Chandra Young – Fitness Model Don't just dream it, live it!

We’re always looking

It seems like in our society we're always looking for the next best thing, the quick fix, the secret that is going to help us get the life we want, the body we desire, the next promotion, the bigger house, etc. What's missing is everybody is looking outside themselves. The answer and power is within you!

I'm not trying to get too philosophical, but I am going to help you realize that YOU are in control!

Everyday that you wake up - you have a choice to make. If you start off the day saying, "It's going to be a long day.", then guess what? It's going to be a long day. This type of attitude affects all parts of your life, but I'm going to focus on the exercise, nutrition and healthy lifestyle for today.

I'm going to paint a picture that we, myself included, are all too familiar with:

You have a goal to lose 'x' amount of pounds, want make healthier choices, exercise more, decrease stress, and just start feeling better about yourself. You're all fired up, ready to conquer the day with that early morning workout, you go to bed early, the alarm goes off and you make the choice to hit the snooze and sleep in for one more hour. You miss your workout and promise yourself you'll start tomorrow. Or you go into the office planning to eat healthy all day, you even brought your lunch and some snacks, but then your co-worker brought donuts fresh from the bakery, and you choose to throw the day to the wayside, eat whatever is in front of you, and promise yourself that you'll start again fresh tomorrow... And the vicious cycle begins again.

Guess what? The time is NOW to stop saying tomorrow, and just do it today! You have a choice every moment of every day.

Here are some things to think about every day:
1. What's your goal? What are you working towards? Why do you want to make these changes and healthier choices? Write it down, post it where you can see it, carry it with you so if you have constant reminders and make it happen for yourself.

2. Take responsibility - sure you can choose the next quick fix, fad diet, starve yourself, exercise for hours, but that's not the answer. We have all made unhealthy choices in our life and now you get to make a new choice. We all know the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. If you want to change, you need to completely change what you're currently doing and it's going to be uncomfortable, challenging and hard work. Don't look for the easy way out. The payoff will be long-term, sustainable, and be more rewarding for you mentally.

3. Stop beating yourself up! The past is the past, we can't change it and it doesn't do any good to dwell on it. The good news is, you can make a new commitment now, and start working on the present and your desired future!

4. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back. When we choose to create a healthier lifestyle we often forget to pat ourselves on the back for our small successes. What great things have you accomplished this week? Make sure to celebrate those wins however trivial they may seem.

5. Don't just be motivated, BE INSPIRED! Motivation can only get you so far, but inspiration, will guide you toward your goals, and beyond. Find what inspires you, and once you have it, never let go!

I would love to hear your comments!

*And if you are ready to make a healthy lifestyle shift, I'd love to be your fitness coach! Please contact me to begin living fit, inside and out!