I’ve been an athlete all my life. I’ve participated in athletics back in day school, throughout High School, in University and as an adult.
There are a lot of people out there, with a similar story to mine, who are plugging away at life…trying to juggle so many different things to make ends meet. Throughout my life experiences I’ve had my ups and downs, but I continue to plug away and currently I’m taking on another journey.
I’m preparing for Ironman Texas in May 2014 – which will be my first Ironman triathlon. While I’m training for this event, there are many aspects in my life I need to learn to balance.
I have an awesome family – super supportive wife and two amazing kids (ages 3 & 5), all of whom I love spending time with and I need to always make sure to continue to do so. I also have a full time job as a High school PE teacher (grades 9-12), Athletic Director, coach and personal trainer. Of course my training for the Ironman can be considered a part-time job in itself. Managing my nutrition as a plant-based athlete takes time and as I become more familiar and comfortable preparing and understanding my body’s needs, it becomes easier.
If you think about it, that’s a lot to manage! Between family, job, clients, training, nutrition and seeing friends. I’m often asked: “How do you have time to do everything you’re doing?”
There are only 24 hours in a day…6-8 hours of which are spent sleeping (if my kids allow it).
I think my most consistent answer is always…I’m an athlete and I’ve always seen myself that way. I’m not a professional athlete, you don’t get to see me on TV (yet), but in my mind I’m an extraordinary athlete.
You may be thinking…but that’s not an answer as to how you manage your time!
But it actually is.
And here’s why…
If you participate in sport when you’re in High School – there’s a lot you need to do. Academics are important, you have pressure from your parents, teachers & school – you want to succeed in life! One thing that I learned through participation in sport in High School was how to manage my time – How to get everything done. How do I fit in the practice when I need to study for an exam or have homework to do or I need extra help but I need to play in a game. Not only did I play one sport, I got involved in as much as I could. I grew up playing hockey, soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball and anything else I could get into. Yes I also had a social life, I had friends I wanted to hang out with and play with and throughout my High School years, I developed this sense of dedication and commitment that really helped form and shape my personality. I learned how to become more disciplined through Athletics which has made a huge difference for me. I learned through Athletics how to efficiently manage time so that I can fit everything in throughout my life.
Today, people tell me I’m crazy (they don’t understand how I fit everything in), but it all comes down to me managing my time.
Yes I’m self-motivated and dedicated to everything I take on. Yes I have a type A personality.
But I truly believe that I can do anything I want to do – and that is a game changer!
I think positive, I visualize, I believe in myself…and that’s why I can do everything that I do. I believe that I can and in return, it happens for me.
I have many students that always say “I can’t do that” or “I don’t have time”. My response to them is always the same…If you say you can’t, you never will. Remove “can’t” from your vocabulary! Say things like “I may not be able to right now and I’m going to work on it so it will happen for me. If you take a positive spin on things, you will be way more successful in everything you do.
I manage my time efficiently, I work hard at what I do, I take things seriously and I have fun.
For all those I interact with, I try to make a difference everyday…through health and fitness – one person at a time.
Adam Chaim
~ Plant Trainers
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