Welcome back to the Weekly Hurdle! This newsletter is free and will stay free thanks to sponsors and the individuals that opt-in to give. If you enjoy getting this in your inbox weekly, I encourage you to please consider signing up as a paid subscriber. Your support is really appreciated!
Presented by LMNT:
As an entrepreneur, I’ve had to ask myself a lot of important questions when it comes to the structure of my work days. Some days, getting things done feels like a total breeze. Others? Sitting down at my desk and tackling deadlines, uploading podcasts, and planning content feels completely overwhelming. Since I need to do things to make money, I’ve tried just about every trick in the book to max out my day-to-day productivity. For today’s Weekly Hurdle, I’ll be diving into my top hacks. But before I do, two things:
Everyone is different. What works for me might not work for you, and that's fine. The good news about coming up with the right suite of practices is that you have the opportunity to customize said suite. If you commit to something for a few weeks and it's not sticking or helping, then move on to a different strategy.
There is a difference between productivity and being busy: When you stop trying to do things just to say you’re doing things and actually perform an inventory over your goals and what it is that you truly want to accomplish, you may find some new air in your schedule. Being busy is about working harder, while being productive is about working smarter.
And now, my tips:
Move first: Not everyone is a morning exercise person, and that’s cool. But if you want to be your most productive self during the day, I highly encourage you to start things off with a bit of movement. That can look like a 10-minute on-demand yoga flow alongside your favorite instructor or getting up for a nice walk with a cup of coffee to get your blood pumping a bit before getting to your desk. Research also shows that early exercise will help you start the day with more focus and optimism.
Get dressed: While I respect and love a solid athleisure outfit, putting myself together and putting on ~real~ clothes is important to feel like I’m actually starting my day. That’s not saying that ~real~ outfits need to involve hard pants. Dresses and flowy options, #FTW.
Lay the foundation: I have a strategy on how I go about what I put in my body in the morning. First thing, it’s Nespresso (before any workout). Once I’m back in, it’s some sort of breakfast while coffee is brewing (pour over, always). Then, when I’m dressed for the day and heading into my office, I shake up Athletic Greens, pop two Beam focus capsules, and fill a large bottle of water. (If I don’t sit down at my computer with at least three beverages, something’s off.) Fueling smart and starting off my day right is another key to feeling more alert once I’m at my desk.
Make a SMART to-do list: If you’re putting a zillion things on your to-do list for the day, then you’re doing it wrong. You want to make sure that what’s on yours feels manageable, and all items are something that are within your wheelhouse without getting overwhelm. The acronym SMART stands for “Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.” Ask yourself if those action items fall into that framework. An example of a great one? “Take 60 minutes to write a 400-word Article for GQ by 3 p.m. today.”
Make a schedule: I remember at my first job out of college, my boss asked me to do this exercise for a full week: Write down exactly how much time I spend doing any one thing. At the time, I felt like it was super Big Brother. But now, I totally see the point. On my busiest days where I need to get the most done, I make a timeline for myself allotting a realistic period to get certain items done. This means I’m more focused on one thing at a time, and helps me stay on task to slay my to-do list.
Take breaks: Even if it’s for a 5-minute walk around the block or a 10 minute freestyle dance break (no judgement, here), getting up from your work station every so often is crucial. Lately, I’ve been pairing this with grabbing a cold seltzer.
Do the hardest thing second: You often hear do this thing first. I say do this thing immediately after something that’s easy-to-accomplish. That way, you’re starting your day on a positive note, feeling hyped that you’ve achieved something — then getting on to the nitty gritty. Like many of you I’m sure, I’m guilty of making certain tasks the “monster” (AKA, the thing that I just want nothing to do with for no particular reason). Trust me, once the monster has been tamed, it’s smooth sailing from there.
Have something to look forward to at the end of it: Maybe it’s dinner with a loved one or perhaps it’s sitting down away from your computer with a good book. Whatever it is that gets you excited, using that as a carrot at the end of a long day is both deserving and fun.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
READ: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Excited to announce that this is going to be the next Hurdle Book Club pick (date coming soon)! I can’t wait to dive into it. I’ve heard great things from the Hurdlers including that the audiobook read by Matthew McConaughey himself is gold. Thanks to Becs Gentry for the recommendation! (Check out her episode of Hurdle here.)
WATCH: “Changing the Game” on Hulu
I came across the release of this documentary from a Refinery 29 article, and I am so excited to catch it this weekend. It follows the lives of three high school athletes — all at different stages of their athletic seasons, personal lives, and unique paths as transgender teens. The trailer highlights an important point that for these athletes, sport is not just about competing. It's about work, collaboration, resilience, expression, and community. In celebration of Pride month, this one felt fitting.
HURDLER-APPROVED GEAR: Specialized RBX Shorty Short with SWAT
Firstly, meet Chelsey:
She’s on of Hurdle’s stellar interns! A little bit about her: She’s a retired collegiate basketball-player-turned-runner and an enthusiast of all things fitness/wellness. Living in Minnesota, you can catch her taking advantage of all the activities the warmer months have to offer, including long runs, cycling, camping, chilling at the lake, and a fair share of patio dining with friends. She is (her words!) so pumped to be working with Emily and helping producing content for the Hurdle community.
Now, for her gear pick: “A good pair of cycling shorts can be hard to come by, but I picked these up AT 50 PERCENT OFF(!!) and am a big fan. With an 8-inch inseam, breathable material, and side pockets for storage, these are the perfect shorts for all your summer riding needs.”
Thanks, Chels!
CHECK OUT: @IronCowboyJames on Instagram
James Lawrence just accomplished a feat too crazy not to highlight. He set out to complete 100 Ironman triathlons in 100 days, and did just that conquering No. 100 on Tuesday. I am blown away. Along the way, he joined with multiple organizations to raise money, most recently Operation Underground Railroad. Inspiring athlete doing good in this world? I am so on board.
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
Meet LMNT, zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. I’m the saltiest sweater (cute, I know). These electrolytes have been my go-to recently to perform better. I like them not just because they taste great (the orange salt is my favorite), but they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
☀️ Kickstart your mornings
💪 Fuel workouts and improve recovery
Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack, including two citrus, two raspberry, two orange, and two raw unflavored. You only pay $5 for shipping! To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: Caleb Marshall, YouTube Favorite ‘The Fitness Marshall’
What do you get when you combine camo pants, a fiery passion for dance, sweat, and a good time? Meet Caleb Marshall, known to his 3.25 million (and growing) YouTube subscribers as The Fitness Marshall. For episode 161, I talk to Caleb all about his journey to becoming a top YouTube creator, where he uses his platform to spread joy, self-love, and confidence to as many people as he can through his one-of-a-kind — as he calls them — “fitertainment” routines. We also chat about what it was like for him to come out as gay to his family and friends as a teenager, and his hopes for other members of the LGBTQ community if they struggle to do the same.
There are so many things I love about this episode, but really it’s Caleb's vibe that no matter your age, size ability, color, gender expression — everyone has a place, period.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: Samantha Gash, Endurance Athlete & Social Change Entrepreneur
To say that Sam Gash is inspiring is the understatement of the year. But before I tell you more about her, what I want to make sure I mention right off the bat is that this weekend — June 11 through June 13, 2021 — Sam is helping to put together an awesome event called Relief Run to benefit World Vision Australia’s India COVID-19 appeal, which will see funding provide more beds, oxygen machines, and medical supplies in hospitals in some of the worst hit districts. While things are feeling more normal here, the state of affairs over in India is frightening. Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 1 in 49 residents have been infected, with a total of more than 27 million cases.
If Relief Run sounds familiar, that’s because last year’s installment raised more than $1 million in support of Australian bushfire relief efforts. To participate, register at ReliefRun.com.au/ and then walk or run a all over the world to run or walk 5K, 10K, or half-marathon at a location and time that suits you. I’m doing it, and I hope you will too.
Now, a little more on Sam. Sam is a social entrepreneur and former Survivor contestant, as we mention in todays episode we actually met on an unbelievable trip to ibiza which feels like both forever ago and just yesterday. To say that Sam has done a helluva lot of good in this worlds would be the biggest understatement. She has turned her passion for running into a vehicle for social change, completing events like Run India in 2016 — a 3,200K run from the west to the east of India in an effort to raise funds for World Vision education initiatives — to a 222K non-stop foot race across the Himalayas at 6,000 meters above sea level — an event that had only been completed previously by one man. She’s truly a one-of-a-kind individual. Of note, Sam was actually a corporate lawyer with zero athletic background until she decided to make her endurance activity part of her life's work. I am blown away by her tenacity, spirit, and determination — and I know you will be, too.
Thanks to this week’s Hurdle sponsors LMNT, Athletic Greens, Green Chef, and BaronFig! For a complete list of the show’s sponsors and some really great deals, check out the sponsors page, here.
Don’t Forget to Check Out: HURDLE SESSIONS!
How to Start (and Stay!) Running
How to Take Your Running to the Next Level
Intro to Freelance Writing
Intro to Podcasting
How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into Your Main Gig
Finding Your Power Alone
How to Build a Social Media Presence
Media Strategy for Fitness Professionals
AND *30-Minute One-On-One Consulting Call*
LEAVE ME A VOICE MESSAGE! Whether you just want to say hi or have a question you want to ask, I’d love to hear from you! Bonus: Your listener question could be answered in an upcoming episode of the show! No topics are off limits.