Last month, Tyler Tervooren posted an article titled, Why Productive People Always Have Time For Exercise. You can go read it, it’s good. But I didn’t—at least, not at first. I noticed the title. But because I was in the middle of something, I was left with only that.
The question was left for me to ponder alone: Why do productive people always seem to have time for exercise?
As the question remained in the back of my mind, it led to even broader questions: Why do productive people always seem to have so much time for everything they do? Are they working harder? Better at time management? More disciplined than the rest of us?
I was left to ponder the question for several hours. I looked up the original article as soon as time allowed.
In it, Tyler makes the wonderful case that productive people find time for exercise because they tend to be more intentional about taking care of their physical bodies. Like a tree-cutter taking time to sharpen his saw, productive people make time for exercise because it helps them be their best.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe,” is a quote often attributed to Abraham Lincoln. He knew the importance of sharpening his saw.
And believe me, I agree. I have found this to be true. Intentional physical exercise and healthier eating habits have been an important addition to my life over the past few years. But interestingly, that is not where my mind immediately raced when I was left with only the title.
My mind offered a different conclusion: People who love the life they live find more time to live it.
You see, and I stand as proof of this, the more we experience joy in life, the more we can’t wait to get up and start living it. On a very small scale, compare the worker who hates his job and the one who loves it.
The man or woman who hates his work scowls at the alarm clock, rolls out of bed with frustration, takes his time getting ready, mopes around the office, counts the minutes to 5pm, turns on the television when he gets home to distract himself, and then goes to bed late only to repeat the cycle tomorrow.
On the other hand, picture the man or woman who enjoys their work. She can’t wait to get started in the morning, she prepares her body with healthy food and exercise to accomplish her best, she invests proudly into her work, and returns home with energy. And then, she can’t wait to get started again in the morning.
People who love the life they live naturally find more time to live it.
Personally, I want to live a life that doesn’t require an alarm clock—one that I can’t wait to wake up and start living each day.
Does exercise result in more productivity? Absolutely. But only a man or woman who takes pride in their life and their choices desire more productivity for it.
Tyler wrote an important piece. If you skipped over it the first time, go read it now.
As you do, ask yourself this question, “Am I living a life that energizes and motivates me to even sharpen the saw in the first place?” And if the answer is no, what changes do you need to make in order to make that a reality?
Most often, implementing the change requires the intentional removal of something holding you back from the life you desire. Sometimes it is a commitment, a negative thought, or an un healthy habit. For me, it was the excess possessions that were robbing me of time, energy, and money.
Identify the nonessential. And remove them entirely.
Because the first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t. (tweet that)
Further Reading
Cheryl Smith says
I LOVE these words…
“Identify the nonessential. And remove them entirely.
Because the first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.”
Wow, I just find so much inspiration here. Can’t thank you enough for sharing what God puts upon your heart. :)
Tracy B. says
This was on CNN’s site this morning:
http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/18/asia/china-families-belongings/index.html
It’s humbling to realize that I, who live alone, have far more than these families of four or more, even though I’ve already let go of a lot. It may not necessarily be conscious minimalism on their part, but somehow these people are living their lives without half the stuff we Americans assume we need. Some of them are quite well off by Chinese standards, but they still haven’t surrounded themselves with mounds of things.
donna says
“Am I living a life that energizes and motivates me to even sharpen the saw in the first place?” And if the answer is no, what changes do you need to make in order to make that a reality?
Recently I returned to work after a “mere” 23 year gap! Raising/home educating my four kids was indeed a job I LOVED, but as I approached the end of that season in my life {my 2 at home will graduate next spring}, I found myself kind of freaking out!
WHAT was I going to *do* post parenting???
Way back in the stone-age….or before I became a stay at home parent, I worked in NYC as an office manager. I really did not WANT that much responsibility again. After all, I just spent 2+ decades managing four lives, a successful 26+ year marriage, and the household that came with it!
I wanted something simply, but fast-paced to go with my personality!
I was offered the very first job I applied for and to some, it may seem like a “go nowhere” job. At 50 years old, did I REALLY want to restart a second time around career?
After much contemplation I realized the answer to that was a resounding NOPE :).
Still, I didn’t want to spend all day at home with nothing to *do*.
I took the job at a large, dare I say “upscale” grocery store…in their prepared foods department of all places. As if I didn;t pend enough time cooking for others :).
But after 4+ months I can honestly say “I LOVE IT”.
On workdays I do not find myself grumbling about the day ahead…the people, atmosphere, even the pay, are all positive.
Is this a great “career” move? Some would say no. But I say it IS awesome because I love going to work. It is busy, upbeat, fun, and the interaction I have with the customers has been 99% positive as well.
I know there will be days, after the honeymoon phase, where I may want to call in and stay home, but at the moment I can say I am energized by this work.
Since my household has been kept pretty minimal by most American standards, the time it takes to keep up on the general home/house care is quite “doable” and takes just a few hours each week. THIS has definitely removed much pressure people feel when they have a HUGE house to care for PLUS going to work 4 or 5 days a week!
I would encourage anyone that might be headed back into the workforce {after whatever reason for the gap} to consider even the most obscure or odd opportunities because these might just be a better fit than you think :).
Once again and very thought provoking article!
DeAnna says
That is fantastic Donna!
Maggie says
I too have a job in a newsagents and grocery store. It takes me 3 minutes to walk there from home! I love meeting the customers both young and old. I have a degree and so am well over qualified for the job but hey that doesn’t matter cos I enjoy it! I’m using my ‘minimalist skills’ to make the shop more efficient too!
Chris Peek says
One great advantage to living “a life worth waking up for” is that you have more energy to spend time investing in your family. Lately, I’ve tried to incorporate valuable and simple moments with them on weekdays after work – activities such as going to the park or picking strawberries. There is no reason everyday can’t be a day in which we look forward to our pursuits and engage in activities that bring us energy.
Susan says
Hi, Love your writing. I do not understand the last sentence of the tweet.. Is there a word missing after “don’t” or am I supposed to fill in the blank? Blessings, Susan
joshua becker says
The word “want” as in “get rid of everything you don’t want” is left off on purpose. I didn’t feel it was necessary in this sentence.
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
This is such a great perspective. Often we struggle to work harder or get better at something, without wondering if that thing is inviting or inspiring to us.
Vicki Cook says
Working from home does gives me the option of waking up without an alarm clock. It’s much easier during the summer because the birds start singing before 6am. Then the cats start to move around and before you know it, I’m awake. However, I still want to stay in bed during the winter. My feet just do not want to hit that cold floor!
Michelle C says
I love these insights – both yours and Tyler’s. My husband and I have been very intentional about developing a habit of exercise, something we maintain even during unpredictable travel. It’s become a part of who we are. We prioritize it because we know being healthy and active will help us live fuller lives now and in the long-term.
Tony W says
I had a similar conversation last week about some rappers. When they become successful many begin to stop engaging in some of the risky behaviors they rap about.
They begin to exercise, eat better and some become vegetarian. As they first begin to enjoy life better do to monetary success they now want to live longer and explore life’s other joys.
When life becomes enjoyable and you love waking up early everyday to get started, you do things that are known to prolong that life..
Shannon says
This is a very inspiring post. Thank you! I totally agree and I began living this way in February 2015. I started de-cluttering my home and I am working on my habits and attitude. Life is feeling more alive and wonderful. Following your post is part of my healthy/minimalist lifestyle, and I love it.
Lauren/Small Town Simple says
Great post! This is exactly where my thoughts have been lately. Especially on making sure I am doing work that I am excited about each day. I think your closing line is going to become my new motto.
Judy says
Hi Joshua! :) I’m recommitting myself to live more intentionally. I get lax about things from time to time.