There’s a ton of advice out there on how you should be working out. One constant theme involves focus and challenging yourself. This is very important, particularly in a world where too many people don’t put the time in and don’t challenge themselves.

At the same time, people who are pushing themselves to get in shape are often pushing themselves in other aspects of their lives. Many of us work very hard to make sure we provide for our families or to advance our careers. Again, things like focus and hard work are emphasized, and for good reason.

Yet one thing that isn’t talked about enough is rest. It’s the importance of making sure that your body and your mind are rested. When working out, it’s important to consider things like pacing and also proper rest between set and between workouts. Some people decide they want to start working out or work out more, and of course they want to work at it. But you have to be smart about it and give your body the rest it needs. This will improve your overall performance and your quality of life.

The same principle applies to taking mental breaks. Stress is a huge problem and it can have all sorts of negative impacts, both emotional and physical. Take time away from work, working out and your loved ones to take a real mental break. Do short ones daily, and then make sure you take your vacations. Find time killers that help you take your mind off of work or exercise, whether it’s vegging out in front of the TV or playing online bingo or poker. Yes, even bingo can help you relax. I know for many people the opposite is the problem. They veg out too much and they can’t get motivated to work out or to put the work into their careers. But the opposite is also true, particularly in today’s crazy, fast-paced world.

So if you’re about to embark on a new workout regiment, keep this in mind. Develop good habits from the start and get your rest.

“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.”
- Elbert Hubbard

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing.”

-Abraham Lincoln

I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.

-Michael Jordan

“I’ve had smarter people around me all my life, but I haven’t run into one yet that can outwork me. And if they can’t outwork you, then smarts aren’t going to do them much good. That’s the way it is. And if you believe that and live by it, you’d be surprised at how much fun you can have.”

Woody Hayes 1913 – 1987

I tell all my students, “Perception is everything”. As you grow older, you accrue experiences, some good, and some bad. Many people, unfortunately, dwell on the negative even if the outcome is positive but not to their liking. We all have negatives in our lives; bad relationships, weight gain, financial troubles, death, accidents, etc. The one constant in our lives is that life continues no matter what we do. It does not matter how much money one has or how many friends, life will always have its setbacks. The problem most people have is not the set back itself, but how we handle it.

Let me put it to you this way, it took Thomas Edison 2000 tries before successfully inventing the light bulb. A reporter asked him how it felt to fail so many times. Thomas Edison replied, “I never failed once, It just happened to be a 2000 step process.” How many of us would have continued even after 100 tries. Obviously things weren’t going his way, but he kept a positive outlook, forged ahead and reaped the rewards.

In an excellent article in the March 2007 issue of Ironman Magazine, Skip La Cour writes about his “8 Steps to Getting Back the Confidence You Had During Better Times and Reclaiming Your Power”. Skip really hits the nail on the head with an explanation of what to do when life isn’t going the way you want at any age.

8 Steps that are explained in detail to reclaim your life.

1. Take full responsibility for where you are in your life.
2. Identify exactly what you want for the rest of your life.
3. Carefully examine the events that have led you to where you are today in your life.
4. Take control of your overall health and appearance.
5. Carefully choose the people who surround you.
6. Learn how to deal with other people more effectively.
7. Become an expert at something your passionate about in life.
8. Invest in coaching.

Skip La Cour is an excellent motivator/coach that has devoted his life to helping others reach their potential. This article is a great read especially for those who are feeling like they can’t get back on track. I don’t think the article is available on line any longer.

“There is one quality that one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants and a burning desire to achieve it.”

- Napoleon Hill

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work”

-Thomas Edison

“He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.”

- Benjamin Franklin

“A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.”

Vince Lombardi