.
Step 2: Find out who your team is. When you are the best version of yourself, not only are you benefitting yourself but also those around you. Maybe it drives you to be a better wife, or better mom, a better daughter or coworker. Whoever your team is, they will notice the change in you and will enjoy all the hard work you are putting into yourself. So not only do it for yourself but do it for your team. Share with them what you are doing and maybe just maybe it will create a ripple effect in the people around you.
Step 3: Figure out what your passion is to work towards being the best version of yourself. What makes you, you? Does exercise and eating healthy just light a fire in your soul or does volunteering at a dog shelter give you a purpose. However big or small your passion is, spend your time (that you set aside in Step 1) working towards it. If you are unsure of your passion visit our “Finding Your Passion” blog to see if that helps you in this step.
Step 4: Decide what “drills” you are going to do during that dedicated time. Your “drills” might be different everyday so plan them out. If you just show up not having a plan, you will not know what to do and will be tempted to do other things.
Step 5: Start Now! Do it! Don’t wait until the New Year and make it a New Year’s Resolution. Do it today! Write it down, set an alarm on your phone. Make it an appointment that you cannot miss out on. You are worth your time and investment.
Step 6: Have grace on yourself if you miss a day. Life happens! So if you accidentally miss a “practice” it’s ok! Just show up to the next one. Don’t quit on yourself or your team.