How To Leverage More "Self Time"​ For Yourself From Your Boss.

"Life is change" someone wise once said. And what really brought this truth from the distant humming background of our lives to the forefront of our consciousness, is none other than what I refer to as "COVID Chaos."

People internalize chaos differently, in part, based on their outlook of whether life has finite or infinite possibilities. Or more plainly, whether they look at change as an obstacle or an opportunity.

When COVID Chaos hit me, I learned to fully embrace it with a LFG mindset. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of tears shed due to the loss of my business and the difficulties that surround change, but for me, it was also the single most invigorating and LIMITLESS opportunity I had experienced to date.

The proverbial "table" of rigid societal norms was flipped over for EVERYONE and Patrick and I chose to flow with it and live in innovation instead of fear. We chose to create and recreate ourselves into something better. Both as human beings and as business owners. I cannot tell you how inspiring and exhilarating it was to have that seemingly "once in a lifetime" experience.

Why am I talking about "COVID Chaos" and what does it have to do with how you can use this to leverage more personal time with your Boss? Because I am reminding you that any rule can be broken, and any system or expectation can be changed. I also want to remind you that because of COVID Chaos, "The Great Resignation" is in effect and YOU HAVE LEVERAGE. As a business owner I can appreciate the struggle of finding and retaining good team members; AND I know first hand my employees are absolute garbage when they're not taking care of themselves. (That is satire, I'm just getting to the point quickly for once.)

I incorporate my fitness into the work day. Not before, not after, I include it into my work hours because that's what it is, it's work. Not just because it's my line of work but because it's Self-work, just like it is for you; it's a requirement to be healthy after all. We are the most productive, creative, intuitive, joyful, empathetic etc. version of ourselves when we are cared for.

So remember: When your company hired you, your best self is the person they hired. Not a burnt out, sick, brain fog consumed, apathetic, zombie of a human being.

How do I know you need to ask for more personal time? Because the most common issue my clients struggle with (and I have data to prove it) is creating time to develop and maintain a fitness routine. Time is not found, it's created. You need to schedule your fitness time and it may need to (and I believe SHOULD) happen during the day. In the same way you'd need to take the afternoon off to go see your dermatologist, you should be able to train with your professional coach. Sure, you don't see them as frequently, I understand. However; Fitness isn't less important. Rather I'm gonna argue it's a greater priority.

It's the preventative to that Healthcare Specialist you might need to see.

So all that set us up nicely for the conversation we are going to have now and then I strongly encourage you to have with your boss.

Let's live with some Audacity.

If you want more time for your HEALTH, both mental and physical, you need to take control. Pre COVID chaos I used to say consider negotiating it. (Coach Sophie did, she negotiated a daily window of 3-4:30pm for fitness time with her current employer.) But you probably don't have to demand or do much negotiating right now due to The Great Resignation. Good help is HARD to find, and that's why you should make a move and leverage your position to ensure you're health can be a priority.

So here's how you leverage your position and negotiate for more self-work time.

This conversation would pair well with a performance review, although I don't think you need to wait until then. A review period could benefit you if you're performing well - you could tie your performance to your health. If you're performing under par due to stress you could discuss how you would like to see if an increase in health will help you with performance. There are plenty of studies that show healthier employees create better output, I would make sure you send that article to your reviewer. Keep in mind it could also be a type of performance compensation other than monetary.

Secondly, go in with plan. You need to be clear on the terms you're asking for. This is creating value for your life so make sure you're asking for the things you want, not what you think they'll agree to. Be reasonable, if you need 75-90 minutes in the day to accomplish health and fitness time, don't create an unmeetable expectations.

Have a window of time or class time in mind, with a secondary option in case your first ask gets denied.

To support your request, remember, you are working with PROFESSIONAL COACHES at Findlay Movement. Our coaching staff is highly experienced, highly educated, full-time coaches bridging the healthcare gap to the public. You are NOT going to Planet Fitness and watching trash tv on a treadmill for 30+ minutes. When you come to a class, it's no different than having an appointment with a healthcare professional, because by meeting with us, that's exactly what you're doing. Creating HEALTH.

Remember that many companies have some kind of "wellness" awareness or even programs, you are just asking to choose a wellness plan that actually works for you. It's also not a bad idea to look up what your company offers or claims as a culture to support your ask.

Be clear that you're not looking to be less available or work less, just have more time during the day to create health in your life. You may need to discuss something like a post workout check-in before signing off for the day, for good.

Have a supplementary or back-up option if your request to leave "campus" is a no go. While we are certain you receive the best Fitness training while here, you may not get that option everyday, yet you still need to practice daily fitness and movement to be healthy. What can that look like? 2-3 dedicated 20 minute walking or movement times like mobility or yoga. Ask to come in 30 minutes earlier (and beat the traffic) so you can leave 30 minutes earlier to get to that ideal post-work class, or reverse that clock if mornings are better for you. If 5 days a week is not possible, ask for this option two days because two work days paired a weekend day will insure three times a week will happen which leads to 156 classes in a year! That will lead to a solid routine to supporting your health.