One of the most common topics I discuss with a client during a session is the attainment of specific goals- obviously that’s why they’ve come to see me. Most people working with a personal trainer have similar goals in mind; fat loss, increased strength, improved mood and energy, etc.
Why do these things matter and how will it feel once a goal is eventually achieved?
I want you to imagine how it will feel to attain the body you’ve always wanted, or the bank account that will give you unrestrained freedom in your life. Maybe the relationship that will fulfill you completely. If you can’t take a few minutes to visualize this, then you can’t expect to attain any kind of success. Seriously. Call this exercise meditation, prayer- whatever works for you. Just do it. Then write it down.
Along with excitement and motivation, there’s always a little apprehension and fear of failure mixed in. What if I invest all of this time and energy into something that ultimately delivers no results? What if I DO succeed? For some, success is more terrifying than failure. As a society we’re taught to do as we’re told and follow a strict protocol that initially seems like an individualistic road that will lead to fame and fortune, yet results in mass conformity that delivers mediocre results and lots of debt and consumer products piled up around us. Diet pills and false hope, laced with anxiety… and you’ve got an overweight, overworked bunch of crabs in a bucket. We all do the same things and feel the same fears. A tiny fraction of us will break from the pack and become successful. This should be YOU. Got a dream that seems insane and impossible? Good, now listen.
Check your self-esteem barometer…
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” –Marianne Williamson
I love this quote because each and every one us has something to offer this World. People bitch about another birthday and getting another year older. My response? You are not in today’s obituaries, you get one more day, one more chance.
What are you going to do with it?
When you set out to reinvent yourself, lose weight, get healthy, get rich, and transcend boundaries, set your standards high. Most people will think conservatively and fill themselves with doubt by thinking “realistically,” and staying safe. That’s not the way to attain amazing. Foresee challenges and embrace them. Use fear as an indicator that you need to do the thing that causes it, and recognize anxiety as a motivator. Always move forward and turn every negative thought into two positives.
Ever wonder what the hell people mean when they say they’re “high on life?” I’m not talking about drugs or booze here, I’m talking about a momentum created by high-energy thinking and actions that creates a euphoric feeling, or “high.” This feeling delivers incredible results if you’re willing to tap in to your imagination, work hard and discipline yourself, thus creating the life that at this moment only resides in your dreams. What will you do with this day?