Let’s talk a minute about one of the biggest things that keep people from attaining what they really want. It’s fun; and the things that are fun. I hate to say it but we have one of the most self serving, spoiled, self righteous, entitled societies in the history of mankind. Between lawyers and advertising agency’s we believe we are entitled to have what we want, when we want it, without consequences, and the government should fix all of our problems. Unfortunately that is not how things work. There are usually consequences. For buying the big screen T.V. we had to have on the credit card, there is the stress and anxiety of piling bills and debt. For enjoying the number 5 value meal today, we deal with the poor health, unhealthy lifestyle, and extra weight, we really do not want. These consequences are a result of pursuing the things that are “fun” rather than the things that bring us true happiness. Here is the difference between things that are “fun” and things that bring us true happiness. The things that are just fun, do not stay fun for long. Again, the example of buying the big screen T.V. on credit so we can have it now is an example of fun because 6 months later the T.V. is not so cool but the debt you have in still paying it off stinks. I have never met anyone who would not gladly give back everything they bought on credit, so they could be debt free. Having “things” does not bring us happiness; it is only going to bring short lived “fun.” Being debt free brings true happiness, security, and a sense of completeness.
This is becoming more of an issue as we come closer to the holidays. The media and the government have put such a stigma on getting our families “things” for Christmas that we often lose sight of what the holidays were truly intended for. The holidays were originally a time when we spent a little extra time with our loved ones to appreciate and enjoy them. Most people I know are more worried about getting everybody a gift rather than just relaxing and enjoying some good company. Do not get sucked into the “trap” of keeping up with the Jones’ and making sure the tree is packed and the kids are spoiled. Here is an exercise I did with my own children to teach them how little value they actually place on the gifts they receive. I asked them what they got for Christmas last year and what they got for their birthdays. They remembered about 2 things, of what they got. Of the things they remembered, they realized that they are not really playing with those things on a regular basis anymore.
People are already asking me how they can “eat what they want” over the holidays and not lose their results. First of all, do not ask us how get around discipline and hard work. It does not work that way. If you let yourself go, over the holidays then you get to live with your decisions. Now, before you attempt to justify why you “deserve” to enjoy the holiday goodies I want you to ask yourself how much you are enjoying the goodies you enjoyed last year. Now, are you still paying the consequences of those decisions a year later? For most, the answer is probably “yes.” Think about the fast food meal you ate 6 months ago. You probably do not even remember how good it may have tasted, but you are still dealing with the negative consequences.
Fast Food and junk food does not make us happy. It may be “fun” for a short time, but we hate the long term effects high calorie food that provides little to no energy. Living a life with energy, vitality, and self control will make you truly happy. People that say they do not care what they look and feel like are complete liars. They say things like that because they do not want to be judged or looked down on. They know if they put up the image that it doesn’t bother them, and then you cannot judge them. I know this because I have trained several people who in the beginning tried to tell me they were “OK” with their appearance and energy levels. That is because they were a “boiling frog.” I wrote an article on this, look it up on my “articles” page to learn more. Here is something every one of those clients said when we were done training. “I will never live like that again!!” As soon as the weight starts to come off and they begin to feel real energy and vitality, they are determined to NEVER go back to their old habits again. I believe this is true of everyone who is overweight and out of shape. They just need someone to show them the appropriate amount of compassion and accountability to get some momentum going and then watch them come alive with passion and enthusiasm.
Having “things” does not make us happy. The big screen T.V. on the wall is real cool for about 3-4 months. After that, the excitement has worn off and you still have that monthly credit card bill that never seems to go down. How happy would you be if you knew that if you got laid off work or even fired, that you are debt free and have 6 months of living expenses in the bank. How much “crap” would you put up with at work? How much less “grief” would you tolerate from an over-domineering boss that takes advantage of you. THAT is true power and true happiness, and true control over your life.
Take this moment to commit to yourself that from here on, you will only do things that bring true happiness and that you will forsake everything that only brings short term “fun.” If you do, I promise you will live a fulfilled life of no regrets and enjoy a life of energy and vitality.
For more info on our training programs and boot camps, email me at Victor@fitness1440.com
Have fun, enjoy the process, and I hope to see you on the wall of fame,
Victor Brawner
Fitness Hero
