How To Navigate Through A Significant Life Change

On November 22, 2022, my wife and I welcomed our third child into the world. We are extremely blessed and thankful that we GET to raise three beautiful children. Emelia, Joshua, and Noah are truly our everything and there isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for them.

As fortunate as we are, it does change day-to-day operations. Instead of playing “man-to-man” defense, we are now outnumbered and need to play zone! As any parent knows, having a newborn is not the easiest and sleep is very hard to come by. You are lucky if you get 2-3 hours a stretch and downtime is nonexistent. It now takes 45 minutes to leave the house. The two “older” kids want to play “baby” with the real baby. It is truly “Operation Chaos.” But once again, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Since that very important November date, I have only not worked out in some capacity for THREE days. How did I manage that? How am I able to fit it all in with all of the responsibilities I have? How do I have the energy to even work out?

Well, it all started with a plan. The plan has been successful because it was built upon these four pillars:

1. Realistic Expectations: Although I am used to 90-minute gym sessions, I knew this was not going to happen. I know (at best) I would have 20-30 minutes a day for the first several weeks. Therefore, I stopped following the programming I was on, and performed workouts that I could be in and out in 30 minutes.

2. Prioritize Weaknesses: This year has been inundated with injuries. Instead of trying to force “Prs”, I set a new goal- Stretch every day. I signed up for Pliability ($10) a month and made it a priority to do the daily stretch (15-22 mins) each day. Usually, my two kids are climbing under my arms, jumping on my back, or kicking me during the session, but it’s ok! I am still moving the needle forward.

3. K.I.S.S- Keep it simple, stupid: Quick protein-based meals are my friend. I stocked up on Costco’s pre-cooked chicken, steaks, and such and then only had to worry about carbs, fruits, and veggies! I am not going to lie, I have been eating the same meal very often because it is quick and easy, but I am a person of habit! It does not bother me.

4. FOCUS ON THE MOMENT IN TIME- It is temporary and goes by far too fast: My priority will always be a great dad and husband. Keeping my workouts short and keeping the meals simple, allowed me more time to help and to be present with my family. Instead of holding my child, and being concerned about when I would be able to work out, I would just sit there and enjoy his company. Also, it allowed me to finally be able to help my wife (SINCE WOMEN DO ALL THE WORK IN THE PREGNANCY STAGE!!!), and try to take a lot off of her plate.

So whether it is a newborn, a change in career, a move, or anything else, if you use these four pillars to develop your plan, you will be successful. We are here for you.

Health and Fitness is a journey. A journey that is never a straight line. Although it feels amazing to make it to the “peaks,” it is the valleys that genuinely make us the strong badass people we are.