Preparing for Opportunities

The snow is beautiful when it’s falling and still relatively undisturbed, isn’t it? When the light reflects off of the white powder, the world is brighter. If only we could leave the snow as it is when it covers everything…

Of course, that’s not practical. We have things to do, and even if our list of outdoor activities isn’t as long as it might be during another season, sometimes we want to enjoy the snow.

From winter activities such as skiing and sledding to year-round activities including walking and running, we can benefit from considering the snow a bonus and continuing to exercise outside when the snow arrives.

Being prepared for snow (and the ice that may come with it) can be the difference between having a fun experience or wishing you had stayed inside.

This approach — viewing current circumstances as an opportunity that you are prepared for — can apply to exercising in other environments (and to other activities) as well. Do you find that things go a bit more smoothly when you are prepared?

When it comes to exercising regularly, how often do you work out when you haven’t planned for a particular activity?

How about when you block out time and ensure you have the appropriate attire and/or equipment?

Sometimes preparing might mean that you have an alternative option on your list, so that you can continue to move forward if things don’t turn out as expected.

Even if you are spontaneous with some activities, planning to exercise and making it as easy as possible to take action when (and how) you intend will result in more consistent, focused execution over time.

When you reserve physical space and a specific time to work on or complete a goal, you are making room for your intended actions.

And when you view an unexpected challenge as an opportunity, your attitude can help you to address that challenge in a way that keeps you on track and moves you closer to your goal.

Taking advantage of opportunities (like snow) when possible and planning ahead, given the information and resources you have available, can help you to build confidence in your ability to adapt and progress toward your goals, regardless of circumstances.

Whether we like it or not, the snow is here — and I’m sure we’ll see more of it before we can enjoy warmer temperatures on a daily basis again. We might as well bundle up and have fun!