Hello everyone! Hope you all are having an awesome week. Tonight I thought I’d talk a bit about a topic that is near and dear to my heart, and one that goes beyond just working out, or being fit, or what happens in the gym.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve believed that attitude can make or break you. Your mindset, emotions, and attitude, will either propel you through life or drag you down. Sure we all have rough patches and bad days, myself included, but it’s how you CHOOSE to learn and grow from those experiences that transforms you and carries you through that situation. Choosing to see the good side, staying optimistic, and focusing on the positives of any situation will ALWAYS make it more bearable, and easier, regardless of how difficult it is.
We all know “those” people. The ones who constantly complain and have a shitty attitude. They’re nice, but something is always bad, or could be better. The negative Nancys. No offense to any Nancys out there. They tend to just be a drag! Seriously, whenever I talk to these people I just want to give them a hug. Or a cookie. Or maybe a tequila shot!
Mindset and attitude are paramount when it comes to fitness, nutrition, and weight loss. Before every work out, and every meal, you make the DECISION about choosing to do something positive for your body, be it through your activity or the foods you are choosing to eat. The journey starts in your head with the decision to make yourself better. I’d be lying if I told you that I didn’t struggle to get to the gym sometimes, or to eat as I know I should eat to be in line with my goals. But, at the end of the day, I will usually make the decision to do it anyway. The best part? Those workouts that I have to drag my ass in to the gym for are usually the best ones. As far as eating goes, I’m really not that tempted anymore by cheat meals, and I know those delicious eats and sweets will always be there when I want them. In fact, I’m finding it’s more fun to come up with creative ways to eat clean and feel like I’m “breaking all the rules” even though I’m right on plan.
Results will come when you make the decision day after day to be consistent with your actions and nutrition. Focusing on the positive will help you do this! Think of what a blessing it is to getup each day and be healthy and have the opportunity to go put your health to work in the gym, and how fortunate you are to have nutritious, healthy meal options. Don’t think about what else you could be doing, or eating. Focus on feeling stronger when you workout, taking it one rep a time. I have yet to see someone regret a workout. Those endorphins just won’t let you!
To give you an example, I was doing Tabatas in my living room last weekend to get my cardio in while watching the Derby. I didn’t want to be doing 80 bazillion jumping jacks and mountain climbers. What I really wanted was to be watching the Derby on a patio with a cocktail! But, I got through it and knew I’d be having dinner with friends later that night to watch the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight. Compromise, right?
Everyone’s fitness journey (mine included) is long, and winding, and full of ups and downs. It’s not easy. Even if you have no plans to compete, this still takes dedication, time, resources, and we ALL struggle. The important part is that you keep going. Like I always tell you guys—you have to take it one workout, one meal, one day at a time. Be proud of every step you take, because it’s taking you one step closer to your goal. Remember, attitude is everything. Keep up the great work guys!
Till next time,
-Mere