by Mike Schulz
Going from a 2 bedroom apartment with one roommate to a house filled with 9 guys is a pretty dramatic change, and it’s just what I did this fall. The distractions increase ten fold. It’s almost as if there is the “college” version of myself, and then there’s the self who’s training for marathons. But as the great Snoop Dogg so eloquently puts it “He is I and I am him.” The ability to deal with negative roommates is vital to success, and these three tips can help.
1. STAY FOCUSED!
Is what you want now worth giving up what you want long term? Staying focused on your goals can be difficult, especially living in a house with 8 other people who couldn’t care less about your fitness. Passing up a night of partying may seem like blasphemy to your roommates, but you’ve got bigger things in store for tomorrow than a hung over day on the couch. Besides, you didn’t miss much, regardless of what your roommates may say.
2. PLAN AHEAD!
It’s oh so easy to forget about a clean diet when the whole house is throwing in money for some pizza and wings, especially if it means an hour of cooking if you pass on the pizza. That’s exactly why meal prep is so important. When there is a fridge full of beautiful, clean food waiting for you, pizza and all the junk that goes with it doesn’t seem so appealing.
3. EMBRACE THE FRICTION!
Going against the grain can be hard. There are those who envy what you’re doing, wishing they could do the same. All too often those people will try to drag you down. Making fun of the food you eat, the schedule you keep, or your work ethic. Embrace those people and let them drive you forward. There are always people who want to see you fail, but remember; wolves don’t lose sleep over the opinions of sheep.
About the Author
I’m a 20-year-old from Milwaukee, Wisconsin…so as far as awesome goes, I would say that almost covers it. I’m an avid runner and weight lifter. I’m currently training for a marathon, which is in two weeks. One of my favorite things to do is cook and prepare healthy meals, occasionally trying to get my roommates to join me in clean eating. I love the outdoors, taking my dog for trail walks is where you can usually find me on a nice morning.