I want to explain the title of this post. As you know, I am an eternal optimist, and I try to see the good in all things and in all people. I am not perfect, but I have made this part of my nature by my own choice. I am a big believer in focusing on the positive, and I encourage you to always shut your mind tightly against the forces of negativity. That said, I know that success does not happen by chance–it is a science that can be replicated if certain principles are adhered to. The purpose of this article to make you more AWARE of some of those principles and how you might be inadvertently violating them.
Scrutinize the following principles in your own life and then ask yourself the question: am I a PhD in failure or a doctor of success? You might find yourself answering “yes” to some of the questions and “no” to the others. In either case, isolate the ones that need work and then seize the moment to better yourself!
*Note: This is by no means a comprensive list of success principles, but it does represent some of the most important ones.
Principle #1 The Principle Of Positive Thinking
I put this principle first because it precedes all of other principles. If it is true (and it is) that the dominating thoughts you allow into your mind literally shape your life, then you should probably focus your attention on this principle come hell or high water. If you are accustomed to drinking from a half-empty glass, then you are very unlikely to succeed in your health and fitness. Why? Because you will find every reason why you . . .
-Suck
-Don’t have time
-Shouldn’t try because of past failures
-Should blame somebody else
-Should find an excuse
-Should stop your goal because it is to “unrealistic”
-Not eat healthy because it is too costly and time consuming
-Not strive so hard towards your goals because you are a “REALIST”
In short, you will master the art of self-sabotage and start to believe in your self-made excuses and personal alibis that serve to BLOCK you from success.
Principle #2 The Principle Of Self-Denial
You would be surprised how many times I hear people say, “Well, Griff, I understand what you are teaching me about healthy nutrition, but, hey, I only live once, and I want to enjoy what I eat.” The problem with 99% of those who utter these nonsensical phrases is that they are speaking of unhealthy eating patterns that account for at least 80% of their total daily nutrition.
For example, you know my point is true if you have ever heard the statement, “I work out hard to so that I can eat what I want.” What this means is that we believe we are entitled to certain lifestyles and habits even though they are unhealthy. Take alcohol for example. There is really no good reason to take this toxic (yes, toxic) substance into our bodies, but “Dammit, it has been a long week and I deserve a few drinks on the weekend.” I dare you to tell me that we do not have this mentality. I have had people turn into fire-breathing dragons when I suggest that they get off the alcohol, or the late-night ice cream, or the Hershey’s kisses. We are entitled, and we DESERVE it right?
We envy a six-pack of abs. We guys slather over a finely trimmed woman and wonder how she got to that point of Goddess. We see the celebrities on magazines and immediately dismiss them as phonies who have been air-brushed or photo-shopped into a mystical being, one who is actually in very good shape.
The only solution to get out of this entitlement funk is to recognize that your health and fitness goals will require a little bit of self-denial and self-discipline. OUCH! I know that is hard to take, but I have faith in you! Your life will be better as a result! 🙂
Stay tuned for Part #2 coming up next week! Life is good!