Motivation: We All Need It

Every day that I encounter people, I pass by them in the grocery store, talk with someone on the phone, listen to conversations, watch people workout, and even see how people interact with each other; I realize one thing - We all need motivation!

Haven't you experienced it? You smile at someone, but all they do is look down and keep walking? Or youlisten to someone complaining all the time about every situation that goes wrong in their life? Or maybe you are at the gym, and you see the person who only attends classes and darts out the door after because they need some personal motivation?

We can all agree that we live in a world where nothing comes easy, and bad things do happen to good people. Despite the bad things that happen, there are always good things that happen too. Often times, the good is all in our perception.

For example,

Eric Thomas (Author, Lifecoach and Motivational Speaker) used an example in his book The Secrets to Success of a time when he ran away from home, and how his perception of school changed almost instantly. He said:

"Just three days ago the only reason I wanted to be in school was for the girls, field trips, or a pep rally. Now I couldn't wait fo rthe doors to open. I needed to get out of the cold and get into a place where I felt safe."  p 35

It's amazing how the same circumstance we perceive in our emotional self to feel "good" or "bad" to us depends on our mental state of being, our needs, and our maturity. So the next time something "bad" happens to you, think about WHY you perceive that as bad. What is it about the occurence that doesn't make you feel good? That is, WHY you don't feel good about it.

All of us have our struggles, our series of life events that hinder us and try to keep us down, but I`m telling you that YOU have more control then you think! Too many people accept that they are merely depressed, have bad luck, they'll always be broke, or nothing will ever go right for them. This is false and negative talk!

Whatever it is that you're struggling with, or maybe you're just trying to stay up! You know, keep your head above water because you're waiting for that wave to come we have a FREE SERVICE FOR YOU!

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Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. DaLai Lama

Testimonial: Meet Aleta Simmons aka Leeta

Age: 28

Pounds Lost : 28

Backstory: Mother, Wife, Tattoo Lover, Former Quitter, Current Inspiration

THEN

NOW

Having a difficult time believing in yourself? Have you given up? Well, meet Leeta! A wife, mother and former quitter...



Leeta's Story:

I have never been very athletic when it comes to sports, but I grew up dancing and went to a very competitive performing arts high school. After 13 years though, it took a toll on my body, especially my knees. After graduating, I never danced again. I tried here and there to build a regular fitness routine, but nothing ever stuck. I had almost constant pain in my knees and couldn't find any exercises that helped; to make it worse, the best advice I got from doctors was "if it hurts, don't do it." Eventually I just gave up.

When I had my daughter 8 years ago, I gained 55 pounds during pregnancy. Though I lost most of the weight, I know what I gained caused further damage to my already weakened joints. Several years later, I started gaining weight again, and I'm not even sure why. I just became less and less active and steadily gained about 10 pounds a year over the last 3-4 years. When I did try to work out, I got discouraged quickly. One trainer several years ago even told me not to even try to run on a treadmill with my knee problems but to stick to other equipment.

During the summer of 2011, I started thinking about joining a gym again. I wasn't even concerned with how my body looked at that point, but I knew I was unhealthy. I was tired all the time, my stomach always hurt, and I knew it was time to do something, but I still lacked actual motivation. In January of 2012, two friends of mine mentioned they were going to check out a gym in town, and I asked if I could tag along. None of us even planned on signing up for a membership that day, but we all did and agreed we'd go together on a regular basis. We met with a trainer there who wrote out a 20 week program for us, noting our goals and listing what cardio and strength training we should focus on every day.

I didn't even start this year with a goal. In fact, I didn't even take any "before" pictures of myself because I never expected to see the results I do now, 8 months later. Little by little, I realized there was a lot I could do to succeed. I paid more attention to the types of foods I was eating and how often; I'm a vegetarian, so I have to be very conscious of getting enough protein in my diet. When I first started working out, I was exhausted and hungry ALL THE TIME.

In June, I started taking Channell's free to the community, Shape Up Reno Bootcamp, and I feel like that really kick-started my body. I had definitely made progress by then and begun losing weight, but I feel like my weight loss has been supercharged and much more steady over the last 3 months. I've only been weighing myself about every 3 weeks, and have been down 3 pounds each time the last several times I've weighed. To date, I have now lost 28 pounds since January of this year. I now feel like I have a clearer goal in mind, and for the first time it seems possible. A year ago I would have told you I couldn't run from my bedroom to the front door if my house was on fire; now I go for regular jogs around my neighborhood on days I don't make it in to the gym!

As I mentioned, I didn't start this because I was necessarily upset with how I looked, but I wasn't happy with how I felt. Now I feel healthier, I'm stronger than I've ever been, and I'm certainly not complaining about the 3 sizes I have shed!

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”

- Johann Wolfgang

Healthy State of Mind

Keeping a healthy state of mind is absolutely critical to success in performance demands on every level, in every aspect of life. You've heard the phrase "Attitude is Everything!" Well, it is!

In a world of high energy performance demands in every field, a full schedule can quickly become chaotic without proper planning on a physical and mental level.

 

You've heard the saying that all activity is 90% mental and only 10% physical, well that's true! It's true of athletes, and it's also true for you. Whether you have a tedious desk job in which you must pay close attention to numbers and detail, or your have a physically demanding job of a construction worker or physical trainer, you must be mentally prepped and rejuvinated each and every day.

 

How does one go about attaining a healthy state of mind?

The answer is simple - Make the choice.

As easy as it may sound, it really is that easy! Only you hold the power over controlling your thoughts. It's extremely important to mentally train yourself to reroute your thinking when your mind becomes filled with doubt and negativity. Make a concious effort to replace negative with positive. When it comes down to it, your key is GRATITUDE. Be thankful even in the most difficult situations. As hard as that may seem, if you are living then you still have a purpose!

What are some practices to help train my mind toward positive thinking?

• Meditation
• Prayer / Spiritual Feeding
• Silence
• Journaling
• Affirmations / Guided Imagery
• Reading

How can I put what I learn in to practice?

Start with a focus and practice! Practice requires action not thought! In other words, put your thoughts in to action!

Become really good at the first practice that feels good to you (you're more likely to follow through with incorporating it in to your daily routine). Then, continue to build and set goals for yourself each week. Continue incorporating "you time", "family time", "friend time", "God time" every single day. We all know that work is a given. Particularly if you're in a position in your job or career that you don't like, make sure you emphasize your gratitude in the areas that tend to give you the most anxiety.

Practice these things, and soon you will find open doorways that will lead you to a more fulfilled position, whether personally or professionally or BOTH!

What can I do on a physical level to reroute my thinking?

Exercise! This is a no-brainer here. We all know that exercise is good for our health in our functional, everyday lives. You do not need train like an athlete to benefit from exercise (though some of us strive for that level anyways)! It can be as little as taking walks, or as physical as competition in a sport. The main thing is to keep your body in motion! Bodies in motion stay in motion!

Nutrition! Proper eating and water intake is aboslutely essential to functionability of the human body. You can not expect to mentally focus or function at a high capacity if you neglect your physical needs to operate at optimum energy levels. The same holds true in reverse - You cannot function optimally on a physical level if you do not have the right state of mind.

How do I identify where I need improvement?

That answer is simple - ask those around you. Trust me! People will be willing to offer constructive feeback if you are open to it. Don't have a great support system? Hire a coach or find a willing mentor who has your best interest in mind. This person should be someone emotionally neutral to you (in most cases), and someone of the caliber of success you wish to achieve. This person is your go to person (or people), and can help you identify areas of struggle that conflict with your success and state of a healthy mind. This person can and should also teach you valuable lessons about how to construct a better support system of indivuals around you. Even if you do have an excellent support system, a coach / mentor is still a good idea for unbias feedback!

What are some resources I can explore?

Most of you know I read a lot! I am also in to seminars, webinars, and watching speakers. When I`m really busy, I turn to audio CDs or YouTube clips in my car during commute times. No matter what you turn to in your quest for knowledge, give yourself options. Circumstances are rarely, if ever ideal! Make it work.

A few of my personal top favorites recently:

BOOKS

The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle

The Secret - Rhonda Byrne

The Power of Who - Bob Beaudine

The Travelors Gift - Andy Andrews

It's Your Time - Joel Osteen

The Bible - God

SPEAKERS

Eric Thomas aka ET the Hip Hop Preacher 

(Check out his mixtape & also his book! I`m a huge fan)

Joshua Metcalf  

(Also check out his affirmations & guided imagery iPod/iPhone apps!)

Tara Mohr

Tony Robbins

Zig Ziglar

What's the most important part of a healthy mind?

The most important part of having a healthy state of mind is believing that a healthy mind, is just as important as having a healthy body. The truth is that no outer transformation will ever be lasting or fulfilling without inner growth and tranformation coinciding.

Get healthy and decide that a healthy state of mind is essential! Make the choice.

Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality.

 

 - Earl Nightingale

Kindness: Not so Random

Today I lead a busy day, like most every other day, but found myself touched by a specific individual I didn't even know. After an early and filled day with clientele at the gym, I headed off to go teach at City Hall downtown Reno for the Shape Up Program I've had the pleasure of being a major part of.

When people love us even in the shadows of our darkness,
they shine on to us their light...

On my way I decided to stop at Walgreens to buy some cold water for the hot outdoor bootcamp about to take place! On my way in, I noticed a young man who was covered in dirt and a somber look on his face. He was probably about 20-25 years old. As I passed him, I smiled and couldn't help but think about him when I got into Walgreens. I looked around for something to buy him, and felt lost. I didn't want to offend him, but wanted to help at the same time. I decided on Trident gum (I know he hasnt brushed his teeth), Gatorade (every man loves the red kind), water, and mixed nuts (high in caloric density).

As I walked out, he politely aqsked me if I had a dollar to give him to catch the bus. I informed him that I did not have cash, but instead handed him the bag telling him I purchased those things for him. He seemed taken back before he looked at me square in the eyes, and I could see the person underneath the filthy external appearance and the unapproachable demeanor I saw when I walked in to the store. He thanked me. I said "you're welcome" as I walked only a short distance to my car. Looking back at him, I watched a college-aged couple throw a quarter at him and heard it bounce to the ground; obviously in the most demeaning and cynical way. The young man did not say anything, but instead went to pick up the quarter silently. I felt horrible for him. My heart could not let me just rush off to teach my class; even though I had only 15 minutes left to get there and set up.

So, I found a receipt in my car, and wrote down a website that I felt could inspire this young man. WWW.ETINSPIRES.COM. One of my favorite motivational speakers and life coaches that was once himself homeless. I walked back to the young man and told him of the website, and that I was unsure of his present situation, but that I also know what it's like to be alone and down and out. In fact, I was once myself "homeless" living in a motel in Reno trying to pursue my destiny. Again, he seemed shocked.

At this point, he couldn't look me in the eye. Emotions surfaced, as he tried to surpress them, and all he could do was thank me. He asked what this guy Eric Thomas does. I told him that he was a speaker and life coach who has overcome struggle, and has personally helped me see my life more clearly. He assured me he would "check it out". I walked away feeling sadenned, and wanting more time with him. However, I knew it wasn't the time or place. I can't save the world, but I can only plant a seed.

As I drove off, I watched the young man's gaze follow me all the way down the block. I didn't even get his name, but somehow I know I have to have had an impact. And guess what? Even though I was running late for my set up, not one single person showed up on time today. Nope! Not even the director Andy Bass, named 1 of 100 Most Influential People in Reno! He always helps me set up for my class. This tells me that this was no "coincidence."

Maybe taking a few extra minutes even though I was running late could be strong enough to save his life. You just never know where God will place you, and I believe it's our duty to act when he feel our heart strings being tugged on.

Now, I`m not using this story to boast or to say that you should give to every needy person you encounter because that is impossible. What I am saying it that is so important for us to recognize life outside of ourselves, and help others in need. The more you give the more you get! But, do not give expecting anything in return.

Today my heart was truly touched as a young man was willing to listen to me, allow me to help nourish him (even temporarily), and even in the hardest of situations that he seemed to be encountering, he trusted me enough or was desperate enough to reveal some emotions to me. For anyone who knows anyone down and out or on the street, this is a difficult barrier to break more often then not.

Imagine if our community of people all helped plant a seed one life at a time. Could you imagine the turn around in the poverty and the depressing nature of someone struggling? I can see it...

My life today was put in perspective by a young man who doesn't even know my name. I think he helped me more then I helped him. I helped him on his path, and he helped me on mine...



When our path is lit, we can gain confidence
in the journey of our destination knowing that
our path leads to somewhere beautiful.


Is your life in perspective?

Act as if what you do matters because it does! YOU have the ability to change lives! To save lives! To live your life fully and your dreams.

It all starts with sowing into the lives of others...

Strong People: Finding the Value in Self Care

Self Care...

A topic of discussion typically only among the weak or misguided in life right? Wrong. Too many times have I heard "strong people" make mention of "sucking it up", "just doing it" and "grinding 24/7/365". My goal today is to help you draw an educated conclusion on practices of self care, how to integrate self care into your hectic schedule, and help you find the value.

 

Afterall, the way you care about yourself will flow in to the way others believe you care about them...

What is Self Care?

When many think of self care, they think of luxuries or pampering. While luxuries and pampering may sometimes play a role in self care, it is necessary to realize that luxury will not help you long term and is only a temporary relief.

In my research, I found two definitions of self care that I most associate my own persoanl care with:

• " One’s understanding and behavior that helps to build a healthy mind, body and spirit for himself and others."  - Mark Gibson MA, CSMC

• "Self care is personal health maintenance. It is any activity of an individual, family or community, with the intention of improving or restoring health, or treating or preventing disease."

• I was personally taught that for women self care meant getting your hair done, nails done, massages or other luxuries of indulgence; while for men self care meant time away from the kids, a six pack of beer, blasting music in the car, and watching ESPN. You know, just "not caring for awhile". Well, self care is just the opposite of not caring - it's caring! While there is not necessarily anything wrong with indulging from time to time in luxury, or "lazy activities", it is important to recognize that these behaviors are not self care behaviors. Which leads me to my next point of interest...

How Do We Practice Self Care & What Are Considerations?

• Set a Focus - First and foremost,  you must set a focus for yourself. You are using your self care time to focus on your specific needs. What is it that's bothering you? Stressing you out? What needs to be addressed? Is it primarily physical pains, emotional pain or just recurring stress that keep running through your mind? Depending on your needs and priority, you will then determine your self care practice. For instance, if your body is aching perhaps your self care if yoga. On the other hand if your entire life seems to play in fast forward, maybe you just need silence.

• Timing - It's imporant to make self-care a priority, not optional. Choose a daily time to practice your self-care and plan accordingly. Self care is just that - by yourself!

• Location - Your location should be serene and free of distractions. Turn your cell phone on silent, and eliminate interruptions. If you're practicing self care admist chaos, you will not reap the benefits. Choose your room, car, a park or any place you are free from others.

• Prayer / Meditation - Allow yourself quite time to be with your thoughts, reflect on your day and allow your own spiritual growth to flourish. This may mean prayer, meditation, mental training techniques or simple silence.

• Exercise / Physical Activity - Exercise and moving is a great way to preserve your temple, get your endorphins flowing, feel good, and develop confidence in yourself both internally and externally. However in excess, some of us (I have been guilty!), spend ALL of our self care in the gym. This can lead to unhealthy mental behaviors especially in a hectic schedule. Yes, I am a Personal Trainer who said spending ALL of your alone time in the gym can potentially be unhealthy long-term. It is extremely important to find a balance of hard work, and true rest.

• Affirmations / Goal Setting - This is a great way to affirm within your being exactly WHO YOU ARE. This practice can be great in helping you determine your imbalances, as well as staying focused on the positive. Setting aside time for your goals, visions, dreams and building confidence on a mental level will help you feel better about all aspects of your life.

• Read / Write - Anything of your choice. Studying an area of passion or interest can also be a self care practice. Reading or writing can also help you feel connected with something marvelous; while being disengaged from the world your perceive around you. You can explore new thought processes and ideas for yourself, or just simply relax.

I hope you can realize that strength comes from disciplining yourself enough to listen to not just the chaos, but also the silence...

Remember! No one else will want to care for you unless you care for yourself. In the same light, you cannot care rightfully for another if you don't first take care of yourself!

Living: Dreams, Purpose, Calling (A Tribute to T.O.)

L I V I N G


Just a simple thing filled with much complexity.

We live in pursuit of becoming whomever it is that we're meant to be, and we set goals in order to progress to another level. These are called our dreams.

Some of us know our calling from the time we can think, others of us discover our calling through processes and exeriences of hardships, and losses. Some of us never even get the chance... Or maybe we do, but we just wait too long to bless others with our gifts. Our lifespan is unknown, so we must make the best of each and every day. Through recent loss of my friend today, I believe that my calling is to connect and communicate with people to serve them in love through inspiration. This is the purpose of this blog...

Today's Story:

Through several series of events seemingly unrelatable (but all too connected), I have been affirmed of my purpose and calling. That is, to inspire and to love on people. In the last  24 hours, two of my close friends have lost their dearest friends, and I have also lost my friend.

Through heartache, I have realized the innate confusion of death and desire for love. Every single one of us desires to know our purpose. When death strikes, the question of reality, afterlife, and purpose resignates. As we grieve, we realize that not only is life a process, but so is death.

In experiencing these two deaths I have closer bonded with the best friends of these two young men whom are my friends that I absolutely love. TO (who you read about in my last blog), lost his battle to cancer today. The other young man, 30 years old also, was murdered in his home. Both tragic and piercing to the core. I have seen first hand the toll it's taken on the best friends of these men - my friends. In a desperate yearning to be there and take away some pain, it has been made clear to me that we are all interconnected for a greater purpose.

As humans, we have a strong desire for connections with others, and usually experience our strongest connections in the roughest of times. When we connect we learn the dreams of others and are able to develop a passion to carry on their name and legacy. Through loss comes a burning desire fueled by pain to "do something".

The point? Your life matters. Every connection you welcome, every time you outwardly communicate a goal, every attempt toward success, every person you reach out to, everything that you give back -  it all matters. BUT there is more than that. Just because you are pursuing your dreams and work toward a goal does not mean that you're living. To live doesn't mean that you're alive.

What are your connections? Your experiences? What are you going to do with them? Don't sit around "bored" with your life. And, do not sit around wasting your health! If you are healthy it is a gift. My friend T.O. fought every day for years to regain health. Do not waste your body with poisons, toxins and addictions. Whether it's food or drugs or alcohol. Take care of yourself the best you can.  Your body is a temple. There is someone fighting for their life right now wishing they had the opportunity that you have to get out and make a difference. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally in the lives of others.

There are people losing their battles. DEATH - something we have not experienced so it is scary. Not only is it scary, but it is also certain. At some point, we will all experience it. My friend TO did today, and his connection with everyone who knew him was so strong, that a little bit of each person died with him too... I see a burning fire that is ready to explode and help others suffering. All suffering are about to find a way to keep his legacy alive & spread his life message. He made sure his life meant something to others. It certainly meant something to me.

T.O. had the ability to connect with others he barely knew to help leave a positive impact in their lives. He benefited nothing from this except that it was just in his nature to care for others. Even while he was the one struggling, he offered care and support to others needing encouragement. To me, he offered not only kind words, love and support, but also connections with others. The loss of him today is bittersweet. His physical suffering is now over, and his spirit is free. Yet, the ones who loved him will miss him very dearly. While we do not understand the purpose behind his death at a young age, we do understand his message. I speak for myself, and all of his friends and family that will be using his legacy to make a difference for others suffering. When lived right, one life affects many.

 "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough!"

- Eric Thomas (aka ET the Hip Hop Preacher)

Do not wait. Live your life as if it means something, and take your connections seriously. Reach out in love and be there for those who need it. MAKE YOUR LIFE COUNT.




Follow Up / Action

TO's website to give is still active to support his family with outstanding medical bills. Please share and give as your heart is convicted of. I also ask that you continue prayer for his family.

Direct Links:

Edgar Ter-Oganessian  "T.O." - Gone but not Forgotten (GIVE FORWARD) 

T.0. Video Clip: Using Social Media to Pay Medical Bills

Former FSU Lineman Battles Cancer

Two Former College Football Players Unite Through Shared Rare Cancer

Dying to Live: A Published Article on T.O. in Progressive Greek Magazine

FACEBOOK : Friends Against Cancer

"My life life might be cut short but, damn... I lived! And hot damn Im living! It's an art"

-Edgar Ter-Oganessian "T.O."

(as quoted by a close friend)



Development : It NEVER Stops

Today I was coached by a person of greater success then I on things that I need to work on in the way I document my business. I couldn't help to feel not only held accountable for my work, but also inspired by the blunt nature of the approach this person took. I was not discouraged by the coaching, but rather encouraged  because I know I am heading for the next level.

You see, even if you are recognized as "the best" at what you do, or in your current position, being the best does absolutely nothing to ensure you remain the best. You see, greatness is a process. Greatness is NOT a desitination.

 

Development is the main course of action taken toward any form of success or greatness. Without active development, thoughts and ideas are irrelevant. It is necessary to continue development, education, and becoming an overall better person if you wish to have a competitive edge or respected position.

So what are some things you must focus on during development?

• Goal acheivement

Obviously, you must first have goals in order to acheive them. So go write out your professional goals, and develop an action plan on how to acheive them.

• Organization

If you wish to reference improvements and measure success you must be organized. Being organized, despite popular belief, is a skill not a personality trait. Get yourself organized and streamlines to easily navigate your must-haves for your processes of your development stages.

• Time Management

This is key. If you mismanage your time, you will never be able to complete your tasks or properly prioritize your scheduling. Get yourself a calendar, and schedule in all of your weekly priorities first. Thereafter, you can schedule in lesser priortiy tasks. This is a sure-fire way to make time for your development in an unchaotic manner.

• Paying Attention to Tedious Details

Details are the trace elements that are essential for professional development, and most often overlooked. In any profession, documentation is a great example of how we measure successes, trends, statistics, and overall progress. Documentation is essential.

• Education

This is a no brainer. If you are not educated in your profession, you will not be respected. Educate yourself as much as possible to ensure success of you and your team.

• Perfect Practice!

We all make mistakes along the way, but with proper time management, organization, paid attention, and goals in mind we can begin to practice our profession in a perfect manner. Every single action we experience should serve to be perfect and contributory.

"If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?"