It’s 5:30 a.m and I swipe my room card to open the door to the hotel gym. I walk in yawning and bending my neck side to side to hear it crack. I’m here out of habit, but my body isn’t into it. It’s tired from the previous day’s travel and just wants a Denver omelette and coffee. I force it over to the treadmill for a warm up.

 

After a quick power walk, I head to the free weights. More people have arrived. It’s a professional crowd, I observe. A man and woman are on the ellipticals. He’s reading The Wall Street Journal and she is watching the news. Two trim young women in leggings and ponytails chat about the conference they’re attending as they do yoga in the stretching area. Next to me, a man who looks to be in his 30s stares at his phone as he rests between sets. He’s cut and athletic; perhaps a former soccer player. Behind me, on the cable machine, an older man works on his triceps. He is tall and lean and walks with an athletic gait. 

 

Dedication to fitness seems to be a common trait among professionals, especially those in leadership. I see this at work and at my gym. And please know that when I say fitness, I don’t mean gym rats. Fitness includes any exercise -- lifting, walking, running, dancing, whatever! -- one does to maintain their health. 

 

Here are the characteristics I’ve seen in professionals who prioritize exercise. 

 

Discipline. People who are disciplined about their health are also disciplined about their work. They allocate time for routine tasks and projects that require their focused attention. They respect deadlines. They are careful about where they commit their time and energy; they don’t say yes to every project. And, they prefer to work with people who are similarly disciplined.

 

Eat well, drink well. Smart professionals know the impact food has on their sleep, mental acuity and ability to function. They don’t frequent drive-thrus and they prefer water over sodas. They enjoy sweets in moderation. They eat a balance of lean proteins and high-quality (often organic) fruits and vegetables. Many drink red wine and are cautious about hard liquor.

 

Focus and drive. Ambition and focus go hand in hand for successful professionals. Much of what they do is aimed at reaching a goal. For instance, many folks I work with are runners. They run 5Ks and 10Ks for fun with their kids or run clubs. They train for marathons in Boston, Los Angeles and New York. One guy I work with trained to run the rim of the Grand Canyon. 

 

Another example. My sister paddles outrigger canoe. She has been paddling competitively for roughly 10 years. She has paddled in rigorous races across the Moloka’i channel, as well as in New York, London and Australia. During season, she practices every week day.

 

My sister also manages a high-end men’s store on Oahu. Her store routinely exceeds its sales goals, even during the pandemic. She always keeps a laser eye on that revenue goal and does an exceptional job of motivating her staff to reach it. Her focus as an athlete equals her focus in her work. 

 

Are all successful professionals and leaders committed to fitness? Of course not. But a good many are, and I like being around them. That’s why I show up at 5:30 a.m. at those hotel gyms. Their dedication convicts and motivates me.

 

Are exercise and healthy eating sewn into the fabric of your life? Today's story on micro-workouts can give you some fun ideas. Let me know how you stay focused and what workouts are your favorites. And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.