Today I did a 5K run. It wasn’t planned. Before I started, I hadn’t thought about how long or how fast I wanted to run, I just decided I wanted to run. When I came back from the run, I realized that I have applied the same principle of not planning to other physical activities the past month or so. The gym, swimming, longer runs. The magical thing about this, is that it helps you start. And starting is the only thing that can prevent you from exercising. How many times have you ever started exercising and then said to yourself: “No, not today, I’m going home“. I can only speak for myself, but I’ve never done that. I’m pretty good at making excuses to start, however.

The evil thing about plans and workout schedules is that it’s harder to start when you know that you have to run 10km at a certain pace, because that’s what you plan says, written or unwritten. When you don’t have any plans there are no excuses, you let the creativity flow when you are out there, and just do what you feel like. Maybe you want to explore a new route you haven’t tried before. Maybe you feel like interval or a fast run. It’s up to you.

I didn’t skip the plans on purpose, but I think I have done it unconsciously because I know how hard it is to get out there when you just aren’t motivated on that particular day. The funny thing about this, is that it applies to many other areas of life as well: Cooking, productivity, social activities, meetings, presentations. I think not having a plan is more sustainable. It makes the creativity flow, and keeps it fresh.

Similar post: Advantages of having no goals

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