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...