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We all have wants and desires we ‘wish’ we could do and accomplish in this life, for ourselves, our families, friends, community, etc. Many individuals talk about their plans and ambitions, but unfortunately, only a few ACT on their plans to achieve their desires/goals. These few understand that change truly happens when action is present. Wishing, wanting, and hoping for something in your life to be different will keep you in the same situation you are in now. The only person who can change your current life situation, mindset, attitude, and daily environment is YOU. You are in control of how you live your life.
If you are unhappy, why continue to lead a life that you know doesn’t bring you fulfillment? Why blame others for your current state of unhappiness or negative life situation? Why not change for YOU and your own betterment? Why not be the best version of yourself each day; not only for you, but for your family, friends, and community? Why not enjoy learning and growing in areas of personal interest or development? Why not be a positive influence for those in your social circle? These are critical questions everyone should ponder on and answer for themselves.
Success does not lead to happiness; rather, it's the other way around, HAPPINESS LEADS TO SUCCESS. As human beings, we are ALL meant to achieve greatness and spread our talents with those around us. We are all different and have unique abilities; and with that, we each offer one another something desirable.
IT ALL BEGINS WITH ACTION
Action is the HARDEST step in change. However, it is the most important. If we do not act on what we want, and what we know we need to do to create a positive change, we will not change or GROW. Growth occurs when we are constantly trying to improve ourselves, our circumstances, our headspace, and our environment. If you are unsure HOW to grow and change, personal development books and podcasts are KEY; as well as education. Every single day, reading for at least 30 minutes (or listening to a 30-minute podcast) will instill a productive change in you. Consistently being taught by successful individuals through these means will encourage you to be a better version of yourself; as well as take action toward the things that will help you grow, be happier, find success, and also influence others who are associated with you to do the same. Some books that I highly encourage you to read and re-read include ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’, ‘The Slight Edge’, ‘The Compound Effect’, ‘The Go-Giver’, ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’, ‘The Power of Positive Thinking’, ‘Think and Grow Rich’, ‘High Performance Habits’, and the list goes on.
As you determine the steps that will bring about healthy changes for you, remember to be and act differently than the 95% of people who are choosing to remain in a state of motionlessness or unhappiness. Be the exception and not only talk about the things you would love to change in your life, but actually DO them. Change does not occur without action (or continued action). And remember to start small. Changing too many habits at once is overwhelming for most, so tackle one unhelpful habit at a time; and with time, each changed habit will create a compound effect of positive growth in every area of your life (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual).
CONSISTENCY AND PERSONAL VALUES ARE CRUCIAL
The second step to producing lasting healthy change is consistency. The initial steps you take to create a different lifestyle than the one you were not happy living with need to stick with you during your journey. Even during the days or moments when it seems harmless to not do the actions that have created a positive change, do not allow excuses (or other people) to revert you backwards. Let me clarify, there is a difference between consciously making a (less than optimal) choice for yourself and allowing the influence of others to make that choice for you. There are absolutely moments where you may want to splurge on something or an activity, which may not be in alignment with the steps you have been taking toward lasting change, and that is okay as long as YOU make the decision for yourself. This can also be defined as being true to your values and principles, as well as having personal integrity. If a situation comes up where you participate in an activity that does not flow with your daily healthy habits, but it also does not alter your principles or integrity, it is likely okay to do. However, if it goes against your values and it is not in alignment with your daily healthy habits, it is not worth being a part of.
WHO YOU SURROUND YOURSELF WITH MATTERS
Once you create action (and consistency), you will shortly realize how important it is to surround yourself with those who are striving toward greatness and healthfulness daily. Our social circle greatly impacts our individual journeys of personal development and growth. Those that are aiming high, and you want to be ‘in their shoes’, you will learn to do what they do each day (by observance or listening to their guidance) to also aim high in your own life. And if you are the one that is taking the first initiative toward positive change in your friend group or family unit, you will need to be strong willed and consistent. You may not have a direct healthy influence at that time, so relying on your daily reading or audio educational development (healthy habits) is important. Until your initial change becomes a daily habit, you will need to block out the negative noise from those that are not yet willing to be on the path you are heading toward. At the end of the day, you need to do what is BEST for you and your (emotional/physical) wellbeing and growth; and learn to block out the noise from those who do not want to put in the effort to change their own situations (but rather bring you back down to their ‘unhappy’ level).
When you are consistent with your changing habits, not only will you feel better, but you’ll project your general aura as happier. First and foremost, you are changing for YOU and your wellbeing. Second, when you begin to truly change and others see the change, you then become a positive influence on them. There will of course be individuals who don’t want to change for themselves and may come across as hostile toward your betterment, but do not let that emotion drag you down. Just as you made the choice to become and live happier, they are the only ones who can change themselves and become happier too. Regardless of who it may be and the reactions you receive, continue to be the positive influence in their lives by demonstrating the genuine healthy actions upon your own life.
MUNDANE ACTIONS ARE KEY
Doing the boring day-to-day activities will ensure your long-term growth and development. Let’s put it this way, you can choose to eat out and not go to the gym each day and that may not immediately affect you OR you can choose to regularly exercise and eat healthfully, even when you don’t want to (which will also not immediately affect you), but one long-term outcome will provide you with a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life. Conscientious changes in life, in any capacity, will not immediately demonstrate a huge effect; but it’s in the daily (mundane) habits that you will see the change over TIME. There is no such thing as a quick fix. If we want to change ourselves in any capacity, as well as our circumstances, we must be in it for the long haul. But with time, the initially difficult, small, mundane actions will become HABIT and the reason for your continued growth and success.
At Beautiful Bodies Fitness, we strive to educate and encourage you to be the best version of yourself each and every day. We understand how important it is to be sincerely happy; and how happiness impacts each aspect of our lives. We want you to personally learn to live healthily in mind, body, and spirit. Better health and lasting happiness creates success in each one of us. If you're ready to be surrounded by these likeminded individuals and be a part of a welcoming/encouraging environment, Beautiful Bodies is the place for you to be. Sign up today and see how our positive atmosphere, as well as trained instructors, will help you blossom in all that you do.
Remember, if it were easy, everyone would do it. Dream big dreams, create a tentative plan, act on that plan, allow for variations to occur, surround yourself with likeminded and successful individuals, constantly learn, be consistent with necessary actions that create positive change, do the mundane things (even if redundant), and always be ‘in check’ with yourself and your goals toward a happier and more fulfilling life. Our lives are ever-changing, make sure YOU are in the driver seat.
With much love,
Bree Fernelius