Making Time for the Gym Even with a Busy Schedule

Time management is the most important aspect for busy schedules.  I was listening to this Jillian Michaels Podcast recently about setting goals.  She suggested that I put my goal up in many different places.  My long term goal is to lose 28 lbs by 2014.  I have a sheet of paper taped up in my refrigerator and on my calendar at work.  She also suggested that I create a calendar.  I have to physically write down my goals.  It helps me more.  

I have been separating my calendar out into weeks.  Taking small steps is a lot easier than trying for the end goal.  You have to learn how to walk before you can run.  Below you can see my calendar.  I have notations on it so that my coworkers don't know what I am doing or judge me (they are very judgey!).  

The little circle with a upside down T is my version of a martini glass.  That means that I drank on those days. I write down my workouts and my rest days.  LWO is short for Lunchtime WorkOut.  This helps me visualize my progress and to see how much I have done each day.  It is a great snapshot of my accomplishments.  

This also helps me to manage my time more efficiently.  My appointments, trips, class schedule and to-do's are up there.  I know that I have to prepare my workout bags ahead of time and prepare my lunches ahead of time. So far since I have been using this method, I have lost 3 lbs!  I think that is more than I lost in an entire month last year!  My new goal now is 25 lbs!!!