Around now, when life settles back into its usual rut, many of us cry out “I wish I could just get moving again.” It’s not about weight loss per se (I’ve written a spending plan for that), it’s more about dealing with stress, the desire for a shapely calf, or improving your health by getting out of your computer chair.

If you’re like me, this one’s more about time and inclination than money.

Vision, Mission, Virtues

Your commitment to moving will depend on why you want to move. A desire for good health may not be as compelling as the desire to get gorgeous to show the ex who dumped you what’s what. Or to wear your wedding dress when you renew your vows. For the moment, let’s assume it’s about generating the energy you need to get through the day.

Vision

A future feeling young and energetic.

Mission

Taking a walk every day.

Virtues

Let’s say Energy, Youthfulness, and Positivity

Goal

Getting moving! doesn’t seem like a SMART goal, though you could make it specific, measurable, and time-bound. I think that for most of us couch fixtures need some passion in there, and an attachment to the outcome to keep us on track, so let’s take a HARD goal:

Heartfelt: you are tired of being tired.

Animated: you can imagine feeling energetic and on the ball.

Required: if you don’t get moving now, you will turn to stone.

Difficult: you move so slowly as it is, that you’re going to have to work up to getting out the door.

Basic Spending Plan

We’ll use the same basic proportional plan with the after-tax monthly income of $3,435.

Considerations

This is not about losing weight, or slimming down, though of course if you move more that will probably happen. This is about feeling a decade younger and more energetic.

Time

When it comes to exercise, most of us think we’re too busy. And if we do decide to exercise, it’s more likely we’ll join an unstructured program at the gym or a guided exercise class. However, in terms of energy (and health), it’s more sustainable to find a way to bring more movement into your everyday activities.

Most management/productivity gurus advise doing your most important thing first so that it does, in fact, get done. And the same goes for exercise; you’re more likely to get it done if you do it first. With the added benefit that it has a sort of clockwork effect, in that it gives you a burst of energy that keeps you going for the rest of the day. You’re also more likely to run for the train, take the stairs, and weirdly, skip the snacks.

So that means starting by finding a bit of time in the morning, whether that’s getting up earlier or taking a shorter shower; another reason for having some passion for your decision to get moving!

Plus, a short walk after lunch can help banish the mid-afternoon doldrums; and if you can’t take a nap that can’t be bad!

Money

If you skip the classes and just start walking, there is no cost. You don’t need any special equipment or memberships to go walking in your local neighbourhood. Though as time passes you might be inclined to get new sneakers and maybe a nice exercise outfit. Or drive further afield to parks or gardens for a longer more pleasant walk than your local streets.

Potentially, you could save money (and time) by walking to your local train station or bus stop and taking public transport to work (and read books). Or by walking instead of taking cabs for short trips.

But you might like to set aside some money to give yourself rewards and incentives to keep going. And if you do keep going, you will at some point probably need some new clothes.

Amendments

While there are no initial spending plan changes required, you might like to increase your clothing budget. Potentially you could reduce your food and operational expenses to compensate, but it’s more likely that any changes will come from your provisions for happy life.

• Food: Leave as is for the time being, but reassess in a few months.
• Housing: No change.
• Clothing: Let’s add $25/month just in case.
• Operations:  Leave as is for the time being, but reassess in a few months.
• Happy Life: We’ll take the clothing increase from here.

Get Moving! Holistic Spending Plan

This is one potential spending plan, but reassess after a few months to see it it’s working or not:

It’s a relatively simple plan, moneywise at least, but that should make it a little easier to stick with.

Outcome

Sorting out the money is the easy part of this plan – finding the time is much harder. So, how much do you want to get moving?

Photo of the Wardell children running downhill 1907, photograph by Edward Stanfield Wardell via State Library Victoria

Just a little reminder, you can read other relevant posts on the Holistic Personal Finance page.

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