The Before/During/After Test

I made a big life decision this week.

I spent the last two years working part-time at a startup. Every day I thought, “I can’t wait to be full-time.” I believed in the company’s mission and would finally have a day-to-day workflow I enjoyed. Three months ago, I got my opportunity to go full-time.

It was a dream job…

And then I quit.

Before I went full-time, I felt great.

“You ready to go full-time, Steve?”

During my initial full-time tenure, I felt great.

“Looking good, Steve!” Feeling GREAT, Louis!

Recently, however, I started not feeling great. The stress & anxiety compounded until manifesting in my first panic attack last week.

I spent a few days reflecting on my life and values. I realized my inner Steve wasn’t aligned with how I was living.

After putting in my two weeks’ notice, I feel great.

Quitting was a logical decision supported by my gut feeling.

The Before/During/After Test

“Do I feel great before/during/after ________?”

This question is useful for food, workouts, dating… anything!

“Do I feel great before eating this meal?”

Are you looking forward to the meal because it will taste great and provide your body with nutrients?

I spent years forcing cold, bland, dry grilled chicken & vegetables down my gullet. I did not feel great before—or while—eating those meals.

“Do I feel great while eating this meal?”

Are you eating mindfully? Savoring every bite? Is your body responding positively to the food?

“Do I feel great after eating that meal?”

Do you feel nourished? How’s your stomach feeling?

On more than one occasion I’ve polished off a large pizza, chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, and carrot cake… in one sitting. And I enjoyed the fuck out of it during. But I didn’t feel great after. Like death, actually. [this is an extreme example and I’m not saying never eat that stuff, but you get the point]

Do you feel great mentally? Physically? Emotionally? Spiritually? Are you aligned in all areas?

If you dread a certain type of workout you won’t stick with it long-term. Do workouts you look forward to.

If you do a certain type of workout that feels weird or painful you’ll get hurt. Do workouts that feel good.

If you leave the gym feeling depleted or run-down you’re doing it wrong. Do workouts that leave you feeling better & more energized.

Use the before/during/after test to help guide your choices.

Logic + your gut feeling = good choices

Just the Tip:

Just for a second… Just to see how it feels.

Once in a while, film yourself working out. I never had a reason to record until I started making videos for social media. Watching myself is insanely helpful for checking my form. Record yourself. Feel free to send me the video if you’d like feedback.

(I actually LOVE mirrors for watching my form & for feeding my inner narcissist)

Are you doing your Bulgarians?

Nice Little Body of the Week:

In honor of the Riverdale Series Finale, this week’s nice little body is KJ apropos.

Thank you for reading.

feel great. rock a nice little bod. enjoy life.

steve