Back in April 2019, I was overweight, lacking in energy and not far off my 50th birthday in October.
That landmark was a target for me to get fit and lose 1.5 stones (c10kg) in weight by October.
Not really knowing where to start, I reverted to how I’d tackle this if it were a business problem/challenge.
Knowing the importance of having a great team around me, I’d enlisted a personal trainer.
He set me up with an exercise programme and, crucially, a nutrition plan - specifically NOT a ‘diet’. So, gym sessions replaced binging on telly and biscuits were put on the naughty list, much to my dismay.
One of the most significant commitments I made was always to have time set aside for exercise, pretty much every day of the week.
I again called on my business experience and realised this wasn’t about time management - it was choice management. And I was committed to choosing to get healthier. I’d previously used the classic excuse of ‘I don’t have the time’ in my day to exercise – because I didn’t really want to!
I began seeing the trainer twice a week, doing weights and cardio, but I also got out on my road bike.
Fast forward six months, and the weight had fallen off me. I’d lost three stones, double my original target. I enjoyed being back on my bike, and I even began doing park runs out of choice, which was astounding, as I had always hated running.
The Benefits
The benefits of my new, healthier lifestyle were clear to me after just a couple of months.
I had more energy, clarity, decisiveness. I was also much less stressed and could solve problems much more quickly.
Whenever I’m stuck on a problem or seeking an answer to something I can’t immediately figure out, I’ll head out on my bike and hey presto – the solution always reveals itself.
I’d say that my performance at work has doubled, and the stress of work has significantly reduced. The fitness drive has turned into a lifestyle.
This year I’m looking to ride LeJog – Lands End to John O’Groats. So, by the end of 2021, I’ll probably end up doing 12,000 kilometres out on my bike.
This blog isn’t a ‘wow, look at me’ one or a sermon on healthy living.
It’s written to highlight to people that the investment in your health is a great move not just for you and your family but also for your business and career prospects. In our industry, our heads can get turned with the shiniest new proptech or marketing must-have.
When one of the biggest areas of business improvement lies within us. Who wouldn’t want to have more energy and a better decision-making process to achieve results and goals more quickly?
For me, it was achieved by getting on my bike and making the decision to get on with it.
What role does exercise play in your life? If you’re putting it off like I did for so long, please think again!
Thanks for reading,
Nick
About Nick Neill - Head Shepherd of EweMove
Nick has a strong background in Customer Service, Sales, Operations and Marketing, drawn from experiences mainly in financial services with high profile brands including First Direct - the first telephone bank in the UK which launched in 1989. Learn more here.
