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
Susan says
I get it…. this was an article for those who are not depressed.
Bertha says
<3
Mandy says
Thank you for always sharing such an amazing perspective ❤️ Your articles motivate me daily and I appreciate your time and effort in sharing them. Cheers to a more simple, real life!
Colleen Mariotti says
I love this. It reminds me of Seth Godin’s quote, “Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from.” This is why we sold all of our belongings, packed five carry-on bags, and set out to see the world with our three kids in 2013. Do we work? Yes. But our days are framed by the sunrise and sunset and our desire to jump out of bed and see what the world has in store for us! Amazing article. Thank you.
Dwi says
One day I wake up, and out of the blue I googled: How to live a simple life and luckily I found this website. Thank you :)
ren says
Loving my new outlook on Life. Keep what u love, get rid of the rest.
Will be spending time with family members who will never understand this concept. I know a few will be trying to dismiss my happiness, ridicule my belief that less is more, obsess over their possessions.
People still believe only way to show that you suceeded in life is fancy cars in driveway, four car garage full of stuff, and big house.
Meanwhile husband and I r enjoying experiences, spending less time cleaning and maintenance on our modest home cuz we decluttered.
Our big project and purchase of summer is a 35 year old pop up so we can camp longer into season. It will hold all we need.
Ali Davies says
Funny you should mention the alarm clock. When I left the Corporate World 14 years ago that was one of my measures of success – to not wake up by an alarm clock. Been living that way for many years now and it is blissful to just wake up naturally every day and step into the day at whatever pace feels right that day.
AT says
May I ask what caused your transition and what your vocation is now? I have tried everything to focus on me despite the circus and rat race that is my J.O.B. Now I’m forced to take a month off. Dr’s orders. Thank you for your insight.
Yvonne says
Wow. This hit where it hurts today. I am totally miserable with my life. I am a stay at home mum of 3. I am living overseas in a country which speaks a language different from my own. I am here cause it is my husbands dream. I have spent so long following the dreams of others I don’t even know what I would want to do anymore. I dont have a clue what makes me happy. Let alone what type of life I want to live. Gosh how does one move forward from here?
Tammy says
Hello Yvonne,
I have just read your comment and though almost a month later, I felt compelled to respond.
I can really feel your pain. As I’m just two years into my minimalist journey, I’m definitely far from an expert! This does not bother me though as I am enjoying the journey. While I have no spouse and I live only with my cat as my children are now adults and living their own lives on another continent, I was very unhappy with my life and found myself so overwhelmed by how many changes I needed to make in order to improve it, that for many years I actually did nothing!
If you haven’t already done so, then may I suggest that you start simply by looking through some of your personal belongings and get rid (Donate, Sell, Bin) of those which you feel you could really do without. I’m pretty sure you will find a post on this site with tips on how to do this. Start small, for example, with a drawer. I found that, at the same rate, this started to clear my mind of clutter also, which helped me to start seeing what is important to me and what I needed in order to be happy in my own skin, and therefore, in life.
Though I still have a fair way to go, two years and 5 house clear-outs later, not only do I notice a huge increase in my self esteem but family, friends and acquaintances have positively commented on my increased confidence, strength, and even height! (despite not wearing heels).
Give it a go and see what happens, there are fantastic blogs/communities to help you along the way.
Warmest wishes for you,
Tammy.
Von says
That unfair comment made me sad. I am so grateful for Josh and his website and blog. I have found your advice and thoughts an absolute life-changer. Why do people feel they have to criticise people whose stance is different to theirs? It takes time to write a post – why don’t people spend time pursuing the things they DO believe in?
Michael says
I am with Maureen: I too, in my early 40s, got rid of people I found difficult to tolerate. That was actually the beginning of minimalism for me. Since that time, I have gotten happier. In fact, we got so happy that we had two babies in the span of 24 months. Life is much better now. Because we are minimalists, we have much more quality time with family, without all the extraneous things that distract, and paradoxically, make us unhappy.
Productivity is much higher these days. We are producing better fruits.
RL says
Wow, I have been reading this blog for awhile now and I love most of it. I have a strange relationship with minimalism, I do think it is a better way to live. To each his own. My way is different than others that have posted here. Chris, why on earth would you come on here and attack this author this way? If you do not agree with his views that is great, do not read it, and do not post. Go start your maximalism site and see how successful you are. No need to lash out at a man putting out good, peaceful information that many people enjoy reading and adapting to their lifestyle. I hope you just had a bad day, Peace my brother.