This week’s blog is going to be a little bit different and I’m not sure if that’s good or bad different, I guess we’ll find out together! However, I would love your feedback on this week’s topic and if you guys dig this content and want more like it or just want me to stick to training and nutrition and all things Strength and Conditioning. Today I’m going to discuss investing in yourself.
So I’m a huge podcast listener, I just love them! They are a fantastic way of gaining information and there’s a few I use in heavy rotation. One of my absolute favorites is one called the Physical Preparation Podcast by coach Mike Robertson. It’s not just the guests he gets on every week dropping absolute knowledge bombs on us all that makes it so good but what I really love is the opening 5 or so minutes. Mike gives a monolog and general life catch up, basically lets everyone know what he’s got going on in life right now and what he’s doing and I just eat it up! It really makes you feel like you know the guy on a personal level. With that in mind, here’s a life catch up for Rory Fleming before we jump into different ways I think everyone can invest a little more in themselves.
So, I’m on a week’s break from work right now and I’m writing this post from the Kingdom itself, Kerry… Killarney to be exact. I decided to get away from Dublin and work for a few days of fresh air and just a general switch off after a hectic few months that were pretty nonstop. So far I’ve got a great run in, a hike up a pretty steep mountain and stroll around Killarney’s streets, tomorrow (At time of writing) I’ll be heading out to west Kerry to do some swimming and drive along the amazing roads of the Ring of Kerry!! I used to holiday down here as kid every year so whenever I need a reset or ‘spiritual recharge’ I like coming down to this part of the country. Other than that I haven’t got a whole pile going on right now other than working in the gym, we’ve just kicked off phase 1 of a new programme which I am so pumped about and know I’ll come back from this break ready to absolutely kill it coaching wise! Anyway, that’s my update for this week, let’s talk about you.
Time out!!
My number one way of investing in yourself is to take some daily time out where it’s all about you! I know this is easier said than done but I really do believe even 10 minutes where you’re doing something purely for you and you alone is so good for your head and soul! For me, I read. I’m nearly finished an amazing book at the moment written by the guy who created Nike! I also really enjoy coffee and my local shop is AMAZING!!! Coffee Works in Lucan village is the perfect place to sit down and watch the world go by with an amazing cup of coffee! For others, meditation works well or a walk during your lunch break at work!
Professional development
This week’s topic came to me while I was listening to Mike’s latest podcast where he described reading a book many years ago where the author said you should invest 5-10% of your salary back into yourself, in one way or another. We’re not always going to be in a fortunate job position where our employer invests in our development, thankfully I am at the moment, so in that case we need to be willing to invest in growing ourselves from a professional stand point. I know my satisfaction level is huge after I’ve invested my own money and time into something I know is going to make me a more educated and well-rounded coach.
Your own health
Probably the biggest one and the main sub-topic I wanted to discuss today. This is something I’ve discussed with many friends both in and outside the strength and conditioning community. As a whole, I believe, Ireland does not value investing money in our own health as much as we do in other things. I work in a gym that is one of the best in Ireland at what we do, semi-private personal training. We are and I know we are. That’s not to say others are bad because they aren’t, there are some terrific gyms and excellent staffs out there but we are 100% up there with them. Now, the average membership for us is 150-180 Euro a month (Yes, a month) depending on your package.
People tell me that’s expensive but is it really? REALLY? What does a dinner with drinks cost you in Dublin City these days? Including a taxi in and out? What if you go on a bender every Saturday with the boys? How much do you spend on drink? What do you needlessly spend on online shopping every month? I bet if you cut one of those expenses 180/month won’t seem so steep anymore, especially considering you’re getting a premium coaching service by professionals and developing your health, longevity and quality of daily life alongside likeminded people in a supportive environment.
Now, this is by no means a sales pitch and I don’t want it to seem that way, but I am trying to point out that as a country we are facing into a never before seen obesity epidemic. We are quickly becoming one of Europe’s most obese nations and the statistics of some of Ireland’s youths is terrifying. If we are able to put our money into alcohol and take-away food every weekend than why not invest it in something else instead? Something that will benefit you instead of take years off your life! When we think about the youth of today and how they can overcome obesity it all starts with the parents. Children don’t do as you say, they do as you do. Set a good example through exercise and diet and they will pick up those habits. On the other hand, if all they know is fast food, alcohol and TV then they are the habits they will pick up.
At the end of the day, investing in yourself can come in so many ways and forms. From doing something purely for you, like reading or a few hours alone to some professional development to buying something for yourself that you’ve always wanted, investing in yourself is a huge factor to your overall physical and mental health and wellbeing.
That’s my two cents for this week folks. This is a topic, as you may be able to tell, I’m pretty passionate about. I feel a lot of the time people are too much go, go, go and may be letting some things slide. Mental health is an ever growing concern among the Irish population with young men being the highest suicide rate out of the population. In my view we can all do ourselves a little bit of help by taking some time, energy and effort and putting it back into ourselves. If you enjoyed this week’s conversation please, please share it with someone who you think can benefit from reading it. If you have any questions on this or any instalment, please reach out to me and we can talk! Lastly, thank you from taking the time to read what I have to say, I am continually blown away by the support I’ve received so far.
Here’s to a great week,
Rory.