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2. See the Finish from the Start Copyright 2002, Terry Duschinski. |
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| Fat-to-Muscle
Makeover Ocala Family Physicians' Medical Exercise Center |
Call:
804-5241 Email: Terry@FloridaFitness.com |
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A man named James had the answer to my confusion, and it was simple. I was trying to formulate a publicity event, wondering what steps to take and the proper sequence to assure an effective media splash. "See it exactly as you want it to happen, and then work backward," James advised. In a strange way I thought of James’ advice again recently. I was at the hospital, where my 82-year-old father-in-law was the patient and my wife his round-the-clock caregiver. It was sad to see a gallant gentleman, rock-solid husband and steady father reduced to an infantile state due to the combination of heart trouble and cognitive dysfunction that may even include Alzheimer’s Disease. It was difficult for his loving daughter to now be mothering him as she would a baby boy. If we could only see the finish from the start – from sometime earlier that would permit us to modify behavior and thereby avert or delay the ravages of aging. My father-in-law never smoked, consumed alcohol nor has he been overweight during his adult life. But if I could rewrite his preceding 30 years I’d have him consume much more water, formally exercise on a regular basis, and concentrate on heart-healthy eating. I can’t say unequivocally that it would make a difference, but I suspect he would now be in better condition. Hopefully, there’s time for you to enhance your future. The sewing and reaping principle cannot be avoided. Keep mind also that ignorance of what you are sewing will not excuse you from reaping it. Your lifestyle habits matter greatly. Looking out over the horizon of your life, what is your vision? "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets," says holy scripture. "You’re probably more familiar with the verse that indicates "without vision, the people perish." If you cannot articulate a vision, your health and fitness goals will definitely perish. Quite possibly you’ve endured ongoing episodes of temporary resolve followed by eventual regret. What will make a difference this time? Executing this important step, resisting the temptation to rush through it or even ignore it, will carry you across thresholds that previously thwarted your fitness endeavors. You’ll run into sizeable obstacles that only a BIG reason – or POWEFUL vision – can surmount. As I’m sure you know, accomplishment begins with a firm understanding of WHY. The more thoroughly, the more passionately you respond to this question, the better your chances of surging toward an improved fitness level and better body composition. A conscious decision to change triggers the subconscious into finding a means of accomplishing this deep desire. We’ll eventually set goals to bring this vision into reality, but we’re concentrating here on WHY and later we’ll explore HOW. I want to tell you a story about a woman whose real name is something other than Betty, but we'll call her Betty so that she doesn't get mad at me for talking about her. At the time of this story, Betty had been involved in a fitness program for almost a year, deriving only partial benefit. It's kind of like having a computer that's capable of elaborate spreadsheet formulations, multi-media presentations, desktop publishing, investment tracking, online banking – and all you do with it is play video games and cruise chat rooms. Betty had been casually going about her fitness program – particularly the eating component of it – for several months. Suddenly, she came face to face with a reason for getting serious. Her class reunion was approaching; it was only six weeks away. Her tone of voice was desperate when she said, "I can't go there looking like a 50-year-old." Unfortunately, she won't have class reunions every week, so this particular reason soon faded. It was not part of a larger vision. I once trained a beauty pageant contestant who, as you might suspect, focused like a laser beam through her state competition and then in preparation for Miss America. Everything we do requires a reason. All of our actions are governed by the desire either to gain pleasure, or to avoid pain. We are always subconsciously evaluating benefits and consequences. Short-term reasons are easy, and our program includes an initial period of focused attention for somewhat dramatic results. I consider this a fast start, but only a start. It will be a demonstration; you’ll be guided through the program while learning good exercising habits and effective calorie-intake management for long-term application. You’re like the apprentice, on the fast track to mastering improved lifestyle habits. Why do you want to be in better shape? How will your life improve? Contrast your situation one year from now if you are able to master this discipline, versus if you’re not. Then contrast three years, five years, 10 years, and 20 years. Take your heredity into account. Take advantage of any health-risk appraisal programs that may be available to you locally. Capture the large vision. Formulate a mission statement that drives you. Frequent revision and refinement are encouraged, especially early in the process as knowledge and experience accumulate. The mission statement is always first in the business plan. Later, we will break it down into bite-sized, incremental goals. Don’t let anything shortchange you of the vibrancy of a lean, energized body. Productive regular exercise is a personal triumph over laziness and procrastination. It is an investment in our own excellence. It is a way of preparing for life’s challenges and proving to ourselves that we have what it takes to do what is necessary. See how you want to finish, and let’s get started. |
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| Call:
804-5241 Email: Terry@FloridaFitness.com |
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