Be Thankful.

Be grateful.

I have been thinking a lot about Thanksgiving these past few weeks. It has traditionally been my favorite holiday for as long as I can remember. It is one in which new traditions have been easy to create because it’s not tied to religion. I am in no way trying to sound like an atheist, but it has always made the day about your tradition and creating traditions vs. having to carry out traditions.

Today we stand on the eve of Thanksgiving. A day that was declared a national holiday in 1863 by President Lincoln that we have done what we as Americans always do gluttonize that entire thing. Somewhere along the line it became about what your favorite side dish is and what time are you eating dinner because you might go to two places. Not so you can say hello but so you can eat two meals. A day that now has three NFL games so that we can be assured not actually to talk and connect with the company around you. A holiday that started as a celebration of a successful fall harvest has been warped into an overindulgence of many things.

As you start to think about your day tomorrow I ask you to be very open and upfront with yourself and those around you about what you’re thankful for. Don’t take the easy road either. “I’m thankful for my health” – WTF does that mean to you? Do you mean that you’re happy you don’t have cancer but not thankful enough to do 30 minutes of exercise every day? “I’m thankful for this meal” – because you know it’s going to be delicious & you didn’t have to cook it? Or are you grateful you can take a day of rest with your family and friends under a protected roof and financially afford to place a meal on the table? Get into what you’re grateful for and enlighten yourself as to just how many wonderful things you have around you.
I thankfully work is busy, and I have to work every day.
I'm thankful I didn't grow up thinking families were perfect, and shit is hard.
I'm thankful I got a job as young as I did and always kept one.
I'm thankful I blew out my knee because it reminds me to slow down and re-evaluate things.
I'm thankful I have seen what alcoholism does to a person, so I am mindful of my relationship with it.
I'm thankful I have people who love me.
I'm thankful I can afford a car.

You’re right there is always something else to drive towards but never forget what you have. Be thankful!

- GS

Ain't Nobody Got Time For That

How often do you take a day for yourself? A day to enjoy great weather, friends, quiet time on the couch catching up on the DVR, anything really as long as it's not "work". Some may say, "Yeah, I take the whole weekend." Others may say and I'm going to guess the large majority, "Ain't nobody got time for that." 

Until recently I was guilty of the later and here's why. 

There are always programs to write, sessions to run, classes to prep for and execute. The daily challenge to provide original and well planned sessions is real. You as subscribers want a workout that will challenge you and help achieve your goals. I take that very seriously, and that takes time. Time away from the office to plan and program accordingly. 

In September I enrolled in the Ironman Coaching Certification. Becoming an Certified Triathlon coach was been on my to-do list for a while now. It's a natural next step in what I do at CPC and as a triathlete. With little hesitation and understanding of how extensive the process would be I enrolled. Upon my first login I was put on a 90 day clock to finish. To give you some perspective the program is an online learning platform consisting of 11 very specific and very detailed modules and 1 final assessment. Since September I've felt like I'm back in college trying to squeeze extra time into a day to get everything done. My 90 day window is closing quickly and the stress is mounting.  

There is always a self-imposed expectation to train. Getting a workout in is not as easy as it once was before I joined the staff of CPC. I could train all day long and no one would miss me. Striking a balance between my time and the time needed to dedicate to the CPC subscribers is a challenge. Let me be clear, I love my job. Getting back to an "elite" training level is a stress that I feel. I don't want to be a flash in the pan. Will I ever make it back to Kona? Who knows. Will I do an Ironman again? YES! When? I have no idea. 

My stressors may not seem like much but they're real. Each of us carry our own stressors. Life, work, and personal goals. All of which can very easily take over our week and before you know it, it's time to do it all over again. I am 100% guilty of working every day of the week and taking little time to rest and recharge. Amber blogged a few weeks ago about just making time and I whole-heartedly agree however, there are times when you have to put the to-do list away and enjoy life for a little while. Regardless, of how many sessions I have to program for or days ticking away from my Ironman Certification it is far more important for me to Take A Day. I'm more productive. I'm rested and looking forward to the week. I feel sharp and ready to cue up Monday 6am TRX Fit.  

So the next time you find yourself trapped on the rat wheel just scurrying along slow down and remind yourself to Take A Day. 

SK

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

Time management. Who has time for that? 

One of the most important things I have learned throughout my college career is trying to balance a busy schedule. Being a college student, trying to balance a demanding sport, classes, sleep, and to have somewhat of a social a life can get exhausting. There are days when I finally sit down at my desk to start homework and realize I haven’t sat, collected my thoughts, and breathed all day. The way in which someone goes about “time” is different for everyone. I see it as finding your rhythm and balance as to what is important to you. This can apply to all aspects of your life. In relation to exercise, I know a lot of people always result back to the same excuse - “I don’t have time to workout.” I couldn’t disagree more. I know when I set aside time for an extra workout, the outcome isn’t just physically beneficial for me, but mentally as well. One thing you will always come across in your life, are people who say, “I don’t have time.” People will always make excuses. The truth of it is, if you truly want to fit something into your schedule, you do. You need to capitalize on each hour of the day. Not just to go through the motions, but to do what you need to and do it well. I could name endless amounts of dedicated people who are up before the sun rises grinding it out, just so they can succeed, one day at a time. The mentality and motivation aspect of things are usually lacking for those who make excuses. This stems from not setting aside and making time to achieve what you say you will. These are the few steps I try to follow each morning and throughout the day:

1. Do what makes you happy
2. Prioritize
3. Write a plan for the day
4. Surround yourself with those who make time for you
5. Work hard and efficiently

One of the most important things that have come out of my forced time management skills is realizing that sometimes you need to do NOTHING. Which for most of us, isn’t easy. Busy bodies are not easily stopped. Sometimes it is important to step back and see how you are spending your time. Observe how it is affecting you both mentally and physically. Each step should be beneficial in some way. I encourage you to take five minutes out of your day and make a list of how you can improve your time management. I guarantee that giving up 5 minutes now will save you in the long run!

-- Amber

To Be Cutting Edge

I recently attended a conference for operators, and this slide was presented to the group as a question?

My answer was very proudly "Your staff!" I was sure of it. I was corrected by the presenter and told the answer was "your continued education, the constant need to learn and grasp new concepts helping you to evolve as a coach, and BRING that to your clients and your team.” You know what? He was right; however, I wasn't wrong. I can proudly say It's because the CPC team holds each other to a higher standard of education and delivery than what is expected within our field. I'm not using this as an opportunity to talk about how we are the best and most qualified, but as a platform to speak to the point of continuing education and how critical it is in any field. Specifically this one.

Each coach on staff at CPC has, or is currently pursuing, their bachelor's degree (and four coaches with advanced degrees) in health-related fields. Each of us holds a nationally accredited certification and we, the business, only recognize two certifying bodies; ACSM or NSCA.Over the last few years national certifications for trainers and those with their degrees have become more common. I don’t think that this point alone is ground-breaking or what seperates us. In fact we are surrounded by a number of great training facilities (refer to my last blog) that hold their coaching staff to this standard. What I feel truly makes this team as amazing and as dynamic are we are, is how hard everyone continues to push to be their better and never accept complacency. No one ever assumes "This is good as it will be" or "I guess I figured it out". No, they try to turn over every rock until they not only know the material, they can teach it. And not just to their clients but their peers. That’s when you know you have nailed the material - when you can teach your peers. And THAT is one of the many reasons why THIS team is amazing.

What's CPC's role in all this? We foster - and demand! - this kind of environment from everyone equally. We don't just offer our coaches a CEC reimbursement we drive them to use it and to spend that money. It is an expectation of your job that you will attend at minimum one Continuing Education Course each year, and we'll help you get there. What makes CPC’s part in all of that easy is never have to force it. everyone wants it.  

As I began to write this entry, I pulled up the tracking sheet for 2015 and was quite proud of our progress this year. I know I don't have all the information in here such as online articles, webinars, periodicals, etc., but what I do have is that aside from the investment in time and money currently being devoted to higher education institutions we as a team have invested $8,600 in course registrations (exclude travel expense) and 308 hours (just course work) on our CEC’s this year alone! When I refer to the original slide and to my answer “Your team!” I still don't feel I'm wrong. One of the things I am most proud of is the culture of excellence. A well versed, highly educated and hungry team.