As a child I was always the overweight kid who wore “husky jeans” [1] so fitness is very important to me. However for most of my life it’s been impossible to be healthy for more than a few months at a time.
There are many reasons for this, but the biggest one is a lack of understanding about what fitness actually means.
Like many of you I take good things that are part of true fitness, and make them my primary goal.
The problem is these good things BY THEMSELVES won’t lead to true fitness
- My motivation will eventually become weak
- Most diets aren’t eating plans that can be continued for the rest of your life (or are too difficult to continue), so they set you up for future weight gain
- Exercise makes us believe that we can indulge in junk food more because of the calories burned, but that isn’t true
- And it’s impossible to reach fitness alone (you will eventually start eating the wrong thing again)
This is why in most cases the first step towards fitness is creating a definition that includes all four of these aspects (along with some others) instead of isolating only one.
For everyone that consolidated fitness definition will look different, but here’s mine.
Fitness is a lifestyle that provides the energy and motivation necessary to be productive.
In other words, “I will have the energy to accomplish all my goals in a focused way, and still have some left over.”
This definition came from the realization most days I simply wasn’t being productive (focused on my work) because I either didn’t have the energy to do it, or lacked motivation.
Oh I didn’t come out and just refuse to work, instead my lack of productivity showed itself in smaller ways
- Ten minute Facebook breaks (that usually took longer)
- Putting off reading that book till tomorrow [2]
- Not planning out my day with a to-do list so my mind forgets important tasks
- The dreaded 3:00 energy crash (which can result in a ten-minute nap)
- The inability to do any productive work after 6:00 pm (it’s seriously as if my brain shuts down)
Actually for me productivity isn’t so much about getting stuff done for as much a living a purposeful life, or being an individual who displays discipline.
The Apostle Paul nearing death was able to say these words
II Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
To me that’s a picture of productivity.
On my deathbed I want to be able to say that with the Lord’s help I completed (finished) the purpose (race) He had for my life.
It’s my belief that God is looking for people who will be insanely focused on the plan that He has for our lives. Individuals who will give sacrificially of their time, energy, and commitment for His Glory.
It’s impossible to live that way when I need a nap after lunch.
A big problem with fitness is our goals are too small…we must allow our hearts to become consumed with something bigger than “I want to lose weight.” For that larger purpose will call us towards a life filled with healthy-eating, exercise, self-control, and productivity.
svgmissionary.com 