All you read and hear about is how the world is in financial ruin, people are losing their jobs and their homes and everyone's stress level and bodyweight is higher than ever. I hear FEAR in people's voices, I'm surrounded by negative attitudes and it's time to stop. Listen, I get it. I'm not in denial. But it's time to turn this around, stop worrying about what you can't control and start taking action on what YOU CAN control.
Take control of your life and begin to capture some of the "goodness" around you. In my professional world of fitness, health and performance, I know and respect the power of mental attitude. If it's a struggle for you to say no to all this fear, then "fake it till you make it." Look for the positive, create good news, and do whatever it takes to hang onto hope. Here are several ways you can positively affect your body, mind, and attitude to protect yourself against the negative forces that exist today.
1. Make a Commitment to Your Physical Conditioning. Set goals, hire a trainer, go outdoors and enjoy nature, try new classes like Pilates or yoga, and improve your nutrition. There is nothing like the feeling of a euphoric workout when endorphins are released. Commit to your physical conditioning and watch how it positively affects your mindset, attitude, and overall health. Do something everyday for YOU! It's the best investment you can ever make.
2. Get a Massage. Just like a great workout, a therapeutic massage can melt away stress and anxiety. A great massage from a qualified therapist can correct muscle imbalances, improve flexibility, assist with recovery, reduce pain, and help you feel better physically and mentally. While a massage a week is ideal, even receiving one per month can help improve your physical and mental health and wellbeing.
3. Invest in Your Spiritual Life. When the mind, body, and spirit, are all nourished and balance and harmony are in place, you will be ready to take on each day, regardless of how big the challenge.
4. Solve a Problem. Free yourself from a nagging problem. At Team Fit, we are in the business of helping clients to solve problems. We may not be mortgage brokers or bankers, career counselors or investment advisors, but we are in the business of helping others to achieve goals.
5. Simplify Your Life. Eliminate extraneous stressors. One person's extra might be another's essential, but take a careful look at where your time and money goes.
6. "Protect this House". You can filter what you listen to, what you read, whom you talk to and how you spend your time. "Protect your house" by reading great books, listening to great programs, avoiding negative people, and being very selective in how you spend your time and with whom you spend it.
7. Don't Live in FEAR! Listen, we all have fears. High performers don't let fears guide their decisions or affect their actions. The hardest part of achieving any goal or desire is often getting started. Take action to begin building momentum on the things you are passionate and enthusiastic about in life. Now might be the time to be confident in your instincts. This might be your opportunity to build or to invest in something you believe in. This is the time when leaders take initiative.
8. Find the Good in Everyone and Everything. It's easy to find bad stuff out there, but, even if it takes a little more effort, seek out the good. Especially now, beware of media hype - look for news sources that are committed to balance.
When we let fear in, it can paralyze us. I encourage you to stay focused on living in the moment and protecting your mindset from the toxic side effects of bad news. Invest in yourself, your physical health, your mental well-being, and your spiritual life. The payoff is big. You CAN control your environment, how you spend your time and with whom you spend it. Guard yourself and continue to protect the most valuable assets you have-your physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual well-being. INVEST IN YOURSELF!
