Enough already! I'm tired of people telling me how bad things are out there. All you read and hear about is how the world is in financial ruin, people are losing their jobs and their homes and everyone's stress level and body weight is higher than ever. I hear FEAR in people's voices, I'm surrounded by negative attitudes and it's time to stop. Listen, I get it. I'm not in denial. But it's time to turn this around, stop worrying about what you can't control and start taking action on what YOU CAN control.
If Franklin Delano Roosevelt was right and "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself," then let's start dealing with the problem. Don't let fear take over. Lift yourself up. Fight back. Begin by creating a filter for all this bad news. Keep a check on how much you take in and remember that the best antidote to bad news is good news - so start to surround yourself with it.
Take control of your life and begin to capture some of the "goodness" around you. In my professional world of fitness, health and performance, I know and respect the power of mental attitude. If it's a struggle for you to say no to all this fear, then "fake it till you make it." Look for the positive, create good news, and do whatever it takes to hang onto hope. Here are several ways you can positively affect your body, mind, and attitude to protect yourself against the negative forces that exist today.
1. Make a commitment to your physical conditioning. Set goals, hire a trainer, go outdoors and enjoy nature, try new classes like Pilates or yoga, and improve your nutrition. There is nothing like the feeling of a euphoric workout when endorphins are released. Commit to your physical conditioning and watch how it positively affects your mindset, attitude, and overall health. Do something everyday for YOU! It's the best investment you can ever make.
2. Get a massage. Just like a great workout, a therapeutic massage can melt away stress and anxiety. A great massage from a qualified therapist can correct muscle imbalances, improve flexibility, assist with recovery, reduce pain, and help you feel better physically and mentally. While a massage a week is ideal, even receiving one per month can help improve your physical and mental health and well being.
3. Invest in your spiritual life. I was talking to a client last week who gets up at 4:30 AM everyday to spend 45 minutes with his daily devotion/ writing in his journal/and prayer time before hitting the gym at 5:30 AM. He does this at least 5 days a week. I thought to myself, "talk about fortifying your armor for the day - this is the best way to start." When the mind, body, and spirit, are all nourished and balance and harmony are in place, you will be ready to take on each day, regardless of how big the challenge.
4. Solve a Problem. Free yourself from a nagging problem. In the Health and Fitness industry, we are in the business of helping clients to solve problems. We may not be mortgage brokers or bankers, career counselors or investment advisers, but we are in the business of helping others to achieve goals. Regularly, I hear from clients who have been suffering from an old injury or weakness and when combined with the rising stresses of daily life, the pain and discomfort are more than they can manage. If this describes you, are you finally willing to get some help? Some problems can be solved with bodywork, some with chiropractic or physical therapy and some require a more serious medical consult but make a commitment and get to the bottom of the issue - starting today.
5. Simplify your life. Eliminate extraneous stressors. One person's extra might be another person's essential, but take a careful look at where your time and money goes. Cut out some of the fat to reduce the drain on your wallet and your energy. Focus on greater personal and professional gain. Start to enjoy more quality time spent with friends and loved ones. I recently heard of one family who sacrificed their weekly date night and substituted it with a nightly trip to the hot tub after the kids were in bed. The savings were as much as $400 a month, and they are enjoying the benefit of quiet talk time every day.
6. "Protect this house." At Under Armour, this tag-line is used to talk about protecting the brand. I am using this line to talk about protecting "your house"-your mindset! You can filter what you listen to, what you read, whom you talk to and how you spend your time. "Protect your house" by reading great books, listening to great programs, avoiding negative people, and being very selective in how you spend your time and with whom you spend it.
7. Don't live in FEAR! Listen, we all have fears. High performers don't let fears guide their decisions or affect their actions. The hardest part of achieving any goal or desire is often getting started. As FDR also said, "The best way to tackle fear is to tackle the things you fear the most." If you are living paralyzed by all the "what ifs" in your life, address them head on. Educate yourself, seek professional counsel and make a plan. "Stop the bleed," and begin to channel that anxious energy toward your future. Take action to begin building momentum on the things you are passionate and enthusiastic about in life. Now might be the time to be confident in your instincts. This might be your opportunity to build or to invest in something you believe in. This is the time when leaders take initiative.
8. Find the good in everyone and everything. It's easy to find bad stuff out there, but, even if it takes a little more effort, seek out the good. Especially now, beware of media hype - look for news sources that are committed to balance. Listen for reports of industries and businesses that do well in recession - not all the stories are about how business is booming for yacht repossession specialists in Boca Raton! My challenge to you is to find the good in everyone and everything.
There's a great saying among the 12-step community, "Treat your mind like a dangerous neighborhood - never go there alone!" Try not to dwell on the bad news of today. When we let fear in, it can paralyze us. Remember, we are in this together, so let's make the best of it by catching the "good news" train and exercising the control we have. I encourage you to stay focused on living in the moment and protecting your mindset from the toxic side effects of bad news. Invest in yourself, your physical health, your mental wellbeing, and your spiritual life. The payoff is big. You CAN control your environment, how you spend your time and with whom you spend it. Guard yourself and continue to protect the most valuable assets you have-your physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual well-being. INVEST IN YOURSELF and enjoy the ride on the "Good News Train."
Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS, is the 2 Time Personal Trainer of the Year and trains dozens of high-profile athletes and celebrities. He owns and operates Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, CA. He conducts motivational programs, team-building events, and presents at conferences and workshops worldwide. He has produced 16 DVD?s and is currently writing his first book. You can sign up for his monthly informational, motivational TD Times newsletter at ToddDurkin.com ToddDurkin.com. He can be contacted at
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