8 Tips for Life Success

My lifestyle management program is a holistic program which tackles ALL aspects of rebooting ones life- I use what I consider a circular approach- I believe that mental, emotional, and physical health need to be aligned in order for one to REALLY find success in life and in health and fitness.

The following are 8 main tips I have for managing your life and finding success- both with your health/fitness and in other areas of your life as well!

• What is YOUR goal? DEFINE IT! You have to know exactly what you're going after before you go after it. You can't know what to aim for if you're shooting in the dark, and having clearly defined goals will help you plan how to reach them accordingly. Be specific- DEFINE your goal! Don't just say, "I want to lose weight", say, "I want to lose 6 lbs". Don't just think, "I want to gain muscle" say, "I want a defined six pack". Write your goal down. Post it up where you can see it and be reminded and motivated by it daily.

• IMAGINE your goal! I've mentioned this before but visualization is a very powerful technique. My best friend and fellow figure competitor Eryn Strickland utilizes visualization daily through her vision board, a board of photos and memoirs that encourage her to stay on track. IFBB Figure Pro Gina Aliotti SWEARS by visualization techniques. It allows you to SEE where you want to be and to be comfortable with the oncoming change. If you're shooting for a leaner physique what does that body look like to you? Imagine how you'll look and feel at a leaner body fat percentage or a lighter weight!

• STAY POSITIVE! It's a well known fact that we are our own worst critics. However being negative towards yourself and your body will do nothing to propel you towards success. Celebrate the body you're in, even if it's not your ideal shape. The minute you give yourself a negative bashing try to change it into a compliment. Don't say , "I hate my thunder thighs" turn it into "I love how strong my legs feel when I run". Re-adjusting that negative attitude can help you create positive experiences between yourself and your body, which is necessary for life success.

• BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILITY! "The greatest gift you will ever receive is the gift of loving and believing in yourself. Guard this gift with your life- it is the only thing that will ever truly be yours." I love this quote- in fact I have it posted on my bedroom mirror. A lot of times I find my clients don't truly believe they have the ability to lose 5 lbs or step into a smaller size jean. In order to reach a goal you first have to believe in yourself. Banish all feelings of regret and self doubt and re-route it into positive energy- driven towards your goal!

• GET EDUCATED! I cannot emphasize this enough. One of the main reasons people fail at their health and fitness goals is because they don't know what they're doing. They use a workout a friend had success with or some cookie cutter approach from "Shape" or "Fitness" and when they don't see results- they become frustrated. In order to make a powerful change in your body you need to be educated about the best methods for YOUR body and YOUR lifestyle. Do research, look into you options, consider a trainer, nutritionist, or coach- get educated!

• GET SUPPORT! This is the other main reason people fail at weight loss or physique change- lack of motivation and lack of support. Most times the people we love the most, our family and friends, can be the most sabotaging when it comes to health and fitness. Parties, social events, and gatherings place a lot of mental strain on someone trying to adhere to a nutritional plan. It's important to make sure you have a solid support system, even if its not your friends and family. Hire a coach or trainer, join and online community, reach out on fitness forums, but find support in other people who are understanding and empathetic to your goals!

• GET FEEDBACK! Don't be afraid of constructive criticism! Seek it out! Embrace it! Look for someone who's educated at the goal you're trying to achieve and seek out their advice! Ask for their feedback! Use it to further your goals!

• DO NOT FEAR FAILURE! There is no room for fear when it comes to revamping your lifestyle. We all fail, failing is an integral part of success. We learn from our mistakes and from our shortcomings. It's part of the process and helps us to become wiser. Don't fear failing, instead embrace the lessons you can learn from it!