Hello and welcome to 4-Minute Friday where I share, in four minutes or less, the latest things I’m doing to enhance my health, save money, and make day-to-day life easier and more enjoyable.
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Book I’m Re-Reading:
Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
If you’ve ever combed through the all-time most recommended books, you’ve probably seen this one consistently atop the charts.
Although published in 1988, the message within is timeless.
It’s a fictional story about a young shepherd boy who goes on an adventure to find his true calling – or Personal Legend as Coelho likes to say.
During his travels and numerous setbacks, the boy interacts with many elder and wiser people who offer advice as he continues. One being a crystal merchant who is running an unsuccessful shop on a mountain top, barely scraping by.
During their time together, the merchant mentions he too had big dreams when he was young but decided to forgo them for a future time, after he made money and had things figured out. But then, time escaped him and he remained in the shop for the years to date because it’s what he became comfortable with and he didn’t want to face the fear of change.
Although fiction, you can see there’s a subliminal message to this one.
It’s made me once again realize that we are only given one lifetime to do this thing and we create the story we’re going to tell when it’s nearing the end.
I recommend grabbing a copy!
Supplement I’m Using:
Although I’ve cut back my supplement use to simplify things and take only what I see is making a meaningful difference, there’s a new one I’ve added to my routine as of late.
Rather than a supplement, I consider it more as a pre-workout fuel.
It’s called G1M Sport and is produced by the BPN supplement line.
A high-quality blend of electrolytes and fast digesting carbohydrates, it’s a perfect addition to your routine for those higher intensity workouts – whether that be lifting weights, running, circuit training, or beyond.
Most don’t realize how essential being properly “fueled” is for their performance and thus, outcomes. Rather, many identify their subjective energy levels and motivation as the sole gauge on whether they feel ready to put in a good effort.
While that is part of the equation, there’s much more to it and in particular, carbohydrates play a key role in giving our muscles the energy they need to perform.
If we’re low on carbs, we bonk out quickly and can’t reach our true potential.
G1M is something I took religiously during half marathon training, and I noticed a stark difference compared to when I wasn’t taking it during my last training plan.
If you’d rather not supplement with G1M for various reasons, using a concoction like honey and sea salt to provide yourself with carbohydrates and electrolytes prior to exercise is a reasonable substitution!
Question I’m Asking Myself:
What would this be like if it were easier?
Sounds goofy but hear me out.
Believe it or not, it’s something I heard Chris Williamson – a person many of you probably think I worship at this point – say on one of his recent podcast episodes.
He said it’s something he asks himself multiple times a day and in a diverse range of situations.
In a tough conversation with your co-worker… what would it be like if it were easier?
Maybe you’d relax your shoulders down, make eye contact, lower your voice, and slow your speaking cadence rather than reactively responding.
Doing a one-minute plank at the end of your workout… what would it be like if it were easier?
Unclench your jaw, take the load of your low back by squeezing your glutes, and take your mind off counting each second by listening intently to the music in the background.
Although subtle, it’s a reframe that can make a meaningful difference in a wide variety of situations and might just be that reminder you need to get through a tough moment.
Give it a try.
What else?
Chicago Marathon this weekend – best of luck to all those competing! Should be a great forecast to see some PR’s being hit. Excited to be in attendance bright and early Sunday morning!
What would make this (insert conundrum) easier?
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DISCLAIMER
This is NOT Medical advice. Consult your medical professional before starting any supplement, diet regimen, or workout program.
I almost always go into a workout in a fasted state. Maybe that's not a good idea?