Optimization to Maximize Efficiency
How I'm planning on maximizing my efforts to gain more output
For the remainder of the summer, my goal is to work on being consistent with my work-flow production. Some days, I stress over only working for 5 hours, other days, I barely get 25 minutes of work in. It’s a roller coaster and I want to get off!
So in order for me to be more consistent, I need to create a plan, put in place before school starts, all in an attempt to get me the desired goal I’m looking for: get more done. My main time suck - where I use/waste most of my time - is in checking in with social media AND on starting something and not finishing it in its entirety.
What I’d like to see happen is working on a task for a solid 25 minutes before I can do anything else. Whether it’s batching social media content, creating training plans for my runners, or working on things around the house, if I give myself 25 minutes of uninterrupted time, I think I can accomplish more.
Cut out the check-ins. My brother in law said he has his phone in airplane mode after 7 pm and always has his iPad turned off. I think that’s a bit much, but I’m willing to give it a try. Starting tonight, no more phone after dinner and iPad away.
Treat coaching and teaching like a marathon. Yes, some things need to get done in a timely manner, but realizing that I am one person asking a lot of myself, I need to release some of the self-imposed stress I put on myself. I also think part of this is doing things in the order they need to be done in, not when I want to do them in.
Continue to emphasize healthy living. I have been in a really great groove with running. I’m adding in strength training, cross-training, and recovery to help with my running.
I think these 4 areas are going to help me become more consistent [25-minute blocks, no more check-ins, marathon mentality, and general health] and lower my stress level. These will get easier to accomplish the more I practice them, so that’ll be my goal. To do this, I plan on having a daily list of what I need to get done so that I prioritize well and then shutting off my brain and enjoying myself and my family.
I know what you might be saying. This literally had nothing to do with running. I think it has everything to do with running. I have zero problems getting up and getting out for a run. It’s been part of who I am for 21+ years. Running is so ingrained in me and so automatic that I do not have to think about going for a run. At all. Ever.
But for you, you might not have that luxury. My pain point is with non-running activities. I dawdle and drag it things that shouldn’t take as long as they do.
Friday’s Action Plan:
Create a short morning routine that primes you for your upcoming day. Mine will be 3 things to accomplish, 2 things I’m grateful for, 1 thing I’m proud of doing.
Big Events Coming Up:
I’m starting to do in-person coaching again. If you’re interested in a gait analysis or coaching, reply to this email!
What’s Got My Attention:
Video: 5 minute Warm Up Routine
Podcast: Consistent Habits are the Key to Fitness
Popular Articles on the Blog this Week:
Heel Striking vs Forefoot Landing
Want to be a Faster Runner? Add Strength
Popular Newsletter Sessions:
Hills are Our Friend - August 2019
Get Your Sleep - January 2020
Quote of the Day:
“Doctors and scientists said breaking the four-minute mile was impossible, that one would die in the attempt. Thus, when I got up from the track after collapsing at the finish line, I figured I was dead.” -Roger Bannister
List of the Week:
Connect with me:
I’m on Instagram
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I'm on TikTok
Here’s my blog
Thanks for following along on the journey! Have something you’d like to add? Have suggestions or comments? Email me: TrainwithMarc@gmail.com
If this resonates with you, I would love it if you could share it.
Marc is a middle school teacher and coach but also works with distance runners online. I help distance runners around the globe by providing support, writing customized training plans, and designing workouts to help them reach their racing goals. I write for my blog every Wednesday morning and newsletter every Friday morning.