Lane 8, Finland

Lane 8 is where the slowest competitor is placed. In swimming. In running.

You never saw Michael Phelps (world’s fastest swimmer) in Lane 8.  You never saw Usain Bolt (world’s fastest runner) in Lane 8.

And yet Lane 8 is my goal.

This week, like most of you, there was a serious struggle to find the right balance of physical activity and healthy nutrition.  Diet and exercise.

Here’s one of my little secrets.  Are you interested in it?

Dream Big. Get There.  Stay There.

Come up with a mantra, a saying, that will keep you focused on one simple goal.

To not give up, no matter the set backs.  Ever!

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Warning or Example?

Are you a movie star?

A rock star?

A Hollywood celebrity?

Most likely, we can all answer these questions with a resounding, “No.”

But I beg to offer a different perspective (imagine that, lol).

People are watching you the same way they watch famous people, and they are doing the same thing to you they do after watching famous people.

Judging.

We are all telling a story about what we value. Yes, we are. Every single day.  Every choice we make is another “scene” from the movie entitled “Your Life”.

And this brings us back to a very poignant question, “Am I an example or a warning?”

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Frozen, Hardened

Are you ready to fight for your life?

Then, and only then, will you start to see the changes you’ve always dreamed of.

May I introduce your opponent?

It’s you.  You are the challenge. You are the problem. You are the opportunity.

It’s time to kick your own butt.  Seriously, it is.

If not you, who?  if not now, when?

Ps.  I’m dead serious about this.

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Masters Track

Yes, Masters Track.

What do you do to stay motivated to reach and maintain your health goals?

Master’s athletes are defined as people over 30 years old.

There are other sports that have Masters competitions too.  The thought of trying something completely out of my comfort zone actually seems possible – at a future time, of course.

Why?

Because the whole point of the competition, to me, is simply to find ways to stay motivated.  When things get boring, I get less motivated.

This is a deadly place to be, literally.

Someday. maybe swimming.  Or perhaps I’ll try Filed events, like the Discus, Shot Put, or, heaven forbid, the Pole Vault.

Whatever it takes.  That’s one of the secrets to staying healthier.  I figure everybody knows this, but it never hurts to say important things over and over.

Does it?

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Why don’t you exercise?

Why do you eat such a healthy diet?

Why do you eat such junk food?

How long will you be able to maintain this routine?

When are you going to start?

What motivates you?

What are you afraid of?

Why?  When?  Where? Who?  How?

If you can’t answer these for yourself, then who else do you think is going to answer them?  No one?

No one! (exclamation mark)

One last question.

“Doesn’t this scare the heck out of you?”

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Meanwhile, here are my favorite daily wellness tips:

1. Think Big Picture – long term
2. Be flexible with your schedule/routine
3. Be creative with your schedule/routine
4. Work through the mental tough spots
5. Find a million ways to stay motivated

There are others, but these are the critical success factors that work for me. My way is not the only way. And this list is intended to share the common sense building blocks for a wide variety of approaches.

The best way, is the way that works for you.  And, generally speaking, the best way for you is the one that you never abandon.  Good luck and here’s to your health!

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This made me laugh when the thought came to mind, “Did the Pilgrims exercise?”

Next thought was, “Who cares, right?”

And then, “Their whole life was exercise.”

And finally, “How selfish is it to live a life of ease?”

Ya with me?

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All with a simple purpose – to make things better. And it’s harder than ever to make things better.

So, how can we make things better?

What if we restated the beginning phrases:

1. Transformational change
2. Transformational leadership

And it all starts with the person in the mirror.  And next it starts with a commitment to get healthy and stay healthy.

Ya in?

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Adults, due to societal norms and conditioning, often have us unconsciously – especially through media – teaching children “rights” versus teaching children “responsibilities”.

America was founded on, and defended for, the right that all (wo)men are created equal.  Innocent until proven guilty. The right to vote. And to pursue happiness, etc.

But where and when do we teach children about responsibilities? Exercise your body.  Enrich your mind through books. Pray and give thanks for your many blessings.  Get an education and a good job.

You may not realize this.  I never did, until one day, it hit me. Children look to adults for role models. If you don’t take care of your health, why should they?

Lane 8 is devoted to our gift of physical health.  Not perfect health, but certainly an earnest striving for optimal health. I really don’t want younger generations feeling like I’ve let them down.  Do you?

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So of course, this puts Lane 8 behind schedule.  No worries though. Lane 8 is just getting to today’s post and realized that yesterday’s Lane 8 post was about New Year’s Resolutions.

However, had to smile (which felt really good) because the Lane 8 blog post was intended for jeffnoel.org

“Should I move yesterday’s Lane 8 blog post, or maybe delete it?”

“Nope, leave it like it is.” Why?

Because it’s who I am.  I am close to God – through hard work. Many of you can relate. For anyone else, please don’t take offense.  Never intend to sound “preachy”.

Anyway, let’s learn from this.  Physical well being is only one piece of what makes us human.

If you don’t feel healthy and vibrant, guess who moved?

If you’re planning on getting in shape for your New Year’s resolution, now is the time to start thinking about what you are going to do differently – differently than past wellness thoughts and wellness attempts.

Now is the time, not later.  Now. Ya with me?

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