I’m writing this post on how to start your fitness program because of recent conversations that I’ve had with good friends and family.
Let me start by asking you a question…
Is going to the gym or working out something that you only do when you feel like it?
Let me ask you another question… Do you only go to work when you feel like it?
You have to ask yourself what is more important, money or health?
The truth is that for most people both of these things are of great importance.
So now I ask you the question, why don’t you take your health and fitness as seriously as you do your work?
This is something that is controlled by our minds. So, once we decide to put our health and fitness on the same level as making money then both areas of your life will thrive.
Most people that I talk to go to work for a pay check, but if you can’t spend that money in good health then what’s the point?
Let’s start talking about solutions…
Most work situations have an actual schedule that is given to you, or is just the rule (9-5…).
Now how can you make a workout schedule that will motivate you as much as your work schedule? I believe that it starts with a mindset shift. And, you’re going to have to first start valuing your personal time just as much as your work time.
This can happen by getting really clear on the goals and outcomes that you want for your life.
Take 10 minutes (with a cup of coffee), and write down your one month, six month, one year, and five year goals.
Do this for health and fitness, career, significant other, personal development, family, fun, finances, physical possessions, friends, and spiritual. I understand that there could be many more areas of your life, and if you’d like to write goals and outcomes for areas not listed here then by all means go for it.
A great resource to see where you’re at is Rich Fettke’s Life Balance Wheel (see below) you can download it here.
Above is an example of a life balance wheel and how to fill out the wheel.
The question is… Once your wheel is filled out does it roll smoothly?
If so, you have good balance. Great job!
If not, this will allow you to bring the lagging areas of your life up to the more successful areas.
I would guess that the majority of people in the US are having ISSUES with the “Health & Fitness” area of their life. Actually, I know this. I was reading a recent stat that 75% of US male adults are overweight or obese.
Now let’s hone in on the “Health & Fitness” area and figure out why it’s hard to make it a priority.
Most of the things that we do in our lives are driven by pain and pleasure. For example most people go to work because they think if they stop getting paid their pain will be unbearable.
Or, maybe this will be because they won’t be able to pay the rent, or they fear not being able to buy food, etc. Or they like the pleasure of sitting on the couch and watching TV so they don’t get up and exercise.
I’m sure that you get the idea.
So, what you have to figure out is how you can make it so painful if you don’t exercise, that it’s a must do in your life.
This can be done in all kinds of ways, and I believe that it starts by grabbing a pen and paper (or your computer) and writing down these things.
Here are some ideas: The painful thought of dying an early death, and not being able to play with my grandkids as they grow up. All because I’m unhealthy due to a lack of exercising and poor diet. Does that resinate with you… if so, it could be a good start.
How about the thought that people who see you think of you as a fatty (or unhealthy), and because of that you don’t get as many advantages in life. Your being fat is so unattractive people don’t want to be around you.
Seriously, write down your fears. When you write them down it makes them real, and you’ll be incredibly more motivated to get your health and fitness in order.
This is true even if you don’t know what to do to be a health and fitness superstar. I can guarantee that if you are motivated enough you WILL find a way. For gosh sakes, you can just email me, and I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Once you’ve come up with your reasons for why it’s FAR too painful to not be a health and fitness superstar, then it will be much easier to schedule going to the gym vs going to happy hour with the unhealthy friends, or staying late at work instead of going for a great run.
Those things just aren’t as important as your health, no matter how you look at it.
If your excuse is that you want to have quality time with your family, then do exercise with them. Can you imagine how positive that would be for a growing and learning child, or how motivating that would be to a significant other?
Please stop being a follower and start setting a healthy example for others to follow.
Now that you have a head start on how to make health and fitness part of your schedule and life, teach others how they can do it, too.
Seriously. Help me out by teaching others.
All we need to do is get viral! Inspire one person, one family, one town, one city, and one world at a time!
Let’s work together to change the world!
