By Kat Killeen, Assistant Director of Group Fitness and Social Media Manager
I am a scheduling nut. This morning, just like I do every morning, I sat staring at my planner, wanting to pull my hair out. A new project has just been thrown on me at work, and it needs to be done TODAY. On top of that, I need to clean my house for the company that is coming over (it would have been nice if they had told me about this more than a day in advance), I desperately need an oil change (I have been putting it off for months), and I need to take my dog to the vet (why did he choose today of all days to eat an entire sock). I sit feverishly trying to rearrange my schedule for the day (I cancel the workout I had planned in order to prepare for the incoming guests) and think about how life is funny like that&... it is consistent. Consistent in a way that you can always count on a roadblock to throw a curve into your day. And just like in our work and personal lives, roadblocks happen in our exercise routines. While there may not be a right way to prioritize between your boss's demands and your sick dog, there is a way to bulldoze through those pesky barricades that interrupt your health and wellness.
STEP 1: SET AN ACTION PLAN
An action plan is a goal that answers 3 questions: what, how often, and when. Your goal must be measurable, so instead of a broad target, such as “lose weight”, key in on a behavior specific goal, such as workout (what) 5 times (how often) this week (when).
STEP 2: PLAN FOR ROADBLOCKS
Look into your crystal ball of the future. What can you expect? Any holidays, 
birthdays, events, or vacations around the corner? And more importantly, what could unexpectedly pop up? A new project at work, company visiting, or you getting injured? We’ve all heard of Murphy’s Law: anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. So now that you’re prepared, get creative! That vacation coming up: plan some active events like hiking or swimming. The busy work week: workout in the morning or go over your lunch break. The company that might stop over: have some group activities ready to get everyone moving. That injury waiting to happen: cross-train to prevent it. Be pro-active and have a plan B and C in your back pocket!
STEP 3: EVALUATE YOUR PLAN
Remember your action plan in step 1? Taking all potential roadblocks into account, how confident are you in completing the plan you set? Rate your confidence on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest confidence level. Studies show that if you have a confidence level of 7 or higher, you are drastically more likely to achieve the goal. If your confidence level is a 6 or below, go back and adjust your goal. Maybe working out 4 times a week is more realistic than 5, and that is okay! Set a goal that is challenging, but also not completely out of reach. Life isn’t perfect. Expect the unexpected and show those roadblocks who’s boss!