The Wall of Inspiration

My current home-improvement project centers around devoting a portion of the wall in my designated home gym to becoming a vision board. For those who have no idea what that is, a vision board is a collage of pictures, quotes, spiritual affirmations, etc. placed on a board or wall in order to inspire you to keep working towards your goal—whatever that goal may be. I currently have a virtual vision board of sorts on Pinterest, but I've decided I need something I can actually look at whilst working out to get me through those tough moments.

Even the most dedicated of exercisers have moments where they aren't feeling they are progressing as well as they should. When you do something five or six days a week, it's easy to get burned out and want to take a break or give up altogether. However, as I've said many times before, being/getting/staying fit is a life-long commitment.

I mean, could you take a break from breathing?

That said, you have to find ways to remain inspired and keep yourself focused when the going gets tough and the routine starts to feel a little stale. And creating a board filled with not only inspirational items but—as mine will—new routines and techniques you have yet to try could be the best way to keep things fresh and exciting.

If you're not into dedicating a wall, a notebook or bulletin board could be more your speed. The method doesn't matter, this is all about personal inspiration—how you accomplish that is up to you.

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Change Starts With You

The biggest excuses I hear from those who want to "get fit" but don't ever really make the effort to do so is they either 1) aren't motivated or 2) don't have the time. Those reasons may as well be the footnote to about 60 percent of all the fitness plans that end up going the way of the dinosaur.

While I empathize with those who don't succeed, I know that if you want something badly enough, you'll make the effort to do it no matter what your circumstances. So, I've never been a big fan of any one who complains and gripes about bodily dissatisfaction if the only moves they've made towards changing is to talk about what they're going to do as opposed to actually doing it.

On a personal level, the majority of the women in my family are either overweight or obese and it's a condition most of them have come to accept—and even embrace—as a fact of their life. They've convinced themselves that they're just "curvy", "thick" or "real" women.

I often look to them as motivation to not become complacent because, as shallow as it may sound, my desire to be thin trumps any desire I have to over-indulge in the types of foods that were once a staple of my Southern upbringing.

That next level confidence I have in myself as a woman and as a, pardon my frankness, sexual being, comes in large part from being comfortable with my body—both clothed and not. You can't buy that sort of thing over-the-counter and you certainly won't understand the great love it inspires within oneself to know that you've set a goal and stuck with it.

Fitness more than anything is about making a personal commitment to change. You are sending the message to that inner you that the outside will match the inside. You can't do that if you're constantly making excuses and justifying the bad choices you make regarding food.

I read an article recently and something in it struck a chord with me. The author said that, where being healthy is concerned, you know what you should and should not eat, and you understand that there are consequences to being cavalier with those choices. So, if you never reach your physical potential, the fault lies in you. It's a simple message that speaks volumes.

If you want better, you do better. It's not rocket science.

And that change starts with you.

REPOST: Take This Life and Live It

Sometimes it's hard to imagine a time when your life will no longer be relevant, however, two things that are quite certain about this life is that it has a beginning and an end.

The people we meet, the relationships we build with those people along the way, and the choices we make within the time we have here are what will help to shape our experience.

We will become a collection of the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of life, and the only thing any of us can ever hope for is the opportunity to live the best life possible—to be happy.

Despite what anyone might tell you, there isn't a prescription for happiness. Each individual will approach his/her life differently and therefore will find happiness in a much different way they you or I. Where one person might choose to fill their life with friendships and personal connections, another might find the same fulfillment in discovering all they can about the world—cherishing the discovery process.

In truth, the "how" doesn't matter. What matters is that you take the journey.

Our time upon this earth is undetermined and no one can be certain when the time to leave this life will come.

Treat each day as a blessing, collect each moment as if it were a ray of sunshine, and use those rays to illuminate the spirit within you, and never let that spirit be dimmed by any one or anything.

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Stay Committed, Stay True, Stay Toned

I fall and fail as much as I get up and succeed. This is my truth and it applies to everything in my life—including my workouts. I often ask myself on any given day, particularly on the days where the biggest challenge can be just getting out of bed, "what is my motivation?". It's a fair enough question, wouldn't you say?

Each of us whether we realize it or not, begins our journey towards a better body or sense of self for a reason: to get into that pair of skinny jeans, to look good for an upcoming social event, or because we are tired of looking in the mirror and not loving the body we see. In all of those cases, there is something external to motivate us. We have something material we can look at and work towards to keep us on the right track.

But, what happens when that thing no longer exists? Where do you find the internal motivation once you reach your goal?

As easy as you consider the answer to this question to be, please understand that it is much harder than you think. We all to some extent become satisfied enough with our progress to start making allowances for our actions.

It may start with an act as simple as eating a slice of pie or skipping a workout. Before you know it you're justifying eating out and cutting back on your cardio because "one day won't hurt me"—believe me, I've been there, and it's a miserable feeling to wallow in the guilt you feel when your "one day" turns into one week, one month, and so on.

You have to commit everyday to being the person who is dedicated to keeping his/her workout regimen in tact. If you don't, you run the risk of seeing all your hard work go down the drain.

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Fitness: The Constant Struggle To "Keep Up With The Joneses"

If you've read enough of my posts, you know by now that I am a proponent of living a life free of the external—don't worry about what others think, just do you.

Well, as the blog description says: I am human. I make mistakes. I make them often. That said, my biggest fault, where maintaining my personal fitness goals are concerned, is in not allowing other like-minded individuals to influence my opinion of my accomplishments.

It never fails, I walk out my door—looking my pretty girl rockin' self—and I see some other woman whom I perceive looks 10 times better. And, instead of giving her the props she deserves, I make a mental note of just how much further I have to go.

That mindset has been both a positive and negative influence on my life.

On the one hand, I'm never at a loss for motivation but, on the other, I am never able to stop and appreciate what I've already done to better my physical self without finding faults in the process.

Let me espouse to you a not so secret idea: you will never be as skinny, as toned, or as healthy as you imagine others to be. That's an unreachable goal for the modern woman who isn't spending her life devoted to health and fitness—we can't all look like Jillian Michaels or Elizabeth Hasselbeck (although some of us will kill ourselves trying).

I know I can't. I've got a lot more on my plate than just reps, sets, and cardio.

So, what's the solution? Hmmm, I don't know really, but I enjoy the learning process this constant self-evaluation offers me in my day-to-day struggle to be fiercely fit and fantastic.

In the meantime, I can only suggest that you give yourself a break. You likely look a lot better than you think and, trust me, at some point, you have inspired another woman to do just five more minutes of cardio or one more set of leg curls.

So, take a moment to celebrate yourself. Flex a little in the mirror, give yourself a wink and a nod, then break out your best smile, walk out the door, and do your pretty girl rock—proudly!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

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How Gratitude Can Be Key to Success and Happiness in Your Life

Guest Author: Lorenzo Cicetti

We understand that your attitude and personality are one of the most important things that will bring you success in life and in business. Think about it; which would you prefer: to work with someone who is negative about their life all the time or with someone who is positive and upbeat about the future? A person who is focused on the future, who is helpful, and who has determination and hard work will be successful. He is much more powerful than the one that is steeped in doubt. These entail an attitude of gratefulness for the life he has. This is the reason why gratitude is so important.

You may have heard of the law of attraction - what you put out into the universe, you receive in turn. Since thoughts are energy, it is only logical that energy impacts the physical world around us. This is why it is extremely important to be careful of how your emotions control you! If you can keep a positive mindset, you will receive positive effects in your life. Gratitude is one of the most important things you can implement in your daily life. Think about it, when you have forgiven someone, or you are happy with your life situation, life seems so much easier.

No matter how bad life is, there is always something that you can be grateful for. If you can not think of anything, you need to take some time out of your life: sit down, think, and write it down. Thank God, the universe, whatever your preference is that you have someone or something special in your life to be thankful for. Keep real reminders about what you are working for;for whom or for what reason, and you will be able to make gratitude a part of your daily life.

Think about the successful people. They have pictures of their families on their desks. This helps them stay motivated and they are reminded why they are at work that day! You do not need pictures to do this. Just any little object that will bring about the feelings of gratitude in you will work. Perhaps, your degree, pictures from a holiday that you took, or maybe a picture of your goal that you are working towards.

Once you develop that attitude of gratitude, your mindset will be realigned! When you get in touch with your higher mind that is full of positive thoughts, you will reap its benefits!

Lorenzo is a Personal Development Coach and an Internet Marketing Trainer that shares his knowledge to empower people achieve their dreams and goals. Please visit Gratitude: Success in Business for tips and advice.

New Year's Dissolution: Make 2011 The Year You Break The Bad

The problem with making resolutions, as so many of us do this time of year, is we almost never keep them. Sure, we start with great intentions and a lot of steam but, by March or April, we're done being focused—we are no longer able to sustain our enthusiasm for meeting those preset goals.

Some might call that an issue of commitment, but I call it an issue of life.

Failed resolutions are less about an inability to remain true to yourself than they are about an incapability to add more to a plate that's already full. If you're stretched thin already, how on earth will you find the time to meet the demands of joining a gym or finding a mate?

If your goal is to become debt free, how will you do that if you don't see a raise or any additional income in your immediate future.

You're planning to get a better job? Great, but who's hiring?

Life is just as much an obstacle to progress, as progress is an enhancer to life.

So, instead of making resolutions that can make you feel awful if they're not completed, start making goals with dissolution in mind. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started:

1. Release yourself from one outside commitment. 

Many of us obligate ourselves too much. Take stock of the things that enrich you and make them your focus—half of yourself given to 100 things is not better than all of you given to 10.

2. Learn to say 'NO'. 

'No' is not a bad word. Start changing the negative connotation behind it into what it truly means—in some instances—an opportunity to Nourish One's self. Take that time to reconnect with your inner spirit and you'll feel and be better for it.

3. Let go of the bad. 

Whether it's an old coat, a lingering thought, or a dying relationship, start the process of letting it go.

Remove the anger, the pain, and the resentment from your life so that you have more room for the happiness, the joy, and the forgiveness that your heart and soul crave.

4. Write a letter to yourself. 

Each of us is guilty of being too critical in our self-assessment. We belittle our efforts, eschew our talents, and pretend that we aren't worthy of better.

That said, write a letter to yourself. Make it a bold, scathing, and vitriolic indictment to the person you feel you are—then set it on fire.
 
5. Stop feeling guilty for being selfish. 

Selfishness is a necessity. There is no growth without attention to one's self. You have to become both knowledgeable and focused on making you into a better person, and that cannot be done if you spend a majority of your time beating yourself up for being a little indulgent. 

6. Devote 15 minutes a day to doing nothing. 

15 minutes may seem like a small amount but, for some, finding that 15 minutes is a challenge.

Outside of restroom breaks or sleep, we are constantly in motion or thought, and 15 minutes of nothing is just as much about being mentally still as it is about being physically still.

Find your center and take those minutes to just 'be'.
 
Conclusion:

Dissolution is about undoing bad habits and, without undoing some of the bad ones, you can never be resolute in introducing the good ones. The journey towards resolve starts with dissolving the negative parts of your life so that you can become whole again.

Start there and let the rest of your journey unfold as it may.

Day 23: You Can Do Bad All By Yourself...

There are a high-percentage of miserable people in this world who have one goal: to make your life miserable too.

They don't appreciate seeing you happy, accomplished, blessed, or ambitious. No, it's far easier and more satisfying to them if you fall flat on your face—a complete and utter failure.

Those kinds of people are better left in a boat, sailing alone, in an endless river—towards oblivion. Well, maybe not oblivion, but they definitely should not be allowed to be a functional part of your daily life because they, ultimately, serve no purpose.

While it's easy to understand the nature of a person who is willing to try and build a relationship with such a character—even Judas had friends—it's not smart for your soul. You cannot rely on that subtle instinct within you that says you can be the difference. You can make this person into a better man/woman simply by not giving up on them—showing them they too are worthy of greatness and love.

That's silly. Your job isn't to save them, it's to enhance your life in the best way you can and, chances are, that journey won't go very far if you continue pulling the 500 pound anchor that is negativity and resentment around with you. Let that person evolve by his or herself and not at the expense of your growth.

Now, if said individual resides in close proximity to you, let's say it's your friend, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, life-partner, or what have you, start asking yourself what Y-O-U are getting from an association that's so emotionally stalling—why do you feel you need to have this person in your life?
What purpose do they serve?

If their only function is in making you feel like, by comparison, you are much better person than they—shame on you. However, if they serve no purpose other than to drain you emotionally, physically, and psychologically, then why have them in your life?

Misery can be attained without help...don't waste your life giving it company.

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Day 14: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say...

Believe it or not, that's a hard concept for some people to grasp. They don't get the difference between talking to somebody and talking at them—trust me, the two are not the same.

It has always been my philosophy to be honest with myself about the point I'm trying to make. Emotions are too easy to get caught up in, and words become like daggers with poisoned tips for you to spew out, rapid fire, until you can emerge victorious—albeit stained with the blood and guts of the person you've disemboweled.

The analogy may seem vivid and violent, but it illustrates just how damaging words can be.

With that said, it's always important to approach, potentially, volatile situations with a plan. Ask yourself where your head is before you engage in an emotional debate with someone you care about. If you know you are angry, hurt, or overly sensitive, perhaps it's best to table the discussion for a later time—when you can be more rational.

However, if you are caught up in the heat of the moment, and the tussle gets harsh enough that the vitriol begins to well-up within you, and make it's way to the tip of your tongue, stop and ask yourself what it is you wish to say—is your ultimate goal to hurt or to educate?

If your aim is to hurt, then it doesn't need to be said. Spite for spite's sake is useless and it causes nothing but more pain in the long run. 

If the aim is to educate the individual about your needs, your expectations, and your qualms, then that's productive. That's a starting point for the healing process and a step towards personal growth for you because you are learning how to communicate your emotions in a more mature manner.

Whatever you do, take care not to place yourself in a situation that you'll be sorry for later and, always remember, words linger longer than circumstances. No matter how your issues get resolved, a person never forgets the way something you said made them feel—don't plant the seeds of negativity that could later spring up and overwhelm you or your relationship.

Neither of you may be able to recover.

Day 12: Staying Motivated...

It's a tough thing to do. No matter what your goal, exercising, eating right, finishing a project, reading a book, etc., it's tough to keep your mind settled and focused long enough to maintain the level of progress that you feel is necessary to say you are a success.

Some will say the trick is to set small goals each day and concentrate on meeting that one goal—that way you aren't overwhelmed by the enormity of it all.

The problem with that is, some of us are so intertwined in the day-to-day task of just being ourselves (as parents, as caretakers, as employees, etc.) that we fall short of even the small goals we endeavor to set. When that happens, we feel even more discouraged, making it easier to give up and abandon the idea of success altogether.

In my humble opinion, the trick isn't in setting a small goal that you can meet, but in remembering that if you don't meet your goal for that day, tomorrow presents a new opportunity for doing so.

Don't beat yourself up over what you haven't done, take pride in what you do manage to accomplish and give it another go tomorrow.

Does this work in all situations, of course not, but the idea is to keep your mind settled on remaining positive and recognizing your progress (no matter how big or small it turns out to be)—the rest will fall into place as your life makes room for it.

Day Ten: Sometimes Life Can Be Tough...

People love to wonder why "bad things happen to good people"...well, in truth, they happen to bad people too—we just don't care as much. Life isn't easy for any of us, but for those who have faith, it's a lot easier to take the good with the bad.

The amazing thing about life is how often so many of us take the little things for granted because we are too busy complaining about the big things. Of course that's only natural, no one likes to have his/her progress impeded by obstacles. So, we rail against those intrusions with our fists clenched tight and our voices screaming loudly to no one in particular: "WHY ME?!? WHY ME?"

Well, why not you? Who are you, specifically, to be immune to disaster? Last check there were only two mortals in the last 50-years who could profess to be even the slightest bit unnerved by life's injustice—one was named Ghandi and the other was named Mother Teresa—neither showed a penchant for complaining much.

The truth is, you aren't immune to anything. Life is going to take its best shot at you because that's what it's supposed to do. So, the real question you need to be asking instead of "why me?" is "what am I going to do about it?"

Day Two: Whose Life Are YOU Living?

You can either let others live for you or you can live your own life. Take a stand, be proud of who you are, and remember that you are your own legacy—leave something behind that you can be proud of.

It's a simple concept, really, most of us have no idea how to live our own life. We are all constantly influenced by the environment around us: people, places, commercials, television, movies, friends, colleagues, etc. There is, literally, no way of understanding where the "I" begins because it is so intertwined in the "we" of society.

So, how does one detach from the madness long enough to gain an understanding of who they actually are—minus the bull? Well, there are no hard-line answers to that question, but there is a methodology to it all that can make that act a lot easier:

1. Make a list of everything you think defines you.


2. Mark off all the items that relate to your profession, your material  possessions, and your education.


3. Now, look at that list...what's left?

If the answer is "nothing", you have a lot of work to do. However, if what you see in front of you is a list filled with possibilities, something you—the person—can build on, start from there.

The point is, no one is looking for you to lead a perfect life and, the pursuit of said perfection will never grant you the happiness that you're looking for. Stop wasting time looking for that elusive and fantasy-born ideology of a "happily ever after"—it's not there.

Start living the life that makes YOU happy and let that life make this world a better place to be present in—for you, for others, and for the legacy you haven't created yet.