The surprising keys to maximizing productivity Slow down a bit and take care of yourself. You'll find leverage in the feeling of inspiration that no action taken out of desperation can ever compare to. Here are my tips for starting up and sticking with an exercise routine, no matter how crazy-busy you are.

1. Get clear on your priorities.

When we’re busy, it’s easy to go into victim-mode “I have to do this. I can't do that. I have no choice. But the reality is that you do have a choice, lots of 'em, actually. Start to notice all the choices you have the power to make in your life. When you feel stuck, ask yourself, “How can I see this differently Where’s my choice here”

Start to get really clear on the underlying priorities driving your choices. You may realize that a lot of things you choose to do or not do are driven by your fear of what others think of you or the fear of not being good enough. But what if, instead, your choices were driven by inspiration, expansion, curiosity, fun, connection, etc.

What are your top priorities What’s important to you Use your list as your compass. See how often you can make choices that align with your priorities. You might notice exercise becomes more consistent in your life when your priorities are clear. I certainly do.

2. Get support.

Not only is there leverage in inspiration, but there’s also leverage in connection. When you know someone’s got your back no matter what, that’s an amazing feeling. We all need a space where we can be human and share our mistakes and be a mess. We also need space where our successes are celebrated and we’re reminded of what we want.

3. Don’t expect perfection. Give yourself a break.
I eat pizza, drink too much wine and coffee, and skip my workouts sometimes. Things like this used to freak me out. I strived to always hide my imperfections and felt ashamed when I couldn’t. When I’d miss workouts, I’d be scared I would gain 10 pounds overnight.

Now, I’ve simply made the decision to be kinder to myself. To expect and embrace imperfection. To be flexible and in the flow with life. To give myself the benefit of the doubt and a break. To trust that I’ll get “back on track, and knowing that being off track is part of the process.

4. Consistency over intensity.

Our brain is scared of change; we’re wired to think it's is dangerous. This helped our ancestors survive a long time ago, making them alert to predators in new places. Unfortunately, it doesn’t serve us super-well now.

It’s a good thing to be aware of, though, because sometimes when we try to make big changes too quickly, we self-destruct. It’s often an unconscious coping mechanism. Our brain doesn’t distinguish between “good” and “bad” change. Therefore, if change = dangerous, self-sabotage = safe. The solution Baby steps.

Instead of committing to getting to the gym five timesweek for an hour, what if you started with 10 minutes of movement tomorrow morning and 10 minutes of movement tomorrow afternoon Give yourself permission to set very small goals. Then, commit to them wholeheartedly.

5. Find movement you love.

There are a million ways to move your body. Why waste your time and energy with a form of exercise you hate It’s incredibly difficult to stay consistent with something you don’t enjoy. So, don’t try. Instead, find movement that’s fun and feels great. Then, it will be something you look forward to instead of feeling like it’s a chore.

6. Make it about something other than the numbers.

Pounds. Calories. Time. Level.

Most of us go straight to fear, doubt and anxiety when we measure our success through numbers. Are there times when numbers can be helpful Sure. But, when you make your exercise routine more meaningful than numbers it’s easier for exercise to become a more fun, impactful, and consistent part of your life.

Ask yourself, “If I had the perfect body now and knew I always would, why would I still exercise”

My answers to feel good, to feel strong, to feel powerful, to get out of my head and into my heartspace, to feel better, to feel healthy, to feel vibrant, to feel connected, to get inspired.

7. Let music move you.

I love working out to music. Some days it soothes my soul. Other days, it wakes me up and amplifies my energy. Create playlists you love. If you’re not feeling like exercising, start the music and see if it persuades you towards movement.

8. Notice how you feel when you’re done.

A few years ago, I was having a hard time following through with my commitment to get up early and workout. So I put my alarm in my shoes, put my shoes across the room and added a sticky note that said, “You always regret it when you go back to bed. You never regret it when you get up and move.”

BDST: 1738 HRS, MAY 06, 2015
Edited by:  Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor