My business partner, Shaun Cooper, is a pretty deep dude. His perspective on how powerful the mind is tends to be a reminder on how one's thoughts, dictates a number of occurrences that have happened or will happen.
During one of our lunch break discussions, Shaun insisted that I read the book As a Man Thinketh, by James Allen. Just from Shaun's summary of the book, I quickly purchased and read the book in it's entirety in one sitting (don't be impressed, the book is about 40 pages or so).
For the sake of discussion, I will refer to the chapter dedicated to thoughts and fitness. Within this particular section one quote that is so simple, but profound at the same time states "The body is the servant of the mind." As simple as this quote is, how many people truly embody the aforementioned and adopt it within their fitness routine?
During my undergraduate years at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, I was a Sports Management major for about a three seconds, however, during one of my theory classes, a discussion was had on the mind of an athlete. Professional athletes, of course, are physically dominating compared to amateurs, but another characteristic that sets them apart is their ability to visualize success. Take for instances a wide receiver. A successful wide receive can visualize catching a forty-five yard pass while in double coverage. The receiver understands that the chance of him not catching the ball verses him actually making the completion are high, however, that is not an obstacle nor a deterrent. The successful wide receiver visualizes completing the pass, regardless. Can the average working person say that a majority of the time we visualize the victory? As much as we might not want to get out of bed when it is 32 degrees Fahrenheit, are we perceiving the victory of getting in the shape that we want to be in?
Becoming mentally fit is a true precursor to becoming physically fit. So how does the average Jane or Joe prepare themselves mentally to reach individual fitness goals? From personal experience and literature, here are some pointers that might help:
1. Moments of Silence - Whether praying, meditating or just staring aimlessly, experts agree that spending thirty minutes a day in silence is great for helping achieve your fitness goals. At times (especially mothers) this is easier said than done. Consider your commute to work as an opportunity. Turn off the morning radio show and just get in your zone, but while driving, keep your eyes open!
2. Visualize your success - Rather than beating yourself up prior or during a workout, compliment yourself on each accomplishment. A former colleague of mine and I use to work for a Fortune 500 company. He was managing the assets of the companies retirees, working on his MBA and he and his wife were expecting the arrival of their second child. Needless to say, he had a lot on his plate. One time I asked him, how do you handle all the things you are doing and continue to stay driven? Simply, he replied, "I just keep my eye on the prize." This individual had a an end line and refused to quit until he got their. Not surprising, but this same individual is a top executive managing over 300 people at a company based out of New Orleans. If the same drive was demonstrated with individual workout routines, just think how fit we could possibly be!
3. Prepare in advance - I try hard (but not always successful) to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night in order to have a great morning workout. To assist with my goal of working out in the morning without having to rush, I put my workout clothes out the night before, I place the particular DVD I will use in the player and have my water bottle ready prior to putting head to pillow. This mitigates rushing in the morning to and subsides my anxiety.
Ultimately, recognizing that your mind is your most important muscle is the first step to reaching your fitness goals. If your "No's" turn into "Yes'" much more can and will be accomplished.
Stay tuned.
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