a better life… just one percent at a time
Life is short. And I want to feel good and healthy for as much of it as possible. Granted, there is no magic pill, and there are no guarantees. But that’s with anything in life… and should not stop us from pursuing a life that’s just one percent better than it was yesterday.
Over the past year that I’ve been in recovery from the corporate rat race, I’ve given my health top priority and decided to optimize health. I have most certainly not been perfect, and tried a lot of things that have not worked for me. But that journey is essential for everyone. Each human is unique, and the foods and exercise that I enjoy and give me the most health, energy and life may not be the same as yours.
I no longer exercise or try to lose weight. Instead, I’m training.
Weight loss is no longer my only goal. Sure, it’s still there, but other fitness goals are more important. So instead of weight loss, I have an exercise schedule that I’ve followed and will continue to follow.
Starting with small goals was key. I did the couch to 5k app most of the way through. And admittedly, had to repeat most weeks several times before moving up to more running. I joined a local bike group, and after my mom and boyfriend chipped in to get me a road bike and trainer from craigslist for Christmas. Even though I used to swim on a team in high school and was pretty good, I took some swimming lessons at my gym to build up my confidence. Then began swimming a couple times a week for distance. Once the swim lessons ran out, I joined a local road bike group, took a few lessons with them and did a group ride.
Because I’m training. I have a goal. And that had made a huge impact on how I look at exercise. How I look at food. And how I choose to optimize health.
The past 30ish days really got away from me.
Not in a bad way, really. Over this hectic 30ish days, I got a lot done and had some fun.
I remodeled and leased out two units in my 8-unit property, adding to the property’s improvements, upgrading the quality of my tenants and increasing passive income.
Continue reading “Reset Your Intentions When Life Gets Hectic”
For our second date, my partner wanted to cook for me.
A full menu with appetizer, dinner, and dessert was in store. I was impressed, and told myself I’d go easy on him. I’d had boyfriends try to cook for me in the past, only to sneak in some fast food on my way home. But I promised to approach this dinner date at my place with an open mind. It was sweet how he was trying to impress me. The least I could do was go easy on him.
When he came to my front door with a blowtorch, I had concerns.
Continue reading “Cook Like a Bad Ass On a Budget”
“It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.”
Quote from Mahatma Gandhi
Lawyer, Politician, Social Activist and Writer
At my last corporate job, I sat across from this guy that really annoyed me.
He sprung into the office promptly at 8am every morning. I only know this because, every once in a while, a soulless corporate shell would schedule an 8am meeting. This would force me to set my alarm clock to a ridiculous hour, and roll in just in time to get a cup of coffee and see Mr. Early Bird already at his desk. He would have a wide smile on his face, saying, “Good Morning” in a cheery tone, while I grumbled a groggy, “Good Morning” back to him. My only solace, a good parking spot and shorter walk to my car at the end of the day.
Continue reading “Optimize Health for Optimal Happiness”
After a bumpy adolescence, a liberating but poorly focused college career, and a job hunt that landed me with the same job title I had before I began college, I was already feeling a little disheartened by following the advice my family had given me.
“Just finish college, get a good job, buy a house, and you’ll be set for life!”
Continue reading “Why Become Just One Percent Better?”