I Made a Habit of Going to the Gym
By Tonya Mott, Director of Continuous Improvement
Against all odds because it took me 20 years to make it happen, I have been going to the gym 6 days a week consistently since January 1, 2021. And, no, this was not a New Year’s resolution type deal, it just so happened to line up with the new year. I’ll add that I’m married, have two small children, a full-time job, and a million excuses why I could never show up. So here goes…
It started with a book I was reading for work called, Atomic Habits by James Clear. Initially, the book had me analyzing my current habits. After carefully considering what I do from the minute I wake up to the time I go to bed I decided that there wasn’t much I wanted to change. So then I moved onto thinking about what new habits I wanted to incorporate into my life. The gym!!!! Challenge accepted, can I get my butt to the gym consistently? Probably not, knowing my “rebel” self, I notoriously can talk myself out of anything. Hmmm, go to the gym, meh, it was a long day, maybe tomorrow, I’m tired, maybe tomorrow, I’m too busy, maybe tomorrow…and on and on the vicious cycle continues.
So here’s what I did and it seems to be working:
- Make it an obligation – I hired a personal trainer, choosing the least expensive option possible because I’m not rich. This managed to get me to the gym at least once a week for 30 minutes. It costs me money, I made an appointment with someone that’s expecting me to show up, and it made me feel like there was no way I could back out. This plan had its benefits but it wasn’t enough, so next…
- Just show up, even if it’s only for 10 min. – Strive for action, not perfection. Sounds easy enough:
“Where to focus:
For the beginner, execution.
For the intermediate, strategy.
For the expert, mindset.” – James Clear
- Best time to show up, morning, during the day, or in the evening? – I imagine this is different for everyone. For me, it’s first thing in the morning before everyone in my house is awake. This guarantees no excuses for not showing up. At first it took some major discipline, to the point of even sleeping in my gym clothes so I could just roll out of bed and run out the door.
- Bad-ass playlist – Having a playlist specific to working out is a must for me. I need music to get me and keep me motivated. My music of choice is mostly gangster rap:
- Tupac
- Logic
- Nipsey Hustle
- Drake
- Eminem
- Three 6 Mafia
- DMX
What can I say I’m an 80’s baby J (warning all mostly explicit language).
- Bonus – There’s lots of eye candy. I found this good for inspirational purposes. When you don’t have a clue what you’re doing it’s nice to see others that are in great shape and get ideas from their routines. Of course, I try to do this without staring like a creeper, lol!
In summary, I’m six weeks in to consistently going to the gym. I know it doesn’t sound like a long time but that’s short of a miracle for me so I’ll proudly run with that. I feel great and for the first time in my life I look forward to going to the gym. I actually get a little anxiety with the thought of possibly missing a day. This is something I’ve never felt before and it amazing. Now, let’s see if I can keep it going, wish me luck!
- Published in Blog
3 Ways to be a Better Leader Today
By Tiffany Stock, Vice President, Marketing & Client Relations
Our agency has really gone against the grain when talking about who is a leader within the organization. Preferring the definition of a leader as someone who can see how things can be improved and rallies people to move toward that better vision. At RISQ, everyone can be a leader and is encouraged to take the initiative.
A colleague introduced me to a business-coaching firm called Proffitt Management Solutions, led by Nancy Profit. She publishes a weekly blog to bring insightful thoughts and comments on a variety of business topics, and I really enjoy her articles focused on Leadership. If you are someone who considers themselves a leader, I encourage you to check out her recent post: 3 Ways to Be a Better Leader Right Now. Nancy breaks down three key areas to help you be a better leader by clarifying your values, developing your communication abilities and connecting in meaningful ways. Check out the post for more details.
https://proffittmanagement.com/3-ways-to-be-a-better-leader-right-now/
- Published in Blog
G2’s Best HR Products for 2021
By Andrew Kupperman, RISQ Consulting Employer Services and Workforce Technology Consultant, SHRM-CP
G2 is one of the best review sites out there when it comes to Workforce Technology. They’ve recently shared their 2021 top 50 list for HR Products. RISQ Consulting has experience in using, as well as consulting for the systems at #1, #2, #9, #15, #19, #24, and #25 on this list, but we can also help consult on any workforce technology out there. Remember, many of these systems are just a tool to create an efficient and effective workforce experience. You still need to create an organizational mindset, and identify the right processes and people in order to get the most of that tool. This is where RISQ helps.
- Published in Blog
Explosion of the Athleisure World
By Dena Lythgoe, Senior Account Executive & Partner
I don’t know about you, but I have worn more active gear without actually being more active since March 2020. COVID being the main cause for virtual meetings has helped create a new style definition, ‘below the shoulder’ attire. We have all seen the horrible faux paus of the individuals who didn’t think the camera was on, followed quickly by commercials portraying the difficulties of working virtually while wearing pants. I am not afraid to admit, I too am guilty of succumbing to ‘below the shoulder’ attire and lean towards comfort versus style.
I have asked around and have come to the realization that, if people don’t go to work, they don’t wear dress pants or, in some reported cases, pants at all. If given the choice would you wear slacks when leggings, sweatpants, or shorts would be an acceptable option? The COVID- 19 pandemic has created a surge in options for lounge wear and while jeggings is no longer a new concept more and more designers are coming up with accommodations for the growing desire to look professional while also being comfortable. This has created an explosion in the fashion world to fill the growing desire for what is known as athleisure wear.
Athleisure wear is a hybrid style that can be worn to multiple locations such as the gym, casual outings and to work without necessarily having to change from one location to the next. Well, maybe a gym change depending on the workout, but hey, we’ve all done it. Numerous people working from home have chosen this garb over the more professional look and while some embrace the change in fashion others who tend to be more formal do not.
I work in a professional setting where throughout the years the office has become more relaxed regarding professionalism attire. In the last 15 years we have changed and in many cases for the better. Ten years ago men used to wear suit, dress shirt and tie every day but Friday when they could remove the tie for ‘casual Friday. ‘Jean days’ were awarded as special days for doing something above and beyond and you must turn in your paper ticket for a manager to approve. I will never forget the conversations regarding footwear. Open toed shoes were only allowed because the manager liked to wear them herself. If you chose to go this route and show toes, it was well known you must have manicured feet. Yes, I could say times have definitely changed.
Eventually people will be going back to office settings and, while there is talk of the new normal looming in all areas of life, will the professional attire for an office setting become even more relaxed? Don’t get me wrong sweatpants and leggings are great, but there is something about getting dressed up that makes me feel ready to take on challenges and face the day. When I have bright red lips along with bright red pants, my head is held higher and my confidence doesn’t waiver. But just as the definition of power suit has changed will perception of professional attire be thwarted by Athleisure wear?
- Published in Blog
