Fit for Life: Some Things Never Change… and Shouldn't

Fit for Life: Some Things Never Change… and Shouldn't

While on vacation last week, I re-read a fantastic book called As A Man Thinketh by a man named James Allen.

 

What made this book so unique was that it was written in 1903, and to this day, EVERYTHING written in this book still holds true, and many of the self-help, business, and books for success are based on what this guy had written.

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When this book influenced masters such as Napoleon Hill and Dale Carnegie, you know it is something special and a must-read for anyone, man or woman, who wants to level up their life.

 

I read it years ago and have read many books since; however, after reading it a second time, it resonated much deeper, so I have decided to go back and dissect it once again to sharpen my axe and hone in on the principles he outlined in the book.

 

He talks about the Eight Pillars of Prosperity and that an individual must implement and live by these eight pillars or principles to become genuinely successful on all levels of life.

I will list the Eight Pillars. However, I will only go into some detail, as it would be too much for this article.

 

The Eight Pillars are (in order): Energy / Economy / Integrity / System / Sympathy / Sincerity / Impartiality / Self Reliance. These pillars support success in any individual and must be the foundation we build upon.

 

He states that although the details vary between individuals, the principles will always remain and can't be changed.

 

This goes for many instances in everyday life, including your health and fitness, which is why I mentioned this book in this week's article. I wanted to parallel his analogy and list some principles you need to live by to improve your health and fitness.

 

Remember, you MUST IMPLEMENT these to be successful and get results, or you will be riding the rollercoaster forever and frustrating yourself.

 

First, you must develop your "why" or what drives you. This is the principle. The details will change over time, but you must always have a "why" or driver to succeed.

 

Let me explain with a personal example: When I started working out, my "why" was to be a big, intimidating, meathead bodybuilder. I succeeded by reaching over 250 lbs and eventually competing on stage. As I get older, my "why" is to prove to myself and everyone else that you can be in the best shape of your life well into your 50s.

 

Your "why" could be so you set a great example and be a role model for your kids, be a better athlete, or overcome an injury or sickness. Whatever it is, that's your decision, and there is no wrong answer.

 

The following principle is discipline. It would help if you had the discipline to be consistent and work every day, even when it's inconvenient or you don't feel like it. As I have said over and over again, it's human nature to seek the path of least resistance and take the easy way out.

 

It's hardwired in our DNA to seek comfort; however, developing that discipline muscle overrides the weakness and allows us to avoid it the easy way.

 

Structure is also a principle that needs to be present so you are not randomly chasing your tail in search of results. A morning routine and scheduling your life will provide the structure needed to succeed. Plan your life around the things you consider essential, and you will be more likely to accomplish the tasks necessary to succeed.

 

The last four nonnegotiable principles needed to succeed with your health and fitness routine are Hydration, Nutrition, Exercise & Sleep. You can only win by mastering these, regardless of who you are.

 

•Muscle loves water, and it will be challenging to operate at your fullest potential without proper hydration.

•Nutrition is essential, as you can't build something without raw materials, such as protein, fat, and carbohydrates. When you get these macros dialed in, success is sure to follow.

•Exercise and moving the body burns excess calories and unwanted body fat and allows us to build lean, strong muscles.

•Sleep, rest, and recovery will allow us to wake up with optimal energy and be consistent with our routines.

 

Remember, these core principles are needed, but the details will vary based on individual needs, work schedules, family life, and even your palate.

 

You may like fish over beef, work nights, have a family to care for, and prefer exercise in the morning, but the details won't matter if you instill the above principles.

 

The rules are simple: Take care of your mind, body, and soul, and you will live a healthy, productive life.

When you continue to poison it, live haphazardly, and neglect the essentials, you won't—end of the story.

 

Committed to your success,

Matt