Change Is Good.

Is it true: “You are what you eat”… “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” or “You are most like the 5 people closest to you”? I think you know the answer. Change can be a good thing. I was blog-hopping and came upon an article, which quoted Jim Rohn, an American author and motivational speaker. Rohn states:

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

Seeing this quote gave me that funny feeling in the pit of my stomach... because just a couple weeks before, I'd heard the same thing from my own Marketing Guru Reu Smith, CEO - rfi Marketing. I found the statement to be totally relevant in both my personal and professional life - and more than a bit profound. So is this a fact, as applies to our bodies and physical fitness? How do our personal choices, relationships and associations affect our overall health level?

If your spouse or friends make poor decisions in regard to food, it is generally an open invitation for us to do the same. But the point in which we begin to break away and make our own decisions - create our own accountability - is the milestone in which change is created.

If, indeed, I am the average of the 5 people I spend the most time with, then surrounding myself with those I wish to be more like would be a logical plan.

Is it easy? Not always. Is it do-able? This depends on our own inner strength –the will to succeed and overcome. Choosing a work-out buddy, a mentor in the form of a Personal Trainer, or just staying true to yourself and being upfront with those who are wreaking havoc on your personal goals plays an important part in success.

I believe this is why – as people begin the path to weight-loss or fitness success – you see more people hanging out in the gym and juice bar… lingering, holding conversations and picking up tips. I see people flocking to fitness websites, Blogs and Tweets which provide empowerment and a constant source of support for their attitudes and goals. It is easier to keep yourself close to that which you want to become, if you can stay away from the “dark side”… those nay-sayers who are so unhappy with who they are that they derive pleasure from making you fall off the wagon. They may lack self-esteem or self-respect, therefore they try to take yours away too.

This definitely doesn’t mean you have to kick your family and friends off the island, dump your loved ones and turn your back on everything you know. But it does mean being clear and staying strong in working your goals, knowing where you want to take your fitness plan, and creating a road map describing exactly how you will get there. Stand firm. Fight the good fight.

When faced with negatives from those close to you… those who will always be close to you, like family members -- or when renewing old friendships, fall back on a standard statement which stresses your desire to stay on track. Create YOUR own life-statement.

“I am committed to changing my ways and feel better than I have in years!”

“I’m investing in myself! I’ve found that I enjoy getting healthy – as well as putting on jeans I haven’t worn in years!”

“Learning more about healthy habits has made me more self-aware. And I love the way I feel inside.”

"This is MY time. I'm making the most of my greatest asset... ME."

Make your statement your mantra. Repeat it to yourself when you feel your resolve start to slip. You know, spring cleaning isn’t just for closets. Make the most of yourself and your life by embracing change and moving closer to the things, people and habits which you wish to say define you.

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