I was listening to the Art of Manliness Podcast yesterday because I’m always working on my manliness. The interview was with one of my favorite people in the fitness industry, Dan John.

Dan John is a guy I really respect because he talks about true fitness being fit in all areas of your life. Meaning, if you are just a set of six pack abs but the rest of your life is a mess you are doing it wrong.

He practices what he preaches too. He is a world renowned strength coach, record holding athlete, devoted father and grandfather, best selling author, and a well regarded religious studies instructor and lecturer. A true, modern day Renaissance man.

In the podcast, Dan started talking about the concept of shark habits. A shark habit is something you do once and you are done with it, just like a shark eats. Gulp.

Some examples he uses are: when he opens an e-mail he responds to it on the spot; he bought 16 of the same shirts so he doesn’t have to think about what he is going to ear the next day; when he receives a wedding invitation he RSVPs on the spot; when you are booking flights, go ahead and get the rental car and hotel too.

Those are just a few examples that he uses all the time. The main benefit of all this?

It frees up brain space.

Couldn’t we all use a little more of that? I know I can. Clearing the clutter, not keeping you bogged down in the minutiae of life, and allowing you to focus on things that really matter.

What are some shark habits you could do to improve your health? What are things in your day that seem to take up unnecessary time and mental effort? Start there and find out how to conquer them.

I am going to start with the e-mail responses. I get SO many e-mails I can easily get bogged down, so I will start there. If you are unsure of where to start, I would suggest doing another Dan John special.

Create a list of the top 14 foods you eat all the time (the average person eats 14 foods per week). Write them down and make that your grocery list every week. Then use that base of foods to make a weekly menu of foods. When meals are taken care of everything gets easier.

Find your shark habits today and see your life become easier.