Success Is: 
Stepping Up and Standing Firm

There are a myriad of articles out there on how to be successful. Many people, however, need help getting started. I think the biggest key, is first you have to step up and and stand firm with what you want. After you have it in your mind and heart what you want, then you can take action to make it reality. You have to also not be afraid to sacrifice what seems good in your life for what will be great in your life. Below is a list of ideas on how to be successful. 

I got you 100%, but you have to have yourself 110%!





1. Get Specific about what you want. Do you want to loose baby fat? How much? Do you want to run a marathon? When? The more specific the better. When goals are not specific we tend to get off track and our focus becomes less clear. The more focused you are, the more likely you are to accomplish what you set out to do.

2.  Be REAListic with your goals. You are human and nothing is going to happen over night, so be patient. You will not drop two pants sizes in a month, nor will you drop 50 lbs in two months. Breathe and get specific and realistic. For example, say, "I want to focus on drinking one gallon of water a day, do cardio for thirty minutes 4 times a week, and have a complete protein with each meal to help me shed one pound a week."

3. You Decide-When and Where and How Much. Just like in the movie "Pretty Woman," you decide on the deal. I suggest making a plan. For example, say to yourself, "I will workout Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. I am going to do it every evening at 6:00 p.m. This is an important date that I am keeping with myself." Then write it down on your calendar or put those dates and times in your phone. 

4. MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS. You have to do this. Pictures will show you ten-times more than a scale. So my competitors and weight loss people, take photos! Weigh yourself once or twice a month (but not more please). Another way to monitor progress, is you can time your runs. Also, you can log how much weight you can lift from one month to the next. You have to see your growth and changes because that is going to keep you inspired. You have to compare yourself to you. Avoid comparing yourself to others. You can only be better than yourself.

5. Focus on Being Better than the Day Before. Each day focus on being better than the day before. Avoid being "good," for that's subjective. Just be better each day and only compare that to yourself.

6. Get Gritty. You can't be afraid of pain and sacrifice. You have to be willing to endure tough days and stay committed. Step Up and Stand Firm!

7.Build a Muscular Mind. Your mind needs to build up its will power because when your body is ready to quit it's going to be your mind that keeps you going. Yoga and meditation help. Breathing with patience helps. The more you use your mental will power, the stronger you will become.

8. Avoid Temptation. Even the people with the strongest will power can be tempted to cheat or derail from their goals. I've done it more than once, but like step 5, just be better than the day before. If you know that sweets tempt you then don't have them in your house, and only go out for them on your reward day. If alcohol is not part of your plan, then avoid situations where you may feel pressured to drink, or confident enough to have sparkling water or a diet soda instead. People who really love you will understand that you have standards for yourself, and will respect you more if you walk your talk. It's okay to make your goals come first.

9. Focus on What You WILL DO. How you meet your goals needs to be discussed with positive language. For example: I will workout today. I will only date a person who is________________. "I will," needs to be your new language. Most of us know what we don't want. I challenge you to only use language about what you DO WANT and what you WILL DO to reach those goals. Avoid giving your mind the option to think negatively. Stay positive. Step Up and Stand Firm toward YOUR SUCCESS.

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