First, We Take 3 Steps · Reclaim Your Health

First, We Take 3 Steps

The concept of starting anything new is scary. The self doubt can feel overwhelming and like your feet are in concrete. The very thought of changing up the routine can send many people running. It is DIFFICULT to change, in any area of life. So with that being said, here are 3 Steps I can give to help kickstart any changes you'd like to make:

1) THINK BIG PICTURE

Zoom out of the life you're currently living. Zoom out of the fear that holds you back from taking a leap. Forget the way you feel about yourself in this moment and visualize the life you want for yourself. What would your version of an ideal YOU look like in a month, 6 months, a year, or even the last decade of your life. The more you practice zooming out, the more the right choices and actions will reveal themselves. More importantly, seeing things in a larger perspective may allow you to find your "why".

2) FIND YOUR "WHY"

You're here for a reason, maybe you want to get more in shape, maybe you want to lose weight, or maybe you just want to be apart of a community that's full of badass people who are willing to change their own life. But... why? It could be to pick up more ladies, could be to reduce your risk of heart disease, or could be to pursue athletic goals. But.... WHY is that important to you? For me it's simple, I train my body and eat (75% of the time) healthy foods because I want to maintain my ability to move as I age. I want to play catch with my future son without complaining about my shoulder. I want to see my (very hypothetical) great grandchildren. I want to continue to be able to participate in the physical activities I love (basketball, hockey, skiing) for as long as I possibly can. Essentially, deep deep down, I want to retain my freedom. Your reason will likely be very different than my own, but whatever that reason is, it is a GREAT "why" you should make a change. It is your life, take the time to understand "why" something is important to you, and dive DEEP into the ocean that is your soul to find it. Thats the thing thats going to help you most when it's time to push through discomfort.

3) PUSH THROUGH DISCOMFORT

Change is a bitch! It's scary and difficult and you never know if it'll be worth it, but trust me, there is NO better feeling than showing up for yourself on a day you almost didn't. It's easy to take a couple reps off, it's easy to let temptation and stress to guide you towards unhealthy foods, and it's really easy to kick your schedule off track by hitting snooze 4x because you're a cozy little burrito in bed (very very real personal experience with the last one). All these things are embracing comfort, in order to bring about REAL change you have to embrace, accept, and understand the fact that it WILL be uncomfortable at some point, and you WILL occasionally fail. There is immense beauty in failing. You didn't fail if you didn't try, and if you didn't try you very simply didn't even show up. The small push to genuinely try, and try hard, at something increases self confidence and give you a kick of dopamine. That means the more you begin to step out of the comfort zone, the better you get at stepping OUT of the damn comfort zone. How incredible is that, the ability to adopt a growth mindset is a skill you can develop. Once the skill of pushing past discomfort becomes second nature you'll start to achieve things you might not have ever thought possible for yourself. Don't get me wrong, I am no angel who is immune to the clawing arms of a comfortable life, I find myself in ruts just like everyone else. Be compassionate with yourself when there are short comings and look forward to the next opportunity life presents you to try again, and try hard.

I like to reuse these quotes in self-talk, almost daily, especially when I want to give up on something. Start telling yourself:

"You have what it takes to go the distance". - Deontay Wilder

"You cannot go where you've never been, without doing things you've never done". - Thomas Jefferson

"Growth only occurs in a state of discomfort". - Bill Eckstrom

As a bit of homework (trigger word, I know, I'm not sorry) I encourage you to watch Mr. Eckstrom's TEDx Talk. Could be on your way to or from work, could be AT work, could be in your free time. Particularly, I'd advise to pay specific attention towards the end, "Complexity Trigger #3". Get uncomfortable and start with a small change.

Much love,

John

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