Keith JonesMay 25, 2016

I came up with a mantra a few years ago that expressed a commitment for how I wanted to live my life. It was, “I don’t do ordinary. I only do extraordinary.” I stayed true to this for a number of years. Then I noticed areas, one by one, slip into the “mediocre” category. My commitment to high integrity, keeping my word and being a leader weakened in key areas. Little by little I allowed myself to be distracted by things that didn’t support my goals. And over the course of just two years, I went from playing a Big game in life to being average. Now, when I share about this, I am not comparing myself to other people or their lives. This is strictly about providing a true assessment of what I am capable of and what I was settling for.

If you’re going to live, live!

Is living in your 40s, 50s and 60s with subpar health okay? Is relying on prescription drugs and alcohol for mood improvement an acceptable replacement for exercise and positive friendships? And is laying on the couch instead of being active really living? For me it’s not. That’s why I work out and eat the way I do. I want to live.

I am in my mid forties. I’ve had some challenges, most of which were the result of poor choices. I own them all and blame no one. I’ve chosen to see all those experiences as opportunities to work on myself. They exposed areas that still required self-mastery. And if I want to make good on the goals and dreams that I had for my life years ago, I’ve got to get to it and keep working until I reach them.

No matter what age you are now, do not accept an ordinary life for yourself. Keep working out. Don’t allow yourself to sleep in on workout days when being fit is a better life. Continue eating healthy. Don’t succumb to a lifestyle of pizza, burgers and beer to rob you of a healthy body and sharp mind when there’s still an athlete inside of you. Reignite your creativity and keep it burning. Don’t permit yourself to say “I’m too old. It’s over for me.”  It is not.

Time is going to pass regardless of the choices you make. How you experience the passage of that time comes down to the choices you make. Will you fade away living an average life when you’re capable of so much more? Or will you choose extraordinary? Commit to the latter. If you’re going to live, live!

Stronger Mindset,

Keith