ABC's of Life

Today I read an article in my churchs magazine, The Ensign, from President Monson about the ABC's of living an abundant life. I thought the article was very thought provoking in many aspects of life, but for the purpose of this post-- I will liken it unto our fitness and weight loss goals.

He says the A stands for ATTITUDE. He quoted William James
"the greatest revolution of our gernations is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outter aspects of their lives." I couldn't agree with this more-- every situation we are faced with can be a growing, learning experience when veiwed with postitivity-- or it can be the "end" and ruin an entire day, or an entire week when we view with pessimism. We are the only ones who can choose the way we are going to look at the world and our own circumstances. No one can make us do or feel anything, we have a choice every time.

So, your kids are sick-- you get pink eye-- you get in a fight with someone-- you break your leg-- someone dies-- you lose your job. All of these things are quite possible circumstances, will you allow them to derail your progress? Will you allow them to keep you from eating clean and healthy? Will you allow them to ruin what you have worked hard to accomplish?

I will not. I will face them with grace and I will make things happen regardless of the circumstances around me.

Charles Swindoll said it best, "Attitude, to me is more imporatnt than.... the past... than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church , a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day."

So what is your choice? How is your attitude going to drive you to accomplish your goals today?

He said B is for BELIEVING in yourself, in those around you and in eternal principles. For this post I would focus on believing in yourself and the people you sorround yourself with.
Do you think you can lose weight? Do you think you can accomplish a half marathon? If you think you can, I assure you-- you can. The mind is the strongest muscle in your body-- and when you put it to work, with the intention of accomplishing whatever it is you set out for-- I promise, you can do anything. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise and live your life so you can reach and conquer goals. What about the people you call friends? Do you believe in them? Do you think they can be successful, and most importantly are you sincerely happy when they are sucessful?

I think the best part about my job as a trainer and coach is the fact that I get to share in the excitement of a job well done-- of 10 lbs lost, of a healthy meal chosen oppose to pizza, of 5 pull ups accomplished. I get to feel that passion unfold as you become the healthiest person you can become. I get goose bumps from it.

I urge you to take a look at those around you, are you good for eachother? Are you building eachother up, and bearing eachother's burdens? If you aren't, I say look for some new friends. Do not compete with eachother, there is enough negativity and darkness in the world, do not allow it in your relationships.

C is for facing challenges with COURAGE-- President Monson said "Courage becomes a worthwhile and meaningful virtue when it is regarded not so much as a willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently."

There are going to be times when you are trying to master a gym routine, when you are striving to eat clean, abstain from alcohol, or whatever it is that it is just going to seem-- too hard. There will be road blocks, there will be circumstances you can't forsee, and there will be times when you feel like you are a mouse in a ball turning round and round and not getting anywhere. BUT if you stick with it, if you keep going one foot in front of the other and face those challenges with courage-- you will become your own master. Be determined. Be strong.

Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says "I'll try again tomorow," President Monson.

So I urge you to remember the ABC's and they can apply them to your entire life. Choose your attitude, believe in nothing less than the best and the success that you truly deserve, and have courage to face it all with a determined, hard working demeanor that will make you the absolute best, you can be. Don't settle for less, ever-- and remember to keep trying.