Fit for Life: Words of Wisdom from Michael Jackson

Saturday, May 18, 2019

Matt Espeut, GoLocalProv Health +Lifestyle Contributor

PHOTO: Constru-centro/Wikipedia

I recently joined a local chapter of a group called Toast Masters, and if you don’t know what that is, it’s a group that meets twice month, and they help you improve your public speaking, and give tips on how to be a better presenter.

They are also very conscious of time management and organization, so every meeting is detailed to the minute, and they stay on schedule very precisely. This helps sharpen your organization and time management skills.

The meetings are broken down into different categories and everyone has a task or role throughout the meeting. 3-4 people deliver speeches, one person handles the clock, one person counts “ums”, and other unnecessary words, and several others evaluate speeches.

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There is also a small block of time etched out for “table topics” where someone reads you a random question and then you have between 1-3 minutes to answer and explain why you answered a particular way. They do this so you have to think on your feet and think fast.

Kind of a fun thing to do.

When a new member at Tuesday’s meeting was asked, if you could bring back a deceased musician, what would he like to talk to them about and what song did they write that moved you?

The man eloquently spoke of a certain song by Michael Jackson.

The Man in the mirror song.

He stated some of the lyrics and explained that the point of the song resonated with him because when you need or want to change anything in your life, it needs to start with you first.

I couldn’t have agreed with him more.

I am a big believer in self-development, changing with the times, and taking responsibility for your actions, as well the things that happen to us throughout our lifetime.

We are all responsible for our actions and the choices we make, and that usually dictates the outcome of every situation, and when we want something to change for the better, it starts with us.

He made a true statement that I have heard over and over again, that in order for us to be able to change anything in our lives it all starts within.

Sure, it’s easier to blame others, point fingers, and cry victim, however that won’t accomplish anything, or make matters any better.

Let me explain.

If you are in a bad relationship, regardless of who’s fault it is, you still need to take some responsibility and make the necessary changes for improvement, or you need to get out. If you are constantly fighting, and blaming the other person, nothing gets resolved, but when you look in the mirror, take responsibility for your part, make changes and corrections, things will get better. You can’t expect the other person to change unless you do.

If you are working at a job you hate, can’t get a raise, and despise your boss, you can’t blame the company or your superiors.

You can, however, step back and figure out what it will take to make it right.

Company policy won’t change, and your boss isn’t going to change, so in order for things to get better you need to.

You can focus on your job and get better at it or make an attempt to speak with someone on how to improve the situation, or you can just leave and find a better place to work.

You can’t keep going in with pent up frustration, do nothing, and expect things to change by themselves.

Not a big Michael fan, so I went and googled the song, so I could understand the lyrics and what the guy at the meeting was talking about, so here are some verses and my feedback:

I'm starting with the man in the mirror

I'm asking him to change his ways

And no message could have been any clearer

If you want to make the world a better place

Take a look at yourself, and then make a change

WHAM. Hit the nail right on the head. Take a look at yourself. What do you see? Do you see a hard worker, over achiever, action taker, or a slacker that wants the easy way out?

Do you see someone that puts others first, or a person that is selfish and puts themselves first, while dumping on others in order to succeed?

Now I am a big believer in self-care, however not at someone else’s expense.

You can still take care of yourself and serve others while doing so.

As a matter of fact, you CAN’T help fix others if you are broken, so take another look at yourself and make that change.

Another great verse goes like this:

I’m gonna make a change for once in my life.

It’s gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference, gonna make it right.

It’s so true that when we make positive changes, it not only feels good, but makes a difference.

I was talking with a member in a slump today, and we discussed that when she was successful with the program, she was “ALL IN” and now she’s not. A few drinks with friends, a taste of this, a bite of that, and next thing you know, positive changes come to a screeching halt.

She took responsibility for her actions. She didn’t blame me, my coaches, or the program.

She knows it works.

She stepped up and acknowledged that she needed to make some changes to herself and her routine in order to see the improvement she was looking for.

So, we discussed a plan of action to hold her accountable, discussed her changing a few things, and I can guarantee that when she tightens up and takes action, she will feel amazing.

The same goes for you too.

If you are in a bad place anywhere in your life, whether it’s a relationship, work, or your fitness program, take a look at the primary culprit.

Look in the mirror and ask yourself what needs to change.

Then put the pen to paper and list some action steps, and how you can make the changes necessary to start feeling good about your situation.

You can’t change the world, or others in it, but you can change is you, you’re thought process and your actions.

When you do, “It’s gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference, gonna make it right.’ Michael Jackson said so.

Committed to your success,

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Matt Espeut, GoLocal's Health & Lifestyle Contributor has been a personal trainer and health & fitnesss consultant for over 25 years. He is the owner of Fitness Profiles, a one on one, and small group personal training company, as well as Providence Fit Body Boot Camp, located at 1284 North Main St., on the Providence/Pawtucket line. You can reach Matt at (401) 453-3200; on Facebook at "Matt Espeut", and on Twitter at @MattEspeut. "We’re all in this life together – let’s make it a healthy one.

Fit for Life: Words of Wisdom from Michael Jackson

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