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You might ask…..”Where do I start”? It really doesn’t
matter. What matters is that since you have 24 hours in
front of you every day, for the rest of your life, you have
to gather your mushrooms and use them in the best way
possible.
But keep in mind, with every day that passes, the game
changes! Nothing stays the same, everything changes. So if
you aren’t changing or evolving with the times, there’s a
pretty good chance that you’re stagnant or possibly moving
backwards!
In 2017, let’s focus on gathering our “mushrooms”!
1. Be Self-Aware. In order for us to grow in our
relationships, our jobs, our self-confidence, we have to
understand our life story. Who or what events shaped you
into the person you are today? Take stock of what you’ve
learned from your past and put those life lessons to work to
win this game called LIFE.
2. Recognize Your Personal Values. Most of us make
decisions by using our internal compass. Either something
feels right to us or it doesn’t! For example, I’ve always
loved to read, write and learn new things. But it wasn’t
until I understood my values that I realized this stemmed
from my value of GROWTH.
How do you determine your personal values, ask yourself
these questions:
What do I value in ______ (relationship, work, friendship,
life, etc.)?
What negative beliefs do I have? Is it…. “Ohhhh, it’s
Monday again. Shit.” Or is it “Oh yea baby, it’s Monday!
Let’s get busy!”
3. Discover Your True Calling. I believe we are all placed
on this earth with a purpose. I believe that throughout the
life, we discover what we’re good at and what we love to do.
If you’re willing and bold enough to put some effort into
it, the two can be combined to discover what you truly enjoy
doing and be successful in doing it!
What are your Talents (what are you good at?)
What’s your Passion (what do you love to do?)
4. Set Goals. Goals work like a lens of a camera. If you
set the lens and focus properly, you will be able to take a
clear picture. If the lens is out of focus, your picture
will be blurry.
Here’s an example:
“I want to lose weight.” (Even though it is positive, it’s
not specific)
A better version would be: “I want to lose five pounds by
February 15.”
So write your goals down and start.
5. Form Habits. If I think that I have to exercise -
It becomes hard, tiring and I lose interest quickly. But if
I think: I’m a healthy person, and by going to the gym I’m
maintaining my health and I’m able to fit into my jeans that
I love… Now it becomes easy for me to work out!
Of course forming healthy habits isn’t easy, it will take
some practice until you change your perception and start
thinking this way. Just start small and start with one
habit at a time.
6. Create a Healthy Regime (Diet + Physical Activity)
Of course, the end goal is to be healthy - Right?
For me, it is to be healthy and have a high level of energy.
Plus, to look good!!
It took me years to lose weight! I had to find the right
diet and the right physical activity to do regularly to
maintain it. Of course, maintaining a certain weight is
ridiculously hard! The older you get the harder it gets –
but figuring out what my minimum amount of food intake
should be and the minimum amount of activity needed helps me
maintain my weight! I’m confident in my body, I’m healthy
and I have a high level of energy throughout the day. So,
set your goal, build an action plan and start!
7. Find your own Flow. Every person has something that can
get them in the ZONE.
Oh man, when you’re there - Nothing else exists. Just you
and your goal.
Ask yourself: What can help me focus on my goal?
For me, it’s playing good music either on my headphones, at
home or in my GEM, it helps me to immerse myself, focus on
my goal and get busy!
8. Manage Time and Productivity. This goal is the hardest
for me! I work hard…..some may not think so, but I really
do. So, after a day of work and teaching a 70 minute class,
when I get home I shower, eat and sit my butt in my Lazy Boy
chair and turn on the boob tube! I promised myself in 2017
to be time sensitive. Time is a resource that we’ll never
get back. To be more productive, I have to figure out:
How to get more time:
How to use my time efficiently:
-
Reclaim dead time (time you are spending on commute or
watching TV (TV - that’s a hard one for me – I love
HDTV)!!
-
Focus on high leverage activities (implement 80/20 rule:
80 percent of results come from 20 percent of
activities) – I already do this, how about you?
-
Focus on things that can help you grow (reading,
socializing with inspiring people and working on your
goals) – I already do this, are you?
-
Don’t procrastinate!
9. Decision-Making & Critical Thinking. The reality is not
every decision you make will be a good one, but that should
never stop you from taking action. Even if you make a
mistake, learn from it and use it for the next situation.
10. Quiet Time – Take Time to Be Alone.
We are constantly working on something, interacting with
people and spending a bunch of time on the internet.
We need to stop, relax and enjoy our inner self.
Since birth, we’ve been surrounded by people. Because of
that, it becomes uncomfortable when we are alone for a
couple of hours, without human interaction. In these rare
moments, just try to be present and reflect on your inner
thoughts. You will be amazed, how much you will learn about
yourself and how much it will help you process certain
things.
11. Discover Your Creativity.
“But, I am not creative!” You’ve probably thought this to
yourself at one point in your life.
Welcome to the club. But let me tell you. That’s a lie. We
are all creative in our own way. Maybe some of us are not in
conventional ways (drawing, painting, singing, playing
instruments, etc.).
You don’t have to be conventionally creative.
Ask yourself the following question: “What was the last
time I did something and amazed not only everyone present
but myself as well?” See if these things tend to
repeat, and go with it.
12. Communication. I hate meaningless chit-chat. Nothing
drains my energy like talking about the weather. And I know
I’m not the only one who thinks this way. But fortunately,
I’m a people person, so I try really hard to change the
conversation from something general to something more
personal. First, I focus on what’s being said. The quality
of a good conversation is not only what you say, but how
well you listen to what the other person is saying.
Chit-Chat is easy, but creating a meaningful conversation
can be just as easy over time!
13. Develop the Power of Persuasion. The main purpose of
persuasiveness is to place the opposite part in agreement
with your point of view without being a jerk in the process…lol
90 percent of quarrels start by using the wrong tone of
voice. Only 10 percent of the quarrels are due to
differences in opinion. We must all learn to remain calm in
a heated discussion, and for a win-win situation – be sure
to respect the needs and benefits of the other party.
14. Learn to Say No.
Sometimes you need to say NO!!
Think of saying NO like this: You’re not saying NO to
others, you’re saying YES to yourself and to the things that
are important to you.”
I learned the hard way! Don’t ever feel guilt tripped into
doing something you really don’t want to do. Always chose
to instead focus on doing something you love.
Believe me, I know this list of mushrooms is long and I’m
sure you’re wondering….”Where should I begin”?
Answer is: Just pick one and start. Some of these can be
learned within several hours while some require more than
that. But, so what, you’ve got the rest of your life to get
it right -so get out there and find those mushrooms!!
Happy 2017 – I wish you - health, wealth and peace in every
area of your life!!
Sisterly yours,
Angela R. Steward
Creator of Fabulously Fittm
Head Instructor & Owner of FABULOUSLY FIT *GEM*
1855 S. Reynolds Road, Suite C, Toledo, Ohio 43614
Classes: Every Mon 9 a.m. & 6 p.m., Tue – Thurs 6 p.m., Sat
9 a.m.
Contact Number: (419) 699-9399
Email: Fabfitu@yahoo.com
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