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What Do Dana Torres and Your Fat Loss Goals Have in Common?
The Olympics are long over but yet we're still seeing Michael Phelps commercials (and I'm sure we will continue to for years to come). One of the best things about the Olympics, at least in my opinion, is the number of inspirational stories that revolve around this amazing gathering of world class athletes.
The stage itself, a battle of the WORLD's best, being watched by practically the entire planet, is mind-staggering. Not everyone can be Michael Phelps. However with the right work ethic, desire, motivation and will power, we can all strive to be our best in whatever goals we choose to pursue.
So although the Olympics are old news, I'd like to revisit the topic, because quite frankly, it's a source of inspiration and motivation for me. Specifically, Dara Torres, my favorite Olympian. Yes, Michael Phelps won eight gold medals, but for pure inspiration, I absolutely LOVE Dara's story.
Just to provide you with a quick reminder of who Dara was, this was her 5th Olympics and she is 41 years old AND a mom!!!
She was already the oldest swimming gold medallist and also the oldest American swimmer to qualify for the Olympics and the first to make five teams. So I think this throws the "I'm too old" and "I'm too busy" and "I have no time because of the kids" excuses right out the window.
Excuses are a dime a dozen and people have many, many reasons for not exercising. If you're not exercising, why not?
The American Council on exercise posed this question in an informal survey on its web site. "I'm too out of shape to work out" responded 19 percent. "I don't know what to do at the gym" said 21 percent of the respondents. "Gyms are too crowded", said 46 percent. "People at the gym are too rude", said 11 percent. "I don't know what questions to ask once I get there", said the remaining 3 percent.
Based on my personal experience, the biggest reasons people don't exercise or stop exercising, is because they're not motivated and there is no one to hold them accountable or help them stay motivated. Over the long term, most people fail at holding themselves accountable and most people fail to stay motivated.
My favorite Olympian, Dara Torres has a coach. Someone is holding her accountable. Someone is helping to motivate her, and there's nothing wrong with that. Even for an Olympian.
Of course she knows what to do on her won, she's been an Olympian for two decades. So why does she need a coach? Accountability. Motivation.
There's a wonderful story about a young man who wanted an interview with a famous guru. When they met, the man asked, "How can I find wisdom?" Without a word, the guru led the young man to a nearby lake and pushed his head under water. After the man thrashed and fought for a moment, the guru let him up, where he immediately gasped for air. The guru then said, "When you desire wisdom as badly as you wanted that breath of air, you'll find it."
Do you have a clear and compelling weight loss or fat loss goal? Have you developed your weight loss or fat loss action plan? Have you created a system or environment that will support you in your goals? Do you focus each day on your goal? Do you have people or a support mechanism that will support you?
So many people come to me about fat loss, but they don't have a clear goal in mind other than perhaps a number on the scale and even that is often unclear. And they almost never want it as badly as they want air.
How motivated are you to achieve your fat loss goals? Do you want it as badly as you do your next breath of air? Are you motivated enough to lose fat that you are willing to eat healthier? Are you motivated enough to lose fat that you are willing to eat less? Are you motivated to lose fat enough that you are willing to exercise?
If you really want to lose fat, then create a plan for yourself with clear and compelling reasons to motivate you to reach your goal. Visit this plan often and make sure that nothing or no one gets in the way of your success. Post pictures of where you WANT to be, what you WANT to look like somewhere where you can see them everyday. Want your fat loss goal as badly as you want air!
With the proper motivation, ANY goal is possible. You just need to want it bad enough. Here are some tips to help:
1. Have a clear and well defined goal.
You can hit almost any target if you define it and put a time line on it. WHAT do you want and WHEN is it going to be done?
2. Have a detailed action plan with small milestones along the way.
WHAT are you going to do? WHAT are the action steps? "Baby-steps" are always easier and more fun than "giant leaps." It's relatively hard to stay motivated over the years to put a million dollars in the bank, but it's easy to start saving $500 this month. Have a clear, doable and actionable plan. Then, take one step after another.
3. Surround yourself with positives.
Daily motivation is key to success. You've got to read, listen to, watch and talk with exciting and knowledgeable people that will not only energize you but provide you with the knowledge and support you need. We live in a "bad news world." It wears everyone down!
I would also add to put down the paper, turn off the TV and surround yourself with positive input that energizes you!
4. Begin the day right.
Recommit to your most important priorities, goals and plans every single day. Personally, I begin every morning with a 15 minute workout then focus on my major priorities. If I don't do these things first thing in the morning, chances are I won't do them at all. Start every day by reviewing and re-affirming your most important objectives.
5. Have a strong support system.
I think this may be the most important, easiest, and most often overlooked. Recruit friends and family to hold you accountable. Teach them to support and encourage you. Pick their brains for good ideas, and report back to them regularly. Join a community of like minded people, with similar goals.
With a strong support system, whether online or with a group of friends and family, you can accomplish anything.
About the Author George Louris is the author of The BusyGuy's / BusyGal's Workout for Fat Loss, is a Certified Trainer with over 20 years of experience & a former multiple fitness studio owner who has taken his life's passion for helping others achieve their fat loss goals online at his blog, a resource for ultra-busy men and women who have little time for exercise but still strive for a fit and healthy lifestyle. |
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