Daily Investments
I recently had the term “Cash Cow” explained to me by one of my mentors. He explained it as, “something that gets you long money, not fast money.” As in, it’s something that has steady growth, that is sustainable over time. It isn’t something that has a great amount of return on investment at any one time, but rather accumulates it’s grand effect through longevity.
This is how I approach training. This is how I approach most things in life, really. I turned 31 recently. As my career has grown, life inevitably gets busier. The necessity to prioritize has taken on a whole new meaning in my life. And it’s now only in my 30s do I start to realize that it is critical to making the most out of my day. I no longer have the luxury of 3 hour training sessions like I once did. Given the current global pandemic, access to most gym equipment and space is not possible. I commute close to 2 hours / day.
Time is of the essence. Because of this, it is not always of use to engage in training that leaves me physically / mentally depleted for other priorities in my day. And so, the question is, how do I gain the benefits of training hard, without having the same resources (time, space, equipment, etc) I once did?
The answer lies in the same approach an investor takes when thinking of a ‘Cash Cow’. A little bit consistently, over a long time. I do not stretch for hours on end. I do not lift close to my max weight most days. For the majority of my sessions, I don’t train for more than hour. What I do however focus on, is making sure I engage in a morning ritual (full body mobility and activations)—this takes care of a personal daily investment in self. I also prioritize minimalistic training approaches to the days I do engage in strength or skill based training. Whether that’s kettlebells, bands or body weight exercises or shadow boxing in Muay Thai/Boxing/BJJ, cycling/running or going for hikes.
Also, it’s important to acknowledge that investing is a choice. That is, it is something we can choose to do, or choose not to do. When it comes to investing in lifestyle changes that better our own well-being, the question isn’t about whether if we should, but rather, what would happen if we didn’t? What type of character do I begin to shape for myself if I choose not to do more of what benefits me later? Things to consider…
Regardless of what our influences and motivations may be, I believe that it’s important to engage in that self dialogue. Because purpose, or the ‘why’, behind our actions is something that can only be truly defined by yourself. For me, the idea of a daily investment means that I’m doing something EVERYDAY to make sure I can maintain and build a healthy body able to play, provide and protect, for a lifetime. Mentally, I feel assured that I stay ready for whatever life demands of me, that way I don’t ever feel like I have to get ready. Like what I mentioned when I spoke on ‘Rituals’, inertia is the same mentally as it is physically—the hardest parts is starting. As for investing daily, once the ball’s rolling, just keep it moving.
- DRJ