Fit for Life: Pay Me a Compliment

Saturday, May 04, 2024

Matt Espeut, Health & Lifestyle Contributor

 

View Larger +

PHOTO: File

Even after being in the fitness world for over 30 years and owning a gym for 10 of them, it still fires me up when someone says, "I read your article or message, and it motivated me."

That is the best compliment someone can give me, as that is my mission and purpose on this earth, and nothing is more gratifying when you live your mission and purpose. 

I have heard things like, "I was going to eat XYZ until I read your article," or "I was going to skip my workout, but your article got in my head."" 

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

I try to highlight all the positive aspects of a healthy lifestyle and highlight the negative effects of not living one. I use scientific data whenever possible, so my articles are not based on opinion but facts that state you can't live your best life if you are not physically and mentally healthy. 

Although I love to motivate folks, education, habits, and mindset are the most important, as motivation is a fleeting emotion that comes and goes. Remember the last time you got motivated to do something but never followed through because of certain life circumstances. 

In today's article, I use MOTIVATION as an acronym so we can dig deeper and change how you think instead of just motivating you to make a change. Please read on.

M - Mindset. This is where it all begins. You have to realize that it is time for a change. Your mind is the willpower, and your heart is the drive. You must play the scenario over that I am taking the first step. This step is up to you and is the only way you will improve your situation. It takes a sound mind to build a sound body.

O - Overcome all fears, excuses, and obstacles. You are not the first person to make a change for the better, and you won't be the last. Set attainable goals and progress from there. You are on your way when this happens, and nothing will stop you. Step out of your comfort zone, and you will see changes occur. Play it safe—stay the same.

T—Take the first step. This is difficult, but it doesn't need to be complicated. Purchase gym clothes and sneakers, join a gym, recruit a partner—whatever it takes to get you started on your path. You will find that this is the toughest, but once you take the first step, you will start feeling the benefits, and success is the best motivation. 

I—Integrate health and fitness into your lifestyle. Just like eating and sleeping, make fitness a non-negotiable part of your life. I'm not telling you to be obsessive about it, but prioritize it. Schedule it as a regular activity and relentlessly protect your time. It's okay to prioritize improving your quality of life in your schedule. 

V - Value your existence. What are you worth? Are you healthy vs. sick? Realize what you are worth to your family and career. If you say I am too busy with work and the family to exercise, ask yourself this question. What if I have a heart attack, become diabetic, get sick, or become obese? What do you and your family do now? Taking care of yourself is money in the bank, and everyone around you will benefit.

A - Appreciate how simple a healthy life can be. If you eat whole foods and exercise on a regular basis, I can guarantee that you will feel better. If you exercise properly, I guarantee you will move better, stand taller, and perform everything in life at a higher level. Appreciate that you worked for it.

T —Turn away temptation. It's around every corner. Don't totally deprive yourself of treats and cheats once in a while, but don't make it a habit; keep it a rarity. I love sweets, so when I want cake or a cookie, I buy a piece or one cookie and eliminate the temptation of going back for seconds. Do not buy junk food in bulk.

E - Exist at a different level. People who do not live a health-conscious lifestyle see people who do as some freak or oddity because we use food and exercise as our path to what I consider a functional existence. You will no longer need to rely on OTC drugs to alleviate joint pain, asthma, or indigestion. Your health risks will decrease dramatically, your waistline will get smaller, and you will have more energy and a better mood. You will exist at a different level, and when this happens, people who ask, "Why are you doing this?" will then ask, "How did you do it?"

There you go, MOTIVATION and mindset to get you started. I hope this acronym not only triggers you to make some positive changes but also helps you install new habits that will net you better health on all levels. 

Remember, if this provides you value, the best way to pay me is to tell me that I fired you up!!

Coach Matt

 

Related Articles

 

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

 
 

Sign Up for the Daily Eblast

I want to follow on Twitter

I want to Like on Facebook