Sep
23

Raise your standards

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A piece of criticism I often get is that I expect too much and that my standards are too high. Maybe this is what “Type A” personalities can achieve but for the “average person,” it is just too hard.

This is really amusing to me as I am in the same shoes as you are! I have get up at 5:00 am to start my first session at 6:00 am and many times, I finish with clients at 9:00 pm. In between sessions, there are meetings to attend, blogs to be written, new programs to develop and follow-up calls to be made. I am in the same position as everyone else.

Today, in my thirties, I have not gained body weight, eat foods that are enzyme rich, and focus on foods that provide nutrients that keep me moving through long working days. And if I don’t have time to play sports or work out outside, I work out at home .

“Stefan, you are insane”, you might be thinking, “Why would I want to do this now? Let me tell you: My clients in their 50’s, 60’s and even 70’s know how to stay youthtful, slender and athletic. The ones who have managed to stay this way all stick to high standards on how they treat themselves.

A low standard is to give in to desserts, skipping workouts, not keeping up with research on diet and exercise and basically, not caring about yourself.  Letting yourself go. Your business, your relationships, your family or your injuries might be obstacles, holding you back from activity. Yes, that might be what you tell yourself–but I honestly don’t believe it. And how about just eating what ever comes along? Stuffing your face with junk?. Stop living by such low standards. Don’t  give in your “good is good enough” rationale. Because no,  it isn’t good enough. Expect the best and receive the best. Demand it.

The only question that matters in (re)-setting your standards is this: Are you doing your best? If the answer is yes, then there is nothing to worry about.

Feel good about yourself by raising your standards and following them. And don’t measure yourself against others. The measurement should only  be against yourself: Where you started and where you want to be.

Learn the consequences of your food choices and then take full responsibility (instead of making excuses!). Recognize the impact of inactivity and take full responsibility when health issues arise later in life. Awareness is a skill that can be learned.

If you are looking to change your body, loss weight, shape your frame or changing your eating habits, just raise your standards. Live up to it. Don’t back down. And stick with what your new set standards are.

Make your body your business.

Stefan

Categories : Motivation

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