Relish Your Physical Wellnes Goals

When the shorts and t-shirts come out in the summer, a lot of people suddenly realize that they want to get in shape. They look at themselves and say “man I really should get into shape” but in saying that, some of them expect results immediately.
How do you set up healthy goals that are achievable?
Well, one way is to:

Tailor Your Goals To Fit You (not the other guy racing a marathon- unless you want to be in one!)
For your goals to be meaningful, they should be tailored to your needs and personality. You could have the same larger goal-“I want to eat better” as someone else, but have slightly different smaller goals. Depending on where you’re at, eating better might mean less salt, more fiber, less eating on the run-or even eating more if you’re underweight. You may want to learn some new cooking methods or recipes, or research quick-but-healthy restaurants or shopping options-whichever best fits your lifestyle. Your goals might also be set within a tighter or broader time span.

When setting your goals, you need to be honest with yourself and introduce challenges while keeping the adjustments realistic. For example, the timeframe of a week is wise if you know you want to make significant lifestyle changes but aren’t sure what impact the changes will actually have. In a week, you can learn a lot about what works, what doesn’t and how to adjust the next set of goals accordingly. The next goal-setting session might cover a lengthier period given your new experiential sight. Experience will teach you how to further tailor your goals.

For more on Making goals Realistic and Building in Fun, check out Chapter 3 in my book The Healthy CEO!

Summer and Rest

Summer can indeed be filled with busy on the go activities, but it's important to remember one of the components for keeping your stress level low and your physical wellness high.
Rest.
This is the cessation of physical activity. Sleep is an obvious way to rest, but there are others. Sitting in your backyard with a magazine or an escapist novel, working on a jigsaw puzzle at your coffee table, soaking in a warm bath, watching a football game or favourite movie, being pampered at the spa or enjoying a relaxing massage-these are all ways you can slow down physically and let your body refuel in ways that are highly enjoyable.
What's your secret to achieving rest this summer?

American Traditions

I just returned from Chicago where I spoke to a group of corporate executives. It was a great trip and I had a chance to visit my daughter and husband and their great kids.
I was fortunate to experience several American traditions.

1. Watching the home team the White Sox win at the U.S Cellular Park.
2. Hotdogs are plentiful and still one of America’s favourite pastimes. You could smell the scent of juicy bratwurst, Italian and Kosher hotdogs in the air.
3. In the Chicago tradition, everyone in the baseball park stands up from their seats once there is only 1 remaining out in the ninth inning.

The other tradition I observed wasn’t the best one-that the statistics from the Center of Disease Control on the number of individuals that were overweight and obese were correct. The obesity rate in adults has climbed to 32.9% from 15.0% in 1980.

How do we get back to mindful rather than mindless eating?

The Power of Words

At a recent executive retreat an audience member stated that when he heard the words “diet” and “budget” they gave him a negative feeling.

That seems to make some sense. What do you think of substituting the "healthy nutrition" for "diet" and "spending plan" for "budget" ? Will that make the difference for you?

I look forward to your thoughts!

Staying Connected

Presenting Keynote addresses can have one moving around many time zones and it's important to stay connected with my wife when she can't travel with me. I usually text her when I arrive and call when we can talk. I follow my CATS routine.

C= deal first with any crises at home.

A = make sure my wife hears that I adore her.

T = leave time for her to talk.

S = always conclude with sweet goodbyes.

What works for you?

Airport and Security Stress

As a frequent flyer traveling to speak at corporate retreats, I try to be cognizant of my triggers for stress, particularly going through security.
Historically, Customs and Immigration were famous for creating stress but in recent times, the dubious honour of first prize has been awarded to Security.

I know the rules. I had everything in order. I was just about to enter the fast track lane when a first time flyer was directed in front of me.

He was clueless to the intricacies of the new rules, and apparently deaf and unable to read. He held up the line and thought it was funny. I took a deep breath and tried to be patient but we really need an efficient system put in place at airport security, because even I have my limits! What do you think?

Can you spot the health risk?

Can you spot the health risk in this picture? Is it lack of sun tan lotion or something more sinister?
Let me know what you think it is!