Taking Charge of Your Own Life

There is always the question of which came first, the chicken or the egg? I was just talking with someone who asked me, “what were some of the things I learned from interviewing athletes over the years.” It dawned on me: even though each individual had walked their own unique way on the path to physical success (some worked out like scientists, others just put their noses to the grindstone) they did have a few key things in common.

They all seemed to take RESPONSIBILITY for themselves. There is no blame game. These individuals didn’t give themselves any excuse to not get it done. If they were tired, or didn’t feel like it, they still just sucked it up and went to work.

So you’re saying, well Gabby, bully for them — it’s their job. Yes, but my point is did they get where they are because of their attitude or did their attitude create their environment?

I often wonder the same thing about our lives and our bodies. Thematically, you will see some similarities across the board with people who are happy and healthy. So which came first? They’re born happy and create this peachy life that adds momentum to their joy, or they attack everything with a certain positiveness that molds their surroundings?

I think the same goes for our lives and our bodies. If we are placing blame and making excuses, how are we ever going to possess the reality we dream of?

So what am I saying?

Today take inventory of who you really are and how you approach things. Do you own it? Or do you have a million reasons as to why you can’t get it done?

Next, what do you really want from yourself, and how do you dream of your body being? Is it fair or realistic? Part of people being successful is knowing how to create realistic goals that reflect who you are.

In other words, I don’t want to set myself up to dream of being a petite size 4 when my natural frame at its lightest is a size 8. Why? Because I’m 6’3” and that’s who I am. So have things match who you are. If you have bigger hips and butt, well, then your goal is to have the hardest, strongest, hottest hips and butt YOU can.

So we know that we have to take RESPONSIBILITY.

We need to KNOW WHO WE ARE when creating our goals.

STAY POSITIVE. This takes a little stamina and a positive attitude can help you have the endurance to keep going.

All the athletes I spoke with were COMMITTED. Don’t wimp out. If you want to make a change, then commit to it rain or shine, summer or winter.

If your life and body have been on a course you would like to improve, then do it. You are not a permanent victim to your reality as you have known it and helped create it. The good news is we are not chickens or eggs. We are spirited and powerful people who can change the direction of our lives. So stop saying “I want to lose weight,” and “I want to meet someone.” Let’s go!

Once you deal with the fact that it’s the way it is because of YOU then YOU can take back the control and start making changes.

If you are depressed and can’t see your way out of it, then get some help. There are times we all need help. It’s OK, and nothing at all to feel weird about. Things get overwhelming at times, and a little help is all you need to get them in check.

By Gabby Reece