In the annals of sports history are *s.
They wanted to put one next to Roger Maris' 61 homeruns.
I would like to put one next to Barry Bonds 762 (for obvious reasons).
The asterisk is used to indicate that the record is somehow tainted by circumstance. That something about that record is invalid or corrupt. (Hence my disdain for Barry Bonds 762 home runs).
I think in our journeys we place an asterisk by a lot of things.
"Well that one pound was just water weight." *
"It's easy to lose weight the first week."*
"It is only a few pounds." *
I think we are the biggest asteriskers of ourselves. Instead of celebrating our successes, we find ways to discredit them. Instead of recognizing ourselves for staying disciplined with our nutrition and fitness, we somehow consider our results tainted.
If you have lost 1 pound this week or 5 pounds this week and have done it the right way (fitness + nutrition), then celebrate that. Don't hang an * on it with some lame excuse. Feel good about the work you put in. Raise your hands victorious like an Olympic champion (who tested negative for Perfomance Enhancing Drugs).
Don't * you results in the record of your success. Whatever level of success you achieved you deserve it!
Beachbody Challenge
Showing posts with label t25. Show all posts
Showing posts with label t25. Show all posts
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Saturday, March 15, 2014
A Beachbody, A Struggle & The Heart of Father
As is my usual Saturday morning practice, I sit in the stillness of my bedroom while everyone else is a sleep pounding the keys of this computer and sipping my morning coffee. Last weekend was a struggle...no coffee. My intimate relationship of 8 years with my coffee pot was broken off last Friday. Leaving me with just the computer and a less than warm bed.
The struggle spilled far beyond my caffeinated beverage that was missing into something more that needed to take place. Like many Americans, we fight for every dollar we make. The coffee pot was the icing on the financial cake of demanding weekend. There was flag football to register for, there was a band trip to sign up for and there is a little girl who steals my heart and I want to give her everything. Factor in the utility bill that tips in somewhere around the weight of NFL defensive lineman and we were face to face with a Dave Ramsey More Month than Money type situation. And it was just not feasible to make all of them happen.
I am a husband and father first and foremost. As was handed down to me from generations of husbands and fathers from the earliest of my ancestors who hunted and foraged the land for food, you have the responsibility to provide for your family. You wear that pride as you would a bear skin coat that you killed and skinned with your own two hands. You want to provide for their needs and give them their wants because they are great kids and deserve that. You want to give them moments and memories and at times that costs money. So when as a dad you can't, it is like having your bear skin coat stripped from you!
I am by default an incredible dreamer. On the filp side of the coin, I am terribly lousy and making dreams reality. So after a conversation with a good friend, who also has a background in ministry, I realized you just don't walk into a $80,000 job anymore. And if we are being honest, that number just begins to touch what it takes to raise 3 kids, pay for 3 college degrees and I hate to think about it, 3 weddings. Last weekends big revelation through a broken coffee pot was that whatever it is I do for a "job" will always leave us short of the dreams we want. Momma always asked if money grew on trees, there's no forest nearby if it does.
If you are reading this post by now you know I am a Team Beachbody coach, in short, I help people with their health and fitness. No I don't have a six pack, in part due to the cup in my hand that is filled with creamer in my coffee. I did not join to get ripped, just to improve me. I joined to get healthy and that I am. I also joined with the hope of helping others.
Here is another truth that I know, my Beachbody business is not another "job". While my day work has an income ceiling, my business doesn't. While my 40 hour struggle could never mathematically take my family to Disney, my Beachbody business can. While money may not grow on trees, I have the opportunity to invest in a garden that if tended properly will produce great fruit. While the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel has always been there, I have often been reluctant to run towards it. (There is a whole nother blog post to deal with that). As a dad of 3 amazing kids, what I hold in my hands is opportunity. Opportunity to not put limitations on our dreams. Opportunity to provide for their everyday needs and some moments they will never forget.
What I have is an opportunity to end the struggle!
The struggle spilled far beyond my caffeinated beverage that was missing into something more that needed to take place. Like many Americans, we fight for every dollar we make. The coffee pot was the icing on the financial cake of demanding weekend. There was flag football to register for, there was a band trip to sign up for and there is a little girl who steals my heart and I want to give her everything. Factor in the utility bill that tips in somewhere around the weight of NFL defensive lineman and we were face to face with a Dave Ramsey More Month than Money type situation. And it was just not feasible to make all of them happen.
I am a husband and father first and foremost. As was handed down to me from generations of husbands and fathers from the earliest of my ancestors who hunted and foraged the land for food, you have the responsibility to provide for your family. You wear that pride as you would a bear skin coat that you killed and skinned with your own two hands. You want to provide for their needs and give them their wants because they are great kids and deserve that. You want to give them moments and memories and at times that costs money. So when as a dad you can't, it is like having your bear skin coat stripped from you!I am by default an incredible dreamer. On the filp side of the coin, I am terribly lousy and making dreams reality. So after a conversation with a good friend, who also has a background in ministry, I realized you just don't walk into a $80,000 job anymore. And if we are being honest, that number just begins to touch what it takes to raise 3 kids, pay for 3 college degrees and I hate to think about it, 3 weddings. Last weekends big revelation through a broken coffee pot was that whatever it is I do for a "job" will always leave us short of the dreams we want. Momma always asked if money grew on trees, there's no forest nearby if it does.
If you are reading this post by now you know I am a Team Beachbody coach, in short, I help people with their health and fitness. No I don't have a six pack, in part due to the cup in my hand that is filled with creamer in my coffee. I did not join to get ripped, just to improve me. I joined to get healthy and that I am. I also joined with the hope of helping others.
Here is another truth that I know, my Beachbody business is not another "job". While my day work has an income ceiling, my business doesn't. While my 40 hour struggle could never mathematically take my family to Disney, my Beachbody business can. While money may not grow on trees, I have the opportunity to invest in a garden that if tended properly will produce great fruit. While the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel has always been there, I have often been reluctant to run towards it. (There is a whole nother blog post to deal with that). As a dad of 3 amazing kids, what I hold in my hands is opportunity. Opportunity to not put limitations on our dreams. Opportunity to provide for their everyday needs and some moments they will never forget.
What I have is an opportunity to end the struggle!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Seriously?
Seriously?
Every just start your day feeling that way. I have a Saturday morning routine. Get up, grab a banana, make some coffee, drink said coffee. Today, my 7 year old coffee pot decided it had enough. Routine ruined, morning ruined.
This got me thinking, how often do we let one set back, one poor food choice, one missed workout ruin our progress. I am amazed how quickly I can spiral back to poor choices due to one small thing. It's that thinking "oh, well, I didn't workout anyways. Might as well eat a dozen cookies." I hope you are not like me, because that is totally ME!
Life is full of speed bumps that slow us down, but are not intended to bring us to a stop. We just roll right over them and move on to the next point. My hope is that you have kept moving forward past the speed bumps. Rolled right past and on to bigger things.
Yet, I also know that the speed bump, in our eyes, become insurmountable. I heard a great illustration about momentum. When a train engine is at a complete stop, it only takes a 2 inch peice of wood to that train at bay. The difference of momentum is that when that train is rolling at even minimum speeds, that wood is no match for the train.
The coffee pot is just a Saturday morning speed bump. Don't let a little thing keep you from your goals!
Good Saturday Morning (even without coffee)
Every just start your day feeling that way. I have a Saturday morning routine. Get up, grab a banana, make some coffee, drink said coffee. Today, my 7 year old coffee pot decided it had enough. Routine ruined, morning ruined.
This got me thinking, how often do we let one set back, one poor food choice, one missed workout ruin our progress. I am amazed how quickly I can spiral back to poor choices due to one small thing. It's that thinking "oh, well, I didn't workout anyways. Might as well eat a dozen cookies." I hope you are not like me, because that is totally ME!
Life is full of speed bumps that slow us down, but are not intended to bring us to a stop. We just roll right over them and move on to the next point. My hope is that you have kept moving forward past the speed bumps. Rolled right past and on to bigger things.
Yet, I also know that the speed bump, in our eyes, become insurmountable. I heard a great illustration about momentum. When a train engine is at a complete stop, it only takes a 2 inch peice of wood to that train at bay. The difference of momentum is that when that train is rolling at even minimum speeds, that wood is no match for the train.
The coffee pot is just a Saturday morning speed bump. Don't let a little thing keep you from your goals!
Good Saturday Morning (even without coffee)
Saturday, February 22, 2014
The Measure of Success
We have all stood there. We put in a great week of work. We watched and tracked what we ate. And then the scale reads....no change!!!! This is when we start with the explicatives...
Don't get discouraged. Let's take a look at what we are truthfully measuring as success. While most of us have a number we want to see on the scale, our goal should be more about living a healthy and fit life. Still, you want to see the numbers move. But when they don't, lets look at the what else we can measure to see if we are being successful.
- Body Measurements
We have all seen the picture of 1 pound of fat versus 1 pound of muscle. So I won't re-post that viral image. But measuring your body let's you know where the change is happening. So when the scale doesn't move, take a look at where you are losing.
Measure these areas: chest, waist, arms, legs, hips and neck. Compare those numbers and look to see where change is happening. I recommend measuring every two weeks.
- Clothing Test
This is simple enough, how are those clothes fitting? Are you noticing a difference? In honestly, we all have those "skinny" pants hanging in the closest. Check and see how those are fitting.
-Before and Afters
We look in the mirror everyday. We see ourselves everyday. There is an incredible visual evidence in comparing side by side pictures of yourself. These are best done either every 2 weeks or every month. Take front poses, profile poses, back poses, and one where you flex those guns!
-The "DANG" wat cho been doin' effect
Sometimes other people take notice when we don't. So take the compliment and share what you have done to reach those amazing results!
So when the scale is not going the right way, measure these other areas to find success!
Don't get discouraged. Let's take a look at what we are truthfully measuring as success. While most of us have a number we want to see on the scale, our goal should be more about living a healthy and fit life. Still, you want to see the numbers move. But when they don't, lets look at the what else we can measure to see if we are being successful.
- Body Measurements
We have all seen the picture of 1 pound of fat versus 1 pound of muscle. So I won't re-post that viral image. But measuring your body let's you know where the change is happening. So when the scale doesn't move, take a look at where you are losing.
Measure these areas: chest, waist, arms, legs, hips and neck. Compare those numbers and look to see where change is happening. I recommend measuring every two weeks.
- Clothing Test
This is simple enough, how are those clothes fitting? Are you noticing a difference? In honestly, we all have those "skinny" pants hanging in the closest. Check and see how those are fitting.
-Before and Afters
We look in the mirror everyday. We see ourselves everyday. There is an incredible visual evidence in comparing side by side pictures of yourself. These are best done either every 2 weeks or every month. Take front poses, profile poses, back poses, and one where you flex those guns!
-The "DANG" wat cho been doin' effect
Sometimes other people take notice when we don't. So take the compliment and share what you have done to reach those amazing results!
So when the scale is not going the right way, measure these other areas to find success!
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
The Speed of the Pack
Last the improbable happened...
Three Olympians from the same country captured Gold, Silver and Bronze in the same event - 500M Speed Skating.
While admittedly, I know little about speed skating other than these folks have the largest quad muscles I've ever seen, I do understand a key principle that makes this rare event more likely to have happened. Certainly, this is not the first time these three men have been on the ice together. For sure not, because two of them are twins. (Can someone say sibling rivalry?) More than likely for some time these men have been training together, skating together and pushing one another. The result - three Olympic Medals.
We have long been told by motivational speakers, personal development folks and even pastors that our success and rise (and fall) is built around those we spend the most time with. I think this coronation is further proof of that.
In fitness you tend to run faster, lift more and work harder with a partner or group.
In business you compile the best of each person, pooling them together for further success.
In life you gather those around you that will not hold you back but propel you forward, push you to be the best version of you and elevate you to person you desire to be.
As the 3 Dutchman took their skate around the rink, hands raised, flag waived and tears being shed, I asked my son "why do you think all three from the same country won?" His answer (as a typical 12 year old would say) "they were the fastest."
While on the money with his response, there is bigger lesson to be learned in how they became the fastest. My theory is due to the speed of the pack. The day one got faster it pushed the others to speed up. If one got one one-hundreth faster, than the others had to work harder to get there. The synergy of the group created the three fastest men on ice last night and a crowning moment for the Netherlands.
I believe it was the power of WE and the speed of the pack that launched these men to the medal stand. So who have you gathered around you to improve your speed, your business or your life?
Post your comments below.
Three Olympians from the same country captured Gold, Silver and Bronze in the same event - 500M Speed Skating.
While admittedly, I know little about speed skating other than these folks have the largest quad muscles I've ever seen, I do understand a key principle that makes this rare event more likely to have happened. Certainly, this is not the first time these three men have been on the ice together. For sure not, because two of them are twins. (Can someone say sibling rivalry?) More than likely for some time these men have been training together, skating together and pushing one another. The result - three Olympic Medals.
We have long been told by motivational speakers, personal development folks and even pastors that our success and rise (and fall) is built around those we spend the most time with. I think this coronation is further proof of that.
In fitness you tend to run faster, lift more and work harder with a partner or group.
In business you compile the best of each person, pooling them together for further success.
In life you gather those around you that will not hold you back but propel you forward, push you to be the best version of you and elevate you to person you desire to be.
As the 3 Dutchman took their skate around the rink, hands raised, flag waived and tears being shed, I asked my son "why do you think all three from the same country won?" His answer (as a typical 12 year old would say) "they were the fastest."
While on the money with his response, there is bigger lesson to be learned in how they became the fastest. My theory is due to the speed of the pack. The day one got faster it pushed the others to speed up. If one got one one-hundreth faster, than the others had to work harder to get there. The synergy of the group created the three fastest men on ice last night and a crowning moment for the Netherlands.
I believe it was the power of WE and the speed of the pack that launched these men to the medal stand. So who have you gathered around you to improve your speed, your business or your life?
Post your comments below.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Where do I begin?
Here is what I don't doubt, the fact that you want to change.
Here is probably the question you may find yourself asking: "Where do I begin?"
Begin by asking a different set of questions. Let's start by defining the change into smaller portions.
- What do I want to accomplish in the next 6 months?
Now smaller.
- What do I want to accomplish in the next month?
Now smaller.
- What do I want to accomplish this week?
The daunting part of changes is that it seems so big. And truthfully, we tackle the biggest elephant in the safari thinking we can eat the whole thing in one big bite. But the adage is still true, you eat an elephant one bite at a time. (Although, I have never eaten elephant and don't plan on it, but you get me.)
My heart is bent toward helping people move closer to their potential - it comes in the form of their personal, spiritual and health and fitness. But this reverse thinking applies in every situation.
If you want to graduate college, it starts with taking a class. Then by getting this weeks homework done.
If it's weight loss, well let's start by setting fitness goals for this week and planning meals for the week.
If it's to become an accomplished public speaker. Then start small, speaking to church groups, non-profits, business groups.
You only start at the end to work backwards to find a clear starting point.
But get started! If it's your dream, goal or ambition don't let it pass! Start!
Here is probably the question you may find yourself asking: "Where do I begin?"
Begin by asking a different set of questions. Let's start by defining the change into smaller portions.
- What do I want to accomplish in the next 6 months?
Now smaller.
- What do I want to accomplish in the next month?
Now smaller.
- What do I want to accomplish this week?
The daunting part of changes is that it seems so big. And truthfully, we tackle the biggest elephant in the safari thinking we can eat the whole thing in one big bite. But the adage is still true, you eat an elephant one bite at a time. (Although, I have never eaten elephant and don't plan on it, but you get me.)
My heart is bent toward helping people move closer to their potential - it comes in the form of their personal, spiritual and health and fitness. But this reverse thinking applies in every situation.
If you want to graduate college, it starts with taking a class. Then by getting this weeks homework done.
If it's weight loss, well let's start by setting fitness goals for this week and planning meals for the week.
If it's to become an accomplished public speaker. Then start small, speaking to church groups, non-profits, business groups.
You only start at the end to work backwards to find a clear starting point.
But get started! If it's your dream, goal or ambition don't let it pass! Start!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New Years 2014!
Happy New Year!
As you awake this morning, it is a morning like any other, but then again it's not. Today is New Years Day. A day of fresh starts, clean slates and declaring what you will accomplish in the next 365 days. So here are my 3 resolutions for 2014:
1) Be an encourager of others dreams.
- Zig Ziglar says if you help enough people get where they are going, they will help you get where you're going.
2) Become a goal getter, not just a goal setter.
- I am setting goals, dates, and putting together plans.
3) Become healthy on the inside, not just the outside.
- What is inside of us will spill out to the outside. No amount of diet and exercise will heal hurts and help souls.
These are my resolutions for the New Year, what are yours?
Here's to a amazing and blessed 2014!
As you awake this morning, it is a morning like any other, but then again it's not. Today is New Years Day. A day of fresh starts, clean slates and declaring what you will accomplish in the next 365 days. So here are my 3 resolutions for 2014:
1) Be an encourager of others dreams.
- Zig Ziglar says if you help enough people get where they are going, they will help you get where you're going.
2) Become a goal getter, not just a goal setter.
- I am setting goals, dates, and putting together plans.
3) Become healthy on the inside, not just the outside.
- What is inside of us will spill out to the outside. No amount of diet and exercise will heal hurts and help souls.
These are my resolutions for the New Year, what are yours?
Here's to a amazing and blessed 2014!
Friday, December 27, 2013
A YUGO of a Ferrari
I dogged it this morning...
Not proud of that, but it's the truth. Here's why:
I believe that we have the capabilities to find the physical fitness of a Ferrari. A Ferrari is a high powered, sleekly curved, sexy machine.
Truth be told, I have treat myself a little more like a YUGO with all it's economical, boxy shaped, 3 cylinder, top speed of 40mph styling. There are drive-through bags on my floor board. It is way past having any kind of maintenance done. And I feed it whatever I can find.
And this morning I felt it.
At the starting line of my daily workout when I stepped on the gas to push through, I got what I put into my body, a sluggish, slow result.
In order to operate physically as a Ferrari, instead of YUGO, you have got to fuel your body like a Ferrari. This means fueling up on whole foods, plenty of H2 and the O. This means knowing the difference between treating yourself and going full on buffet on holiday dinner.
Lesson learned...
Do you feel the difference in your workouts when you eat clean?
Not proud of that, but it's the truth. Here's why:
I believe that we have the capabilities to find the physical fitness of a Ferrari. A Ferrari is a high powered, sleekly curved, sexy machine.
Truth be told, I have treat myself a little more like a YUGO with all it's economical, boxy shaped, 3 cylinder, top speed of 40mph styling. There are drive-through bags on my floor board. It is way past having any kind of maintenance done. And I feed it whatever I can find.
And this morning I felt it.
At the starting line of my daily workout when I stepped on the gas to push through, I got what I put into my body, a sluggish, slow result.
In order to operate physically as a Ferrari, instead of YUGO, you have got to fuel your body like a Ferrari. This means fueling up on whole foods, plenty of H2 and the O. This means knowing the difference between treating yourself and going full on buffet on holiday dinner.
Lesson learned...
Do you feel the difference in your workouts when you eat clean?
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Reminder Pants - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
In my closet are lots of pairs of pants, but more specifically two specific pairs of pants. I call them my "reminder pants".
The Good -
These are a pair of black suit pants. They are a size 38. To be honest, my chubby buns and dunlap belly I am sure stretched it past the 38 inch waist line. There were Sundays when I would pour myself into those pants and uncomfortably suffer through the service.
Now I am a true 34 inch waist! Woot!
Those pants serve as a reminder of where I have come and how much progress I have made. These are just a simple reminder of the good! They remind me of the wins in my health and fitness. The wins in my weight loss journey!
It's amazing reminder!
The Bad -
The skinny pants that I wear to work. Like all of you I have moments of slipping back into poor habits. There are days I skip workouts and feed my face fattening foods. As I slide into those pants and pull that waist line across my belly I am reminded that I need to get back on track.
Just the feel of those pants snuggling up under that little pooch belly that rares it's head when I make excuses for my health and fitness. It reminds me "Jeff you need to refocus".
The Ugly -
Simply get rid of these. Just a reminder that sometimes you make terrible clothing choices.
Enough said!
The Good -
These are a pair of black suit pants. They are a size 38. To be honest, my chubby buns and dunlap belly I am sure stretched it past the 38 inch waist line. There were Sundays when I would pour myself into those pants and uncomfortably suffer through the service.
Now I am a true 34 inch waist! Woot!
Those pants serve as a reminder of where I have come and how much progress I have made. These are just a simple reminder of the good! They remind me of the wins in my health and fitness. The wins in my weight loss journey!
It's amazing reminder!
The Bad -
The skinny pants that I wear to work. Like all of you I have moments of slipping back into poor habits. There are days I skip workouts and feed my face fattening foods. As I slide into those pants and pull that waist line across my belly I am reminded that I need to get back on track.
Just the feel of those pants snuggling up under that little pooch belly that rares it's head when I make excuses for my health and fitness. It reminds me "Jeff you need to refocus".The Ugly -
Simply get rid of these. Just a reminder that sometimes you make terrible clothing choices.
Enough said!
Saturday, December 7, 2013
A Moving WHY
As many of you already know if you have read any of my previous blogs, my main reason I started on this journey of health and fitness (other than running out of clothes that fit) was my three kids. While that reason remains true, what I have found is that my WHY has become somewhat fluid.
My weight loss journey started as a runner and about a year and half ago progressed into being a Team Beachbody Coach. Since then I have tackled programs like P90X, Insanity, Les Mills Combat, Focus T25 and two very uncoordinated weeks of Turbofire! I became a coach for two reasons. One to help me stay accountable to my own health and fitness. Two, in order to create some secondary income for my family. While neither of those reasons have changed, I had my eyes opened wide this week.
My beautiful 6 year old daughter has tumbled into loving gymnastics and she's good! In just 8 weeks she has progress from Division 1 to Division 3, which is an amazing accomplishment! I have already done the math, we are on track for the 2024 Olympic Summer Games!
Here where my eyes were opened! In a conversation, with another parent of an older gymnast, I found just what the price tag is on competitive team gymnastics. Let's just say I could drive a very nice car for what the monthly fee is. I mean VERY NICE!
Nothing is more a driving force toward success than the needs and desires of your children. While I wanted to be successful in my business for multiple reasons, that WHY expanded greatly knowing what lies ahead of our family if our little tumbler stays on beam toward becoming a world class gymnast.
Author George Barna wrote, "Realize the future is not something that just happens; it is a reality that is created by those strong enough to exert control over their environment." That is the challenge that lies ahead. Taking control of my environment to create a future where Avery has every opportunity to succeed. This goes beyond her gymnastic future and spills into every opportunity for all three of my kids. As a parent, your heart always bends toward wanting to give them everything. While I may never be able to give them everything, the provision for the future will not just happen. It requires a vision and a plan driven by one really BIG WHY that I want it to accomplish. And today that why is the dreams of this little girl...
My weight loss journey started as a runner and about a year and half ago progressed into being a Team Beachbody Coach. Since then I have tackled programs like P90X, Insanity, Les Mills Combat, Focus T25 and two very uncoordinated weeks of Turbofire! I became a coach for two reasons. One to help me stay accountable to my own health and fitness. Two, in order to create some secondary income for my family. While neither of those reasons have changed, I had my eyes opened wide this week.
My beautiful 6 year old daughter has tumbled into loving gymnastics and she's good! In just 8 weeks she has progress from Division 1 to Division 3, which is an amazing accomplishment! I have already done the math, we are on track for the 2024 Olympic Summer Games! Here where my eyes were opened! In a conversation, with another parent of an older gymnast, I found just what the price tag is on competitive team gymnastics. Let's just say I could drive a very nice car for what the monthly fee is. I mean VERY NICE!
Nothing is more a driving force toward success than the needs and desires of your children. While I wanted to be successful in my business for multiple reasons, that WHY expanded greatly knowing what lies ahead of our family if our little tumbler stays on beam toward becoming a world class gymnast. Author George Barna wrote, "Realize the future is not something that just happens; it is a reality that is created by those strong enough to exert control over their environment." That is the challenge that lies ahead. Taking control of my environment to create a future where Avery has every opportunity to succeed. This goes beyond her gymnastic future and spills into every opportunity for all three of my kids. As a parent, your heart always bends toward wanting to give them everything. While I may never be able to give them everything, the provision for the future will not just happen. It requires a vision and a plan driven by one really BIG WHY that I want it to accomplish. And today that why is the dreams of this little girl...
Friday, November 8, 2013
Creating a movement -- #livewithhope
Have you ever had one of those days? A day when you feel like everything is falling around you? I know I have, even recently. We all face struggles. We all face hard times. We all hit points that feel like the end of our ropes.
If you have followed me on Instagram (@jeffpittsfitness) or LIKED my Facebook Page you would have seen the hashtag #livewithhope. I saw hope defined as the desire + expectation = hope. I think we often lack one or both of these things. We have lost a desire to see or be different. We have lost an expectation that things can change. And what we have really lost is HOPE!
Once of the most crippling feelings is a loss of hope. I dont' know where you have lost hope. Maybe you've lost hope in your fitness. Maybe you've lost hope in your job. Maybe you've lost hope in a relationship. What I realize is that a fitness program and Shakeology won't magically fix broken places...this email is not about that.
This is just a simple word of encouragement -- #livewithhope! Find your desire and expectation for what it is you have lost hope in. Sometimes the tipping point of changes is our belief that it can be different, our HOPE that it will be different.
I have a dream, if you would dream with me to create a movement. The #LIVEWITHHOPE movement. What I think we don't realize is that so many people live hopeless, live in constant emotional struggle. That there are people who everyday face that day without an expectation to that change will happen. The loss of expectation drains desire to make it different. It creates a life without HOPE!
If you have followed me on Instagram (@jeffpittsfitness) or LIKED my Facebook Page you would have seen the hashtag #livewithhope. I saw hope defined as the desire + expectation = hope. I think we often lack one or both of these things. We have lost a desire to see or be different. We have lost an expectation that things can change. And what we have really lost is HOPE!
Once of the most crippling feelings is a loss of hope. I dont' know where you have lost hope. Maybe you've lost hope in your fitness. Maybe you've lost hope in your job. Maybe you've lost hope in a relationship. What I realize is that a fitness program and Shakeology won't magically fix broken places...this email is not about that.
This is just a simple word of encouragement -- #livewithhope! Find your desire and expectation for what it is you have lost hope in. Sometimes the tipping point of changes is our belief that it can be different, our HOPE that it will be different.
I have a dream, if you would dream with me to create a movement. The #LIVEWITHHOPE movement. What I think we don't realize is that so many people live hopeless, live in constant emotional struggle. That there are people who everyday face that day without an expectation to that change will happen. The loss of expectation drains desire to make it different. It creates a life without HOPE!
Would you help me by doing one things over the course of the next week? Will you tag one pic, one facebook post with me in it and the hashtag #livewithhope. Maybe we don't change the world, but I do believe we can change one heart! Help me create a movement the #livewithhope movement.
Hoping you find your hope!
Hoping you find your hope!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
I was made for this!
Some people call it revelation. Some call it an epiphany. Some call it the light bulb coming on. Whatever you call it, there is a moment when it happens. A moment when the stars all align, the tide is just right and the man in the moon is talking in his sleep. It is the moment you say "I was made for this."
I believe we all have a "calling" and a "purpose" in life. There is a specific thing that we are gifted to do that if it goes undone it won't get done, at least not in the way it meant for you to accomplish. There is no prescription on how to discover this. Most of it comes via trial and error, and at that mostly error.
Thomas Edison attempted to create the incandescent light bulb over 10,000 times. When asked about it, Edison said "I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Your life is no different. It is not a waste to try something and fail. You have just found something that was not your purpose. The failure comes when we quit searching and trying.
Once peculiar piece to this mystery of discovery is that some things come full circle. What is incredible is that something that looks like a failed experiment at self discovery often comes back to be a piece to the puzzle of your purpose. Experience is the grand teacher. It teaches us often what we are not, it also teaches us what are meant to be. Experience also bookmarks moments in life that we build on. These moments of seeming failed trials and grand errors can lead us down the path of purpose. That moment when you say "I was made for this."
#livewithhope
I believe we all have a "calling" and a "purpose" in life. There is a specific thing that we are gifted to do that if it goes undone it won't get done, at least not in the way it meant for you to accomplish. There is no prescription on how to discover this. Most of it comes via trial and error, and at that mostly error.
Thomas Edison attempted to create the incandescent light bulb over 10,000 times. When asked about it, Edison said "I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Your life is no different. It is not a waste to try something and fail. You have just found something that was not your purpose. The failure comes when we quit searching and trying. Once peculiar piece to this mystery of discovery is that some things come full circle. What is incredible is that something that looks like a failed experiment at self discovery often comes back to be a piece to the puzzle of your purpose. Experience is the grand teacher. It teaches us often what we are not, it also teaches us what are meant to be. Experience also bookmarks moments in life that we build on. These moments of seeming failed trials and grand errors can lead us down the path of purpose. That moment when you say "I was made for this."
#livewithhope
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Chachachanges...3 questions to ask
Let's face it NO ONE likes change.
At best we tolerate it as a part of life, just like paying taxes, traffic and another Law and Order spinoff. But change does happens.
As a matter of fact change happens all around us. If you are a parent you watch it take place daily in your house. That infant you held snuggly in your arms becomes a pre-pubescent boy with a smart mouth (experience talking). Change is all around you - the light changes (at least we hope), seasons change, styles change. Thank God! I could only wear a mullet for so long!
So at some level we need to quit fighting change and embrace it. Is it scary? Yeah, like Nightmare on Elm Street scary, the first one. Is it hard? Of course. Is it worth it? That is the million dollar question. Most likely if we never see value in making a change, we will never change unless forced to. We will never quit smoking, start eating healthier, exercise, or move out of your momma's basement without facing change.
Here are a couple questions to ask yourself if the change is worth it:
1) Is it going to make my life better in the long term?
Is the change that I intend on making going to better my life in the long term? Weight loss can extend your life, quitting smoking can keep you from cancer and improve the smell of your wardrobe, eliminating negative influences can help you create an atmosphere for long term success - "attitude determine altitude." What we have to negotiate is whether the short term sacrifice or discomfort of the change is worth the long term result that comes from changing!
2) Will my choice of change positively or negatively affect my relationship with others?
The answer: likely both. What you will find is that there are those who are going to celebrate and support your choice. You will also likely find that there are those that will question your reasoning, criticize your attempts and even try to pull you back into a poor habit.
Yet, what you are more likely to find is that making a positive change will help you create connections with like minded people. People set on achieving similar life goals. Your choice to change may actually open up the potential for new relationships. Who knows Mister or Miss Right might be right at the corner of Choice and Change!
3) Am I worth it?
This is a question of self value. So often we stay in poor habits due to our belief that we are undeserving of anything better. That is just not true! YOU ARE WORTH IT! YOU ARE VALUABLE! Quite possibly the greatest change that has to be made is how you see the image of the person staring back at you in the mirror. Oftentimes the choice to change is one of belief in yourself. That is where it has to start!
The greatest change you can make is one of going from unbelief to belief! You are worth it!
Change is hard, yet so often change is exactly what your life needs! What changes do you need to embrace?
At best we tolerate it as a part of life, just like paying taxes, traffic and another Law and Order spinoff. But change does happens.
As a matter of fact change happens all around us. If you are a parent you watch it take place daily in your house. That infant you held snuggly in your arms becomes a pre-pubescent boy with a smart mouth (experience talking). Change is all around you - the light changes (at least we hope), seasons change, styles change. Thank God! I could only wear a mullet for so long!
So at some level we need to quit fighting change and embrace it. Is it scary? Yeah, like Nightmare on Elm Street scary, the first one. Is it hard? Of course. Is it worth it? That is the million dollar question. Most likely if we never see value in making a change, we will never change unless forced to. We will never quit smoking, start eating healthier, exercise, or move out of your momma's basement without facing change.
Here are a couple questions to ask yourself if the change is worth it:
1) Is it going to make my life better in the long term?
Is the change that I intend on making going to better my life in the long term? Weight loss can extend your life, quitting smoking can keep you from cancer and improve the smell of your wardrobe, eliminating negative influences can help you create an atmosphere for long term success - "attitude determine altitude." What we have to negotiate is whether the short term sacrifice or discomfort of the change is worth the long term result that comes from changing!2) Will my choice of change positively or negatively affect my relationship with others?
The answer: likely both. What you will find is that there are those who are going to celebrate and support your choice. You will also likely find that there are those that will question your reasoning, criticize your attempts and even try to pull you back into a poor habit.
Yet, what you are more likely to find is that making a positive change will help you create connections with like minded people. People set on achieving similar life goals. Your choice to change may actually open up the potential for new relationships. Who knows Mister or Miss Right might be right at the corner of Choice and Change!
3) Am I worth it?
This is a question of self value. So often we stay in poor habits due to our belief that we are undeserving of anything better. That is just not true! YOU ARE WORTH IT! YOU ARE VALUABLE! Quite possibly the greatest change that has to be made is how you see the image of the person staring back at you in the mirror. Oftentimes the choice to change is one of belief in yourself. That is where it has to start!
The greatest change you can make is one of going from unbelief to belief! You are worth it!
Change is hard, yet so often change is exactly what your life needs! What changes do you need to embrace?
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Do you need a coach?
To answer the first question we have to answer another question, what is it to coach? A coach is part inspiration, part motivation, part good cop, part bad cop. A coach is friend and at times seems like an enemy. A coach is someone who betters you in specific area and pushes you past the limits you have set for yourself.
So the second question is "do you need a coach?" Yes!
If you "sport" of choice is public speaking, then you need a coach to help you with diction, word choice, pronunciation and delivery.
If you choose business, then motivational leaders like John Maxwell, Seth Godin and Ken Blanchard may coach you from the sideline of your life through books and articles or podcasts.
If you are a culinary artist, then you will find yourself under the tutelage of a master chef who will coach you in the finer ways slicing and sauteeing and saucing.
Health and fitness or weight loss are no different. You need a coach to instruct you, encourage you, inspire you, motivate you and keep you focused on the goals you have set. A coach is someone who has a heart for fitness and a heart to see you succeed. A coach is someone with a personal story of struggle, success and overcoming. A coach is someone just like you.
You need a coach because there will be question you need answers to. You need a coach because you will hit a plateau and need to know how to break through. You need a coach because let's face it, getting healthy, weight loss, getting fit is HARD to do on your own. You need a coach because you have no idea what the heck quinoa!
I want to be your health and fitness coach. Whether it is ten pounds or 100 pounds, I want to be here for you. Whether it's get skinny or getting big, I want to help you through. Whether it is beating diabetes or just beating down your waistline, I am the guys who wants to help you succeed. Do you need a coach? Absolutely! And I'm want to be that guy!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Work to Play
The overriding question to ask is WHY?
Why be healthy?
Why to active?
Why improve your fitness?
What I realize is that everyone has a different specific reason as to start and pushing through their personal health and fitness journey. Yet, I believe that each of us could agree that there is one common reason for all of us. We put in the work in order to play.
It doesn't matter what your play is. It could be hiking, rafting, rock climbing. That type of play requires you to push toward a peak physical condition to thrive in that type of hobby. If you golf, play softball or just some YMCA basketball, being better physical condition means that at the end of those games you are less exhausted, less sore and recover faster.
Yet, maybe your play is shopping or singing KAROKE on a Friday night. Does being in better health improve these? Why not! Isn't more exciting to shop for clothes that fit you better? Isn't enjoyable to go the store and buy something a size smaller? And what about KAROKE? Well, sure. Better cardiovascular will help you belt out those Celine Dion notes from the Titanic Soundtrack, you diva!
No matter what your play is, improving your physical conditioning and health can make that activity even more enjoyable. Improving your health will prolong your life giving you more time to enjoy those hobbies and activities. Improving your health will in the long term lower your medical expenses and give you more resources use toward enjoyable activities.
So why do you put in that work, why do you sweat, strain, push and dig deeper? In order to play! Go make the most of your work and enjoy your play time!
Jeff Pitts Fitness
Why be healthy?
Why to active?
Why improve your fitness?
What I realize is that everyone has a different specific reason as to start and pushing through their personal health and fitness journey. Yet, I believe that each of us could agree that there is one common reason for all of us. We put in the work in order to play. It doesn't matter what your play is. It could be hiking, rafting, rock climbing. That type of play requires you to push toward a peak physical condition to thrive in that type of hobby. If you golf, play softball or just some YMCA basketball, being better physical condition means that at the end of those games you are less exhausted, less sore and recover faster.
Yet, maybe your play is shopping or singing KAROKE on a Friday night. Does being in better health improve these? Why not! Isn't more exciting to shop for clothes that fit you better? Isn't enjoyable to go the store and buy something a size smaller? And what about KAROKE? Well, sure. Better cardiovascular will help you belt out those Celine Dion notes from the Titanic Soundtrack, you diva!
No matter what your play is, improving your physical conditioning and health can make that activity even more enjoyable. Improving your health will prolong your life giving you more time to enjoy those hobbies and activities. Improving your health will in the long term lower your medical expenses and give you more resources use toward enjoyable activities.
So why do you put in that work, why do you sweat, strain, push and dig deeper? In order to play! Go make the most of your work and enjoy your play time!
Jeff Pitts Fitness
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Focus T25 Review - Alpha Phase
After just 2 weeks, I can tell this is another world class program from Beachbody! The key, as Shaun T will reiterate over and over is to Focus. Each move asks you to focus on a specific area of the body. As you "focus" you maximize the effectiveness you get from each exercise. And water breaks...forget a water breaks. This a non-stop 25 minute sweatfest!
The first 5 weeks is Alpha. This is the base for what will come in the second 5 weeks, Beta. There is a third phase which you can add as an upgrade called Gamma which includes some added weight work. The base kit is just the Alpha and Beta phase, along with a resistance band that is to be used during the Beta phase of the program. The program is a true 25 minutes with an additional 2-3 minute cool down after the workout!
I look at this as a working man's workout. One of the most common excuses for not exercising is not having enough time. This program eliminates that excuse. In a very short and quick 25 minutes you can get in the workout you need and want! I am really excited to see my results and will post before and after pics once completed!
After just one week I broke through a plateau and tipped the scales under 170 pounds for the first time since my junior year of high school. I am stunned at the quick results.
To Shaun T: Thanks for an extra 15 minutes of sleep in the morning!
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