TRICK NOT TREAT

First time clients always try to earn my sympathy with tales of how the refuse to "deprave" themselves. They are referring to no longer eating sweets,chips etc. I always ask them to consider what they really have been depraving themselves of? The active lifestyle and comfort in wearing certain clothes. Isn't not being able to wear what you want to wear or do what you want to do the real deprivation?

And yes, I've heard the same cry "You have to live." Which makes me wonder why anyone would assume that my passing on a slice of pizza has made my life less than. And if eating a piece of cake is what you may consider the greatest thing in your life, perhaps you need to exam your life. I think improving the quality of my life is the best way to treat myself.

IT'S QUALITY THAT COUNTS

A few years ago I injured my knee. I attempted to continue my work out but I quickly learned that the human body will only allow you to go so far until it sends you a clear message to continue would be damaging.

Because of this I went to all my classes but could not participate in the running, and did NOT increase the intensity of many of my exercises. As a result I had put on a couple of pounds because I had not altered my eating. I am very in tune with my body so I could feel a significant difference in the way it felt. 

I continued to work out while healing my knee both physically and mentally. I increased the intensity of every exercise both mentally and physically. I was very aware of my food choices. And as a result maintain a very healthy physical body.

From this incident I learned a few things. First, it was good subconsciously to keep going to the gym. It continued my habitual ritual. Second, when you are really hurting best to not push it as you will heal faster by caring for the injury. And last,it isn't just doing an exercise that counts but what you put behind it. 

Like anything in life, the amount of effort you put into something is a clear indication of the amount of results you will achieve. Just "going through the motions" will not warrant the same results as lets say someone who really gives it their all. Either way, the same amount of time passes--so you might as well get the most out of your minutes.

SAY IT TO YOURSELF AND THE UNIVERSE WILL HEAR YOU

The best motivational coach for you is you. When you find yourself headed down a discouraging path---stop and change directions. Think of a word or phrase that will assist you as you continue to monitor your focus while running, working, etc.

Like high-octane fuel for your gas tank, mantras can give you that extra boost. What you choose to focus on will work as powerfully for you as against you. Take what is meaningful to you about moving and meditate on it, sing it, say it or pray it out loud. Let the entire universe know that you’re determined. And nothing and no one will ever stop you.