Acts of kindness are thoughtful contributions to others. Volunteer work rooted in unconditional love for others supports our communities and improves the world. We think it’s important to ask yourself why you give. Is it because you truly care? Is it because you think it’s the right thing to do? If you were not acknowledged for your kind act, would you still do it? Do you serve from a place that is free of ego? Rick and Keith share how serving others from the deep consciousness within you, you expands your capacity to love, grow and be peaceful.
attitude
A recent snowboarding trip drove home how a person’s mindset determines their life experience and level of happiness. A simple, but powerful shift in attitude can make all the difference in the world. It was just a few short years ago that situations I once saw as limiting, are now filled with possibilities. Same set of facts, just a different mindset and much better results.
It was early February and I was on a 5-day Tahoe ski trip to celebrate my birthday. My season pass and plane ticket were secured several months earlier. My snowboard was waxed and I was ready to go. Mother Nature had other plans. Rain and 90-100 mph winds shut down all the ski resorts for the week I was in town. To my surprise, I didn’t get upset by this. Instead, I looked for the gift in the situation. The closures gave me lots of time to work on several projects in my ToBeRe queue. I got so much work done on my trip. I left the Tahoe area feeling calm, accomplished and grateful. The old me would have been upset, disappointed and annoyed by it all. These are all useless reactions that don’t produce results and steal away any hidden joy in the moment.
Fast forward a month later, I headed back to Tahoe for round 2 on the slopes. This time the weather was perfect. I had only one goal while on my trip. I wanted to work out one morning before heading to the mountain. Exercising on the road is something that Tim Zencka and Pat Marcanio have inspired me to do. These guys begin every morning away lifting weights or going on a run. Oftentimes it’s before or after a 10-hour work day. Motivated by their example, I did a google search for a quality gym with a squat rack. Everyone knows how committed I am to squats. The only thing I needed was a ride to the gym since I didn’t rent a car. I silenced fear of the unknown, and downloaded the Uber app for my first experience with the service. Tim was right. It was so easy. I was picked up in 2 minutes, at the gym in 8 and working out. My day on the slopes was incredible.
A shift in mindset focused on what’s possible versus limiting thoughts can produce powerful outcomes. The ability to do this didn’t happen overnight for me. This is a skill I’ve had to work on daily. My diligence has paid off in a big way. Here’s how you can do it too:
- Make having a positive outlook, regardless of the situation, important to you.
- Practice awareness of situations in your life. When something occurs that’s not to your liking, try to see the possibilities. What’s the gift in the situation? How can your time best be used? Being upset, frustrated and worried? Or calm, patient and open to possibilities?
- Take action to produce something good in the face of the situation or challenge. In other words, have something positive to show for it.
A positive shift in mindset produces results and helps you grow. You see, the time is going to pass regardless of how you feel about the situation. You have a choice about how your time and energy are spent. You can spend it holding limiting thoughts and beliefs or building a mental skill set that changes your life experience and increases your level of happiness.
Keith
Consistent routines produce consistent results. That’s what the basics are. They are fundamental principles, attitudes and actions consistently adhered to for a desired outcome. I’ve always been the kind of person who can do the same thing over and over without getting bored. I am more motivated by results than variety. And, while I like both, if that’s not an option, I chose sticking with the basics because results always follow. This is true in exercise, nutrition and life.
The basic exercise classes in our community are squats, lunges, pull-ups, core work and cardio. We will include other exercises but these core movements are in every workout. Why? Because they produce results like no other exercises. I like trying new classes and moves. I consider doing so as extra after I’ve done my basic movements for the week. It’s not a question of either or. You can do both. But I encourage you to make basic movements I’ve listed the foundation of your exercise plan for guaranteed overall fitness.
Our nutrition philosophy is simple. Eat healthy foods that support optimal health and fitness. Doing this will produce better health and higher performance physically, mentally and emotionally. Adhere to our proven food recommendations and you will feel and look great. While flavor is a nice bonus, it’s not what’s most important. The basic requirement of all our meal plans, recipes and cooking videos is balance, variety and wholesome ingredients. Do they support better health? We just so happen to have making the dishes taste amazing nailed down. Ask our members about our zucchini meatballs. They’re bursting with flavor and healthy goodness!
Lastly, if you want to be happy, see the good in people and approach life with a positive attitude. Choose to be loving no matter what, and surround yourself with positive people. Being happy is a choice. No person or situation can make you feel a certain way. If you choose to be happy, you will be happy. Set yourself up for experiencing bliss by protecting what you allow into your consciousness. Read articles and watch media that are uplifting and positive. Engage only in conversation that is positive. There are no victims and there are no villains. See people as imperfect beings on a journey. Don’t judge the journey. Observe it and send people love. Be kind in your words, compassion and empathetic in your heart and loving in your actions. Apply this basic principle to everyone; including yourself. If you do this, you will learn a lot about others and yourself. I promise.
The basics are tried and true. They are the fundamentals for consistently producing results and staying at the top of your game of life. They set you up for success and make you a winner in life. Winning is fun. It never gets old or boring. Hats off to those who stay on the path. And for those who’ve taken a break or lost their way, get back to the basics. Extraordinary results await us all if we will put in the work.
Stronger Mindset!
Keith
Reaching your goals takes work. Challenges and unexpected surprises can make the effort even harder. Two things have helped me pursue my goals relentlessly no matter how tough or daunting life challenges seem. The first thing I do is to set and pursue three of the same goals every day. They are exercising, eating healthy and having a loving attitude. These are three winnable goals that are completely in my control. As long as I put in the work, they are guaranteed wins that build my confidence and make me stronger for other challenges that may show up. The second thing I do is to take care of goal number one no matter what. I don’t miss workouts. Ever. I eat healthy all the time. And, I constantly work on being a loving person. I give 100% effort.
Some people assume I love exercising based on my fitness level and physical shape. This is not the case. I don’t especially enjoy exercise. However, I absolutely love the benefits. I really like feeling fit. I like the physical activities I am able to do. I like the discipline, commitment and mental toughness you get from working out consistently and challenging yourself. And, most of all, I love the people I train with. I’ve been blessed to work out with awesome friends the last ten years. The fitness, stronger mental game and friendships are the special gifts I get from exercise. And they keep coming. I am 46 years old with no aches, pains or serious injuries. If one creeps up, I take care of it immediately by stretching and rolling. I adhere to the philosophy, “take care of your body and it will take care of you.” I still have big goals and a gigantic life purpose to serve and help others. I have to be fit for this.
I’ve eaten healthy for over 12 years now. For the longest time, I didn’t care about how food tasted as long as it was healthy and good for my body. Thanks to recipes contributed by community members over the years and Candy’s Clean Kitchen this last year, I no longer sacrifice taste for good food. My daily nutrition is bursting with nutrients and flavor. The food is so good. (Become a Stronger Total Being Member today for the most delicious and healthy recipes and cooking videos on the planet.) I’ve made eating healthy a high priority because I want to feel forever young. Nutrition is a necessary part of this. It impacts my workouts, health and mindset.
We’ve all heard it many times. Attitude is everything. And I believe it. This is why I work on mine as diligently and purposely as I do on my fitness. I want to make a difference in the world. I can’t do that if I’m down, depressed, angry or resentful. It’s impossible to do if I play the victim or cast others as villains. I will certainly fail if I judge, blame or shame others and myself. Understanding this, I work hard on my attitude. Everyday I wake up and make two declarations. One, I will be loving to everyone no matter what happens today. And two, I will see the gift and opportunity in every situation no matter how it shows up.
To be successful with these declarations, I have a plan in place that I follow daily. I begin each morning with meditation and an inspiring podcast that quiets any negative chatter I have going on. And, I lean on my positive amazing friends if I need to. Now, while I’ve shown that I can be fit and eat healthy on my own, having a loving attitude and being positive is a different story. I need amazing people in my life for this one. Their priceless, unconditional love and support creates the space where I can grow and learn from my mistakes and failures without fear of judgment. The grace they give to me allows me to keep trying because they see the goodness in my heart. They encourage when times are tough and stand for me when I am having trouble standing for myself. Their consistent love, along with my daily declarations, helps me build a stronger attitude every day. With this, I exponentially improve my chances of helping others to be happy, live their best life and make a difference.
I exercise, eat healthy and work on my attitude because I want to live a life that matters. I don’t care about material things. I care about people. And while I appreciate being treated lovingly, it doesn’t stop me if it doesn’t happen. I’m going to be loving anyway. I am obsessed with making a difference. This is what motivates me. And, to fulfill my purpose, I have to be strong physically, mentally and emotionally. This is why I exercise, eat healthy and work hard. Why do you? And if you don’t, consider committing to it. Life is better and more fulfilling when you do.
Stronger Mindset!
Keith