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Fear ruins big dreams, goals, & plans.

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Fear.  It stops us from accomplishing a lot of things in our lives and it stops us from making positive change, trying something new, or breaking out of our comfort zones.  I’m learning this first hand on a few levels.  I’m a tough broad.  I’m not intimidated easily by others & I like to be independent & doing things that people doubt I can accomplish.  I have found that success IS the best revenge and I thoroughly enjoy it.  I find success in small things – running extra miles, helping others lose weight, promoting a kick ass workout program, creating a bicep muscle, losing weight after having children, getting my kids to bed on a consistent regimen and when they ask me for “a healthy snack” vs. chips & cereal.  But that darn fear cont. to hold me back at times.  Fear of the unknown and I end up playing the ‘what if’ game. 

That game NEVER bodes well….. Even if the ‘what if’ is positive, it’s often followed by a negative thought process.  “What if” I become a Beachbody coach and then I don’t do well and fail?  “What if” I sign up for another marathon and get injured or the training is just too hard.  “What if” my kids aren’t successful adults and feel as though I failed them?  Those are all common thoughts and questions, but it’s how we respond to those ‘what ifs’ that make or break us.  Sometimes, I’m tough and kick that ‘what if’ in the face by proving it wrong (becoming a Beachbody coach and helping others has been a great experience and allowed me to pay off bills, buy fun things, meet people from all over the world, and hold myself accountable).  Other times, that ‘what if’ plagues me; such as with my hesitation regarding registering for another marathon.  I ran my first marathon in October 2011 & have toyed with the idea of running another one since the first.  After I watched the Boston Marathon Bombings, I told myself I would run another marathon this October.  I booked the hotel room, poured over training programs, wrote out a training schedule on my calendar, and even have started running the mileage!!  But guess what???  I haven’t registered yet!  What is my problem?  I’m not sure!!  I’m allowing the fear of not being able to accomplish my goal time (and the pain mile 23 inflicted on my body) to make me hesitate!  I’ve ran 10 miles the past 3 Saturdays! I’m committed…… but need that last step. 
Therefore, I have found that when I hold myself accountable, I get things accomplished.  When I post my goals to the world (usually on my facebook biz page) is when it gets done.  A post such as, “I am getting ready to run a 10 miler this morning!” or “I’m going to complete the new Focus T25 workout program…  Want to do it with me?”  Those posts keep me accountable and that technique works very well for me.
So…… following suit, I’m going to conquer that fear and announce it here. 

“Hello, my name is Lisa and I am going to register for my second full marathon this week.”

Whew!!  Done deal now!!!  There’s a weight off my shoulders yet a shiver just went down my spine!
I will be documenting my marathon journey too.  Don’t worry, I won’t blog after every run (boring) but I hope to blog on a weekly basis. I hope to show you a candid vision of how emotional and time consuming it can be to be a Momma and train for a marathon.  I need to sneak those training runs in when I can!  Between soccer practice/games (Yep, I’m a soccer Mom), bedtime routines, being a physical therapist assistant and fitness/nutritional coach, I will get those miles in!  No excuses.  I don’t believe in excuses, just ask my clients! 

Fear, be gone!!!  (Shivered again).  If you are contemplating a big decision and find that fear is tripping you up (like the runner’s pun?) then I’d like to make a suggestion.  Envision what your life will be like once the decision or change has been made.  You should make a clear plan and write it down, so that you have a rough draft of what your life will be like.  Will there be struggles?  Probably.  But, in the end, will it be worth it??  YES.  And, if it’s not…. You still walked away knowing that you tried, so therefore, still worth it!  The weeks, months, years are going to go by regardless, so if you step out of your comfort zone, then at least you will have learned a little something about yourself, your strength, and how to conquer that fear the next time.  Every experience should be a learning one.  Good or bad… learn from it.  If you do this, nothing will be a waste of time. 
Bye Bye Fear!!!  (Right???) 

Do you need a VISION for 2013?

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2013 is a New Year…which means that it’s a fresh beginning for YOU!  Question is, do you want to make that change?  How badly?

Resolutions typically are forgotten by the end of January.  But, goals aren’t forgotten, they are always being attempted and then once achieved, a new goal takes its place.  So, do you have some large goals for 2013?  Do they seem overwhelming? Here are some tips to keep it simple.

It’s much easier to accomplish small goals that lead to the large one.  And, while doing so, you cont. to have a sense of accomplishment which keeps one motivated!

  • Example:  Instead of thinking, “I want to lose 20 pounds.” Think of it like this: “I want to lose 2 pounds, 10 times.”  That seems much more doable and less stressful.  Take the pressure off and stay focused.  Starting to lose that focus and motivation?  Then, it’s time to contact YourFitness-411 (that’s me!) to get back on track.

Create a Vision Board and place it where you will see it daily. 

  • Your vision board will consist of a poster board covered with pictures, words, places and phrases which have special meaning to you. It can be as big as you like.  Get into a quiet thinking mood while you put your board together.  Focus your thoughts on how you want your life to be. Imagine yourself living that life. What do you want it to look and feel like? Who do you want in it? By identifying the people, places, situations, and things you want in your life; you will be consciously presenting your desires to God and the universe. This activates the power of the vision board. – Christine Parrish
  • Focus on that vision board a little each day and by doing so, you may see those objects on the vision board become reality!  To learn more, check out this website:  www.myultimatelifevision.com

Find an accountability partner. 

  • Whether your goals pertain to business, spirituality, fitness, healthy eating, education, etc…having someone in your corner to chat with and continue to push you towards your goals is important. Did you know that accountability is the #1 thing that pushes people to succeed in weight loss?  Finding the right accountability partner may be challenging.  I can help with that.  I mentor many online fitness groups and it seems as though people seem to pair up in those groups and help one another.  An accountability partner does NOT need to be physically in your life…you can be held accountable via social media and fitness groups online too!

Remember…goals.  Keep them simple, envision accomplishing them daily, and have someone there to push you on the weak days and celebrate your successes.

Weight loss is the #1 ‘New Year’s Resolution’ each year.  And, unfortunately, Americans are flubbing it up.  Obesity continues to be on the rise, and now CHILDREN are becoming obese and having shorter life spans.  This is uncalled for and 100% unnecessary/preventative.  Americans are used to getting whatever they want and quickly.  How can we teach our kids patience when society is all about ‘the faster the better’ in regards to EVERYTHING?  The best accomplishments in life didn’t come overnight.  They took work, dedication, discipline, patience, and time.  Remember that if one of your goals is weight loss…..you didn’t get that way overnight, so don’t expect to lose it overnight either.   The journey will make you stronger and more appreciative.  New year, New You in 2013!

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