What is Your "Why?"

When I ask clients about their fitness goals I typically hear some very common responses:  lose weight, get stronger, eat better, feel better.  And the New Year is a great time to reflect on what direction we want to head in the coming months.  But have you really reflected on why you chose the goals you did?  Are you really prepared to do what you need to do to make those goals a reality?  Is your "why" THAT strong?

Be the Change You are Looking For
The fitness industry spends so much time trying to break the code on the "how" of fitness success that our "why" is often left behind.  Why is the "why" important?  Well, because it is what drives the passion, the soul, and the purpose in getting on your feet and moving and making the right, healthy choices day after day after day.  And your "why" is ultimately going determine whether you succeed, or not.

I've observed that of all the successful people I have coached, the happiest and most successful are those who have made a fundamental shift in their perception of themselves and where they want to be.  I believe this is because they are driven by a passion and desire to CREATE real change in their lives. Notice I used the word "create" and not "receive." These people are not looking for a magic pill, or a medical procedure, or any other quick fix.  They recognize that their bodies are ongoing works in progress.  And that they are in it for the long haul. 

But, more importantly, they recognize that who they are is also a work in progress and that they have the power to make the changes, both physically and mentally, that they want to see.  And once you have that level of clarity and focus....watch out! Something big and wonderful is going to happen!

“But what if I don't have a why," you might ask.  I suspect that you do, although you may not fully realize what it is right now.  I can honestly say that I went through a period of time when I lost my "why" early last year.

My Story
When Mike and I decided to open , I was at a real low in my life outlook and in my physical well being.  I had just left my previous job without any clear direction of where to go next.  A mammogram had recently found a mass that the doctors decided need to be surgically removed (we later found that it was non-cancerous, but we didn't know it at the time) and I had also found out that I needed foot surgery to remove a painful neuroma.  Things were not looking good!  I was falling into fear and despair and didn't know what to do about it. 

Luckily Mike was able to see beyond my immediate situation and started working with me to take a step back and above my circumstances.  Together we started to explore what I really loved to do (i.e. figure out what my "why" was).  Out of that I realized that what really made me passionate was to be able to show others how strong they truly are.  Inspire them to reach the untapped potential they have and share in their triumph when they finally do come to that realization.  That energizes me!  That makes me want to spend late nights and early mornings working with people and finding new ways to motivate and inspire others.  And with that passion as our driving force, Empowered Fitness was born and I was back in full alignment with my "why."

And when you're in alignment with your "why," everything else in your life seems to magically fall into place as well, including your fitness and health.  How can I possibly help people become healthy if I am not healthy myself?  How can I push people to another level of effort if I'm not willing and able to push myself? 

This is the fire that makes me take off on that run on the at the end of the day when all I want to do is lay down for 10 minutes.  This is what makes me join in on a class when I've got piles of work clamoring for my attention.

It doesn't take a psychology degree to be a part of your own solution.  All you need is the right mindset and the determination to make it happen.  Once you have that, you will find that resources begin to flow your way to help you achieve what you want to achieve.

How Do I Find My Why?
So what's your why and how does your fitness relate to it?  Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• What matters most to you in your life?
• What are you deeply passionate about?
• What legacy do you want to leave in the world before you pass on?
• In what way is your fitness and health an extension of your passion?
• How does your fitness and health either help or hinder what matters most to you?

Take the Time for Yourself
It is my sincere wish that you are able to take the time to find it and make the changes in your life to put it above all else.  I think that among many other positive results, you'll find that your commitment to making the changes necessary for your fitness and health will come effortlessly.  And then you'll not only see the results you've been looking for, but you'll be able to sustain them for the long haul and make them a permanent part of your life.

To Your Health,
Diana

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