Another Year bites the dust !!!

Oh come on!!!!  How the hell is it 2011 already!!  This is getting serious people!!!  

I swear it was just last week when it was going to turn 2000!!!  That was such a big deal.  The world’s computers were all going to shut down, all of our power sources were going to go Kaput, the press had us… as usual…. scared to death of…… whatever was on their agenda at the time.   But more alarmingly, it was only about a month ago, in 1974 that I graduated High School at Del Valle in Walnut Creek, CA.  I might have told this story B4, but in my senior year of HS, my parents divorced, I moved out of the family house @ 17.  I worked in a gas station in those days, opening it up @ 6:00 in the morning, going to my classes and then closing it down at night.  Needed to. I needed the money to live.  My dad helped me, so I wasn’t totally alone out there.  After High School I joined the Navy, and then the rest is kind of a blur really.  Many years come streaming into my conscienceless as I write this.  We all have those moments in our lives when were young and try to imagine what our lives will be like waaayy in the future….. And at that time, the future was when…. if …..we made it to 40 years old or so. 

 Now, in 2011 I’ll be 55 fergawdsakes!!!!  How in the world did THAT happen?  Frankly, I’m confused by the whole thing and not willing to punt just yet.  God knows, I have my moments,  as we all do as humans.  The days where our energy levels are just not there.  The days of being tired, tired of the grind, tired of trying… trying… trying……  But then a new day dawns and we all have another shot at the golden ring.   And that’s another thing, who the hell coined THAT term?

Whoever it was  had it pretty close.  We all, whether we know it or not, strive for more.  More things, more health, more cash, more in our relationships, more….. more….. more…..  It’s human nature NOT to be satisfied with things.  If were rich, we feel like we just need a little more, if were poor we feel like if we’d just have some money, everything would be great, If were unhealthy, our thought process goes towards knowing in our hearts that if we were healthier, we’d be happier.

Why do we always do that? Why do we blame luck, or other people, or the universe for our lot in life?  I’m as guilty as the next guy.  We’re all human people.  We curse the world for what it is and what it’s become.  Let’s not curse our financial lot, or health for what it is…  Let’s take responsibility for why it is. We all come to many crossroads in our lives.  Times where we just have to decide which way to go. Time to either  go to the Right, Left, or up the middle.  Those decisions shape our lives, our families lives and I’ll go far as to say future generations of your families lives.  Forget about the wrong turns you’ve taken and look forward to the turns still to come.  Take pride in your abilities to turn around whatever is kicking your butt today into the opportunity of tomorrow.  YOU CAN DO IT!! We all can.  Let’s stop complaining on what we do not like and start focusing on what we want.    It’s NEVER too late to go for it.  We all are in charge of what  we are up to this point in our lives.  But moreover….. we’re in complete charge on what well be in 2011 and beyond.  Nobody else is, WE are.  So, if you want a better life in 2011, start making better decisions in your life.  Are you plagued by poor decisions?  Then take baby steps.  Take stock in you.  Look at that image what is looking back at you in the mirror and analyze that person.  Is this a person you’re proud of?  If not…. why??  What steps can you make today, right now to turn that around.   Not sure how?

Start with doing the things we KNOW are right for us.  If you have a drinking problem, get help, take charge of your own life and change it.  If you have an eating problem,  you know what to do.  If you have an energy problem, there are thousands of Beachbody coaches that will help you in an instant.  Smoking?  just do it people.  It doesn’t matter what your road block is.  YOU CAN OVERCOME IT. Whatever it is. YOU CAN DO IT!!  Ya gotta believe.  Stop crying in your collective milk cartons and get it done.  Or you can choose to remain as you are.  But the sad reality is if were not improving…… were rotting…. I don’t care if were rich, poor, healthy, fat, have mental problems or just have given up.  Are you stuck in a nowhere job that you HATE??  Get off your tail and find what you want. YOU are in charge of your tomorrow, nobody else…. NOBODY ELSE.

Random Thoughts ~ once again

So, this picture is NOT the way I feel or look… anymore.  But I thought it was appropriate for some random thoughts on this Sunday afternoon.

  Lets start with energy and fitness, I went out with some friends and watched the Apple Cup last night,  University of Washington and Washington State University and their annual rivalry game was great, great, great.  UW beat WSU and will advance to a bowl game for the first time since 2002. Long time, many long Saturday afternoons have been spent the last 8 years watching the Huskies take the gas pipe.  What a fun, rewarding rebuilding process it’s been.  I really enjoy seeing broken things fixed.  I don’t care if it’s people, old cars, teams,  programs,  clubs… it doesn’t matter. One of my favorite hobbies is taking something that needs help and turning it around.  Then turn it over to someone else once it’s repaired…. Good stuff.  And this morning, I woke up with a slight football win hangover…. And did NOT want to exercise…. but I pushed play, and I did my 60 minutes, and sweated out all that was ailing me.

What else… Yea, my new job, I just spent my first week in my new territory working for Living Social and outside of the frustration of learning everything brand new at my age, it went well.  I really love the energy of being with such a company that is just tearing it up in every way. There is much competion however our niche and the quality of our process and training has all of us in the field postured just right.  The merchants are lining up to be featured and I really enjoy this so far.  It’s very positive, hard rewarding work.  And after owning my own company for 25 years, it’s kind of nice to be in a large company that is taken it to the streets like we are. This weeks big news was that a small company in Seattle had just bought a “minority” stake in Living Social for 183 Million dollars. How cool it’s going to be moving forward knowing that Amazon, the world’s number one  on-line shopping site and Living Social one of the countries fastest growing Social Media and Networking companies are working together to give the US and the rest of the world great deals on the coolest stuff to do and see in their communities.  I feel like the whole career change for me was just meant to be, from the interview process, to the hiring, training, and my new-found energy and passion in my life.  Thank you  P9oX, TurboFire, and Beachbody getting my body and mind strong again so I can take on the challenges of my new career.  I’m very grateful for the help in re-inventing myself.

Speaking of challenges, for most of 2010, I’ve been working at building up my Beachbody Coaching business, following their game plan for success and doing my best to make their success club each month.  I have missed it only a few times all year and I’m proud of that accomplishment.  In fact, I was invited to a Luncheon with CEO of Beachbody, Carl Daikeler, and Tony Horton this last weekend in Portland, but I could not attend.  How cool though, to be invited as one of the top producers in the Northwest.  Another reason to be proud for sure.   I worked hard to recieve my Diamond Coaching status, and will continue helping others get fit and healthy and maintain that status to best of my ability.

Although I cannot spend as much time on my Beachbody business now that I’m working for Living Social, they do go hand in hand, I must maintain my commitment to working out 6 days a week, so I’m prepared both mentally and physically to handle the demands of my new position.  I’m committed to both, and must stay frosty on that.  My workouts, my quality of work to my new position are both NON-Negotiable.  I’ll maintain high standards with both, and take pride knowing that I’m doing my absolute best I can.

Energy, Drive, Passion and your job- how to tie them together

Any of us who don’t admit to hitting that wall in our personal or professional lives is in a dream world.  Anything we do, that is repeated, day after day is a luster loser… It loses its fire, it becomes mundane and it’s a daily struggle to maintain our focus and energy.  But we must.  As I  become older, ( hopefully) wiser and better at my job I found that I stopped challenging myself at times.  And as I aged, my energy levels decreased and my passion wavered for all things.

Sound familiar?  Well Grasshopper, if it’s not happened to you, it will or you’re not admitting a fact of life.  People have made millions producing self-help books, tapes, DVD’s et all on how to live a meaningful, happy exciting life.  You don’t need to go pay a grand to listen to some guy stand up there and tell you the millions he’s made from his outlook on life.  He’s made those millions because people will buy that stuff.  Because we all want more….. more money……more happiness……more for our children…… more out of our lives.  And the elusive roadmap is right in front of us.

All of us who are self motivated, driven and want more ….. well… want more.   We search for it, we study it and we just almost find it.  At least that was me.  And age, weight lack of core strength was the one thing holding me back.  So let’s discuss a phenomenon that happened to me for a moment.

I was tired, “sick and tired of being sick and tired” so to speak.  Then I took the plunge and started a rigorous exercise regimentation.  Started working out 6 days a week, and have done that for nearly a year now.  IT WAS HARD… Make no mistake about it.  There were days when I just didn’t want to…. I fought it, hated it, but plowed on.  My method for improving my physical and mental outlook on life was working out at home with P90X and other Beachbody programs.  I can’t begin to tell you how proud I was when I completed my first 90 days of this program that on the surface was just something that was out of my reach both  physically and mentally. I was 52 when I first started this and everyone including me thought, ” what the hell are you doing this for?”  Well…. I’ll tell you why…. BECAUSE it seemed out of reach, unattainable, undooable…… And that made me want it that much more.

So here I am today, after 2 rounds of P90X, after 1 round of its big brother, P90X Plus, after 90 days of Chalene Johnson’s TurboFire ( 4 more weeks to go ) and now at 54 years old, I’m Leo DiCaprio on the bow of the Titanic screaming at anyone who’ll listen that I’m ” KING OF THE WORLD”  I’m NOT kidding folks.. You want to get out of your rut?  You want to get that promotion at work?  You want to go play sports again, but have given up because of….. well because your just too out of shape?  Do you want more?? 

Then show your kids, your wife, your husband, your boss, your friends, everyone you know that you have the answer to those poor souls out there that want it but don’t get it.  It’s time…. It’s time to become a leader, an innovator, it’s time to be that person that you look up to.  Stop making excuses, it’s time.  I’m available to anyone who wants to change things and start a wonderful, fulfilling exciting life.  Ask me and I’ll give you the tools for success.

You can’t imagine the way you can feel…. the way you can succeed…..  stop settling .  Go for it.

The gift I’ve given myself is the single best decision I’ve ever made..  And everyone in my life is benefiting from it.

The doors my Fitness focus has opened for me. Am I about to be Living Social?

I’ve spoken many times on how things used to be…. I used to be tired all of the time, stressed, High BP… I had every old man problem you could think of.  I was walking down the street angry, depressed and frankly didn’t see the point of all of this.  I’d been working in the same industry for 25 years, and it had lost its challenge, it’s luster, it’s fun.

So in 2008 I started to try to fix me.  I walked 3 miles a day, at least 5 days a week for the entire damn year.  I put over 600 miles on my poor treadmill, there were days when I just didn’t want to do it, and there were days when I really got into it. And when the year ended and I looked at my walking log, I felt great, like I’d accomplished something.  And I wanted more.  So, I asked for the program that everyone was talking about, this P90X thing.  And I went to work on that.  I worked out for 60 days before some family issues came into play, and I had to travel quite a bit down to San Francisco to spend time with my ill brother.  And through the horrible reason I was there, a wonderful thing happened, I reconnected to a city that I love. I reconnected to my childhood in the Bay Area, I reconnected to a baseball team that I LOVED as a child. And although my brothers illness didn’t end well, I found a city and fell in love with it again.  I’m not sure I could have handled the stress of dealing with that time if I hadn’t already started working on myself in Jan of that year.  By working out 6 days a week, I not only was healing my body, but another surprise was happening.  My mind was opening up again, my attitude was fantastic, I was looking at the world NOT as a big pain in the rear like I had, but a wonderful place that had endless possibilities and hopes and dreams in store for me.  Imagine that….. over 50, feeling like it was all over, and kicking yourself into gear and witnessing the change for yourself that I’d heard from all the P90X nuts in this country.  

 I”ll be damned….. IT WORKS!!!!!  I’m a lean, mean, happy machine these days.  My mind is open to all my future holds, and I’m grabbing it by the……  well… you know.  As the economy continued to struggle, and my business along with it, I realized that I’m too young to retire,  too young and have too much passion for things still to sit back and do nothing.   I’m a type A, passionate person who feels things very strongly and needs to have new challenges and focus in his life.

About a year ago, a good friend of my son’s took a job with a company called Living Social, a new startup company that was hooking up people in cities around the country with cool things to do in their towns at significant discounts.   I thought it was a pretty good concept and was happy for him.  And I kept an eye on them, opening up new cities each month, new areas of business.  They now are global and venture capitalists have believed in their concept as well.  I was told that they were opening up new markets in the Seattle area, and I Facebook messaged Colm to ask him if he thought they’d consider hiring a 50 something guy who’s looking for a new challenge.  He responded to me right away and told me that they had quite a few reps my age, and that if I was serious, I should apply. And when I do, he’d do his best to tell his local manager to please look over my resume.    So I pondered it for a few days, did my homework on the company some more and the more I looked the more I liked this and when I like something and become a believer….. watch out!!

My POINT is….. If I hadn’t opened up my mind to new challenges, to personal development strategies, to getting off my a** and going for something, I’d never have grabbed this opportunity when it presented itself.   So, anybody out there have a personal story like mine? Of course you do, let me know what your story is, and I can show you how to pick yourself up and dust yourself off.  You just need to believe, that’s all. 

Tomorrow:   What happened???  Did I get the job????  How did I do with my first job interview in decades??  Did I blow it??   tune in tomorrow for the details……  I’ll tell you one thing…. It went better than this:

TurboFire by Chalene Johnson

I’m right smack in the middle of week 6 of this scheduled 12 week Kick A@@ Cardio program called TurboFire.  And I thought I’d take a minute to share with you how I perceive my first attempt at HIIT ( High Intensity Interval Training).    

TurboFire retails for $119.95 for the 11 disc set, which includes:

Note:  The number in each workout is the length in minutes

Get Fired Up
Chalene guides you through the program to help you get the best results.

Fire 30 Class/Stretch 10 Class
Throw smoking-hot hooks and make big leaps to the bass of “Give Up the Funk.”

HIIT 15 Class/Stretch 10 Class
Dial it up for your first High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class.

Fire 55 EZ Class/Stretch 10 Class
Don’t let EZ fool you, because you’ll be sweating to “Dazzey Dukes.”

Core 20 Class/Stretch 40 Class/Stretch 10 Class
Chalene’s most popular class targets your tummy with moves that deliver incredible abs.

Fire 45 Class/Stretch 10 Class
Kick, dance, and punch your way into shape to the beat of “Wiggle It.”

HIIT 20 Class/Stretch 10 Class
“Turn This Mutha Out” with 7 sizzling fire drills in 20 minutes.

Fire 45 EZ Class/Stretch 10 Class
Take a break from the fire drills, but not the fire, as you sweat to “In the Ayer.”

HIIT 25 Class/Stretch 10 Class
Here are 25 minutes of your most intense fire drills yet with Chalene.

Sculpt 30 Class/Tone 30 Class
Develop shapely muscles with Chalene’s challenging resistance classes.

Stretch 40 Class/Stretch 10 Class
Increase your flexibility and lengthen your muscles for a long, lean look.

I’d just finished off my 3rd round of P90X  and loved every minute of it… OK, that’s a lie, cause I sometimes found myself swearing at Tony Horton for making me work so hard.  The point is…. I was ready for a new challenge, so I thought I’d work on my weak spots.  Cardio and fat burning.  Keep in mind I was 40 lbs overweight when I started, so even though I’ve been at this for 9 months, I still did not have the waistline and abs that I want.  Of course I might never, but damn if I’m not going to try my best to get there.   So when TurboFire was introduced at our Coaches Summit earlier this year, I knew what my next challenge was.

There seemed to be a misconception that this is a “chick” workout.  Not so, at first I had a little trouble with the moves and the quickness of it all, but that’s why they have the ” new to class” option on these discs,where the moves are broken down slowly so you can see the madness behind them. After about 3 times of doing each routine, I got it and that’s when the fun really started, because THEN I could just go for it and within 2 weeks I’m keeping up with all the energy and music, ( which by the way is FANTASTIC ).    TurboFire dials up the intensity on Fire and HIIT days, which feature faster beats and more complex moves inspired by mixing cardio with Kickboxing.  These Turbo Moves have been specifically designed and choreographed by Chalene Johnson so you crank up the intensity.  Each kick, every punch, and all the moves are set to the beat, which really helps keep your intensity level at …. well a high level.

So, what is this HIIT stuff you ask?  Why is it better, and why should YOU kick it up to this level?  I’ll tell you why. It’s the afterburn effect.  This program includes high Intensity interval training that can help you burn calories and fat up to 9x more than a traditional cardio workout.

How is this possible?   According to many recent studies, a very intense training program such as HIIT will improve both the aerobic and anaerobic energy release in your body.  When youdo the Fire Drills in this program– otherwise known as HIIT, you’re exercising at your max in up to one-minute intervals. As a result, your body cranks up your metabolism and shifts into calorie-burner mode.

In the period following your class, you end up burning more stored body fat to help recover from the workout.  This happens because the intense intervals fatigue your muscle groups.  In turn, your body works overtime to replenish the tired muscles with oxygen creating what we call the AfterBurn effect.  So, basically, when you do HIIT your body burns even more calories while you rest, meaning 4 minutes of HIIT can be more effective than 30 to 45 minutes on a treadmill or stair climber.. True story…

So, now at week 6, I’m jumping doing the high impact parts because I’ve done the prework.  I’ve decided that my next 25 years on this earth will be quality years, I’ll live those years as a happy, healthy productive person.  I’ll not allow myself to become one of those older/angry dudes that life has beat down.  NOT ME… NOT THIS GUY.. NOT EVER!!!!

Do you want passion in your life?? Do you just want more??? Well it starts with YOU, right now. Don’t wait, don’t just wait around to die.  Start your new life right here, right now.

Beachbody has many options to accomplish any goal you set for yourself, the difficult part is STARTING your new life, and that’s why they have Fitness Coaches like myself to help during the beginning stages, let me know how I can help you accomplish the YOU that is in there.

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/senseishaw?bctid=82703972001

What I’m learning….. after I thought I knew it all!!!

As time continues to fly by me at an alarming pace, I have to get off the train once in a while and reflect.  This morning is one of those times.  When I first started this blog, I had every intention of writing a daily article about….. stuff.  Different stuff that maybe people just might be able to get something out of.  Then I quickly realized that a daily article… for me, was going to be real tough. Coming up with daily interesting articles was and is a challenge to all writers, bloggers and everyone who has something to say and to share.

As we all get older, the theory is we get wiser.  That is and is not true.  Just a few years ago, I was in the middle of what could be considered good times by many.  Our advertising business www.adprollc.com was in full swing and business was good.  We had many happy clients, we worked very hard and it allowed us to have a good income, helping our kids get off the ground when needed etc.  We had two loving grandsons, life wasn’t perfect but it seemed OK.  But under all of that there was this feeling of uneasiness.  I’d been doing the same thing for over 20 years and I was bored.  I was shuffling things off of my desk just to get them off of my desk.  My satisfaction level of my job and the job I was doing was slipping away from me.  Our grandchildren moved very far away with the intent of soon moving out of the country entirely.  My big brother, my only remaining  immediate family member still living, passed away and I, personally was at a HUGE crossroads in my life.  The economy then dumped and the phone stopped ringing. I had built and rebuilt my business a few times and just didn’t feel the energy to do it again!   And as the economy continued down the toilet, we packed up the business, moved it home and contemplated our next move.    I was at the middle of the crossroads, and had many choices on which turn to take.  Should I continue doing what I was doing?  The safe thing?  The thing that had me this unpassionate miserable guy who was shuffling crap off of my desk just to move it along?  Or should I find a new “thing” to pump me up.  Then the doubt would set in.  I’d tell myself ” what in the hell can you do at 50 something?”  Who’s going to hire an old, bald fat guy with your attitude?

What I did know was that I had to work on me first, I had to get healthier, I had to get fit and if I could do THAT, I knew that I could handle the rest of the changes I needed to do with myself and my remaining years out here.  So, as many of you know, I kicked my own butt for the last 6 months on P90X  http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/senseishaw?bctid=25219321001

I lost 30 lbs, my drive, attitude and ambition has returned and once again I’m in learning, self-improvement mode.  My mind is sharper, my confidence is back and I’M BACK!!!!!  To hold myself accountable, I became a coach in January and decided to use my newfound passion and work at this as a business.  A decision that I’m very thankful for. 

So, back to my point.   What am I learning?  I’m learning that you’re never too old to be better, you’re never too old to improve yourself.  Self help is a necessary and useful thing in everyone’s life.  I’ve also learned that you can go to all the self-help books, videos, conferences and webinars that the world has to offer, and that’s fantastic.  But if you achieve all of the mental improvement possible, your still only half the way there, because if your body is not 100% or working its way there, your self-improvement is not complete.  You cannot possibly achieve what you want and be mentally fit unless you’re taking care of the vehicle properly.  Stop, don’t fight it.  I’m right about this, and you all know it.  It’s time to get on the bandwagon and Learn the things you thought you already knew.  It’s time to get your mind and body @ 100% efficiency again.  You can do it.  You must do it.   Otherwise, were all just waiting around to die.  And that is NOT acceptable.

A Summer success story ~ Luke McCracken

There have been a few times in the past month or so that I’ve been doubting whether I’m making a difference out here.  Getting up every day, doing my workouts, sticking to the program, watching what I’m eating, communicating  with others on what and why I’m doing what I’m doing….  My job is that of a motivator,  I motivate myself and those around me that want a better life, and I will not waiver on that principle.  When I take something on, I take it on and go for it.  Saying that, it’s been some lean times lately in business, I may not be presenting my case as well as I’d like, so I’m kind of re-inventing how I present myself.   Really no problem as we all must do this  from time to time.  I’m very close to advancement in rank, my success partner, Brett Hartley and I have the makings of a great team.  We both are spreading the word on health and fitness with proven products and concepts that FLAT OUT WORK.  I only need another coach that I’ve signed to do the same and my business will jump to the next level.  It will come… Patience is not one of my strongest points.   I often feel like those two buzzards in the tree, and the caption says”  patience my ass, I’m gonna kill something.”  I can really relate to that.

And just when it seems as if you’re not making the difference you’d like, a message comes along that re-enforces your belief in what you’re doing and who you are.  As an Emerald Beachbody coach, I get leads from the company.  The company spends over 150 Million dollars a year on their infomercials, I’m sure you’ve seen them for P90X, Insanity, Power 90, Chalene Extreme… etc.  Those infomercials generate over 50,000 customers per month into the database….. That’s right folks….. 50,000 customers a month fergawdsakes.  That is a serious company in a serious industry and we ARE making a difference in this countries health and fitness. Every few days I get a new lead from one of those 50,000 people who’ve called in and ordered a product, or who have logged on to Teambeachbody.com and opened up an account.  Each person who does that gets assigned a free coach from the company, a coach to help them with their nutritional information or to help motivate them in losing weight or to keep going to reach their goals.  I communicate with each one of them to let them know I’m here for them and want to help them succeed.  Most do not return my emails, most do not communicate at all, and my emails offering help go unanswered.  But one day, I received a reply from a young man who was open to telling me his story.  We struck up an email conversation, he gave me his number and we started talking about him, his dreams and goals.

Luke McCracken is a 26 year old College student who attends Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA.  During the summer he’s been living in Maine and as dreams of become a Military Pilot.  He is currently majoring in the Aeronautics Program with a Military Focus. He wants to fly Army Helicopters.  It’s his goal…. it’s his dream.  Luke has visited Army Recruiters who told him that he needed to lose a bunch of weight before they would even consider him for that role.  He found out about P90X because the Liberty University Varsity Football team all worked out with the program, and he wanted to give it a try.  I was lucky enough for Luke to be assigned to me as his coach. I asked questions, he answered.  We talked on the phone a bunch.  I quickly realized that this guy was serious, he really wanted this and he needed to lose 60 lbs to do it.  His goal was to get to 200 Lbs and upon graduation, join the Army and fly choppers.  HE WANTED IT BAD.  And that’s what we both built on.  Luke’s dad is a Doctor and is involved in his son’s life and goals.  A good Dad, who was sceptical of me and Beachbody, and Shakeology at first.  I don’t blame him.  I sent him the ingredients and Dr’s letter that we have, he looked it over and in a very objective way, told him that he can’t argue with what’s in this stuff.   But he also prefered that Luke go to a local Nutrition and fitness person and do it that way. Luke and I had been talking a bunch, and we came up with a plan.

The plan was this:

1: Drink Shakeology each and every day for 90 days

2: Eat responsible meals, follow the Teambeachbody meal planner

3:  Work out with P90X, follow the program for the full 90 days

Luke committed to doing that, asked his Dad to let him try to do it his way, the Beachbody way.  His Dad agreed and Luke and I went to work.   Now, I’ve had many people tell me what they’re going to do.  I’ve made this same plan with many so far, and some have the drive and ambition to follow through with it and some don’t.  But this young man stuck with the program, each and every day.  If he missed a day, he’s done what I recommended, put the workout at the end of the 90 days and COMPLETE the whole program.  As June and July wore on, and summer took over, I realized I hadn’t checked on him for a while and gave him a call.  Frankly I was worried a little that he’d slipped off the program.  So when we talked I sheepishly asked ” Are you OK?, have you been drinking the Shakes and doing the workouts?”  His reply was positive, and he said, that he feels great, etc…. I then asked him, ” How about your diet….?”  reply was positive… Hmmmmm.  Ok. What’s the weight Luke?  He replied that he was down to 203!!!!!! Are you kidding me!!! 203!!!    This young man has lost 56 LBS in 90 days!!!..  His energy has been great, his determination, drive and commitment to excellence has made his 90 days results more than we had hoped for.  

His lifestyle has been totally transformed.  He heads back to school next week.  His friends and all of those who knew the 260 lb Luke have not seen him since he’s lost the weight.  Imagine for a moment how proud he is going to be, knowing he’s accomplished this lifestyle change in one summer.  What his school friends are going to say.  I wish I could be there. We’ve talked and he’s going to start round 2 of P90X when he gets to school, he’s passed is first step by getting his Private Pilots License, and he says that ” P90X has motivated me to get moving and get in shape for the rest of my life”.    Thanks Luke, for motivating me, and many others who will read this post.  You should be very proud of yourself…….   I know for a fact that there are many others including me who are very proud of you.  You have motivated me beyond words to keep doing what I’m doing.  Helping change lives one person at a time.

Within a few years, Luke will be flying around like this guy:

Maintaining the focus ~ Or how to hit a wall and leap over it

Since the first of the year, I’ve managed to accomplish a lot.  I’ve set some high goals in regards to my fitness and have made great strides in that area of my life.  It’s very rewarding to attempt to do something that on the surface seems very unattainable.  When I started P90X, I really wanted the challenge to do a workout program that, if completed, would give me a real sense of accomplishment.   Each and every day that I pushed play on my DVD player and did my day’s workout gave me power.  It  re-enforced to me that it ALL was in my power.  I had the power to push play and do my workout.  I had the power to sit on my rear and NOT push play and NOT do my workout.  Mentally I knew how much it meant to me to start, and finish this.  It was a huge life goal for me.  I finished off the first round of P90X, then did another.  After completing the second round of this extreme program, I realized that something wonderful had happened.  I no longer struggled with pushing play and mentally  had done a 360 in regards to my previous views on exercise.  It had become a lifestyle, and I’m very grateful, because the mental pain in working out far exceeds the physical pain each and every time.  In fact the mental aspect in all areas of our lives seem to either drive us to greatness or sink us into mediocrity.  My next workout challenge then became P90X+ the big brother to P90X.  I was joining the millions of people who found out what I had found out,  that now I needed more challenge, I wanted more for myself.  I wanted another wall to climb and defeat.  So now, as do my normal catchup of workouts that I’ve missed for some reason or another in a 90 day program, I’ve hit a mental and physical wall.  My energy level  is way down.  My mental energy level is also down, and my passion is waning today.  For 7 months, I’ve been able to kick it and kick it hard, with the energy to be the driving force for myself and many others who want the same thing as I do, a healthy and happy lifestyle.   So, as I was doing my Kenpo/Cardio + workout today.  ( Yes, I pushed play regardless of my energy level)  I realized that I had my subject for today’s blog post.  So, I’d like to share with you all on my thought process in regards to how to overcome this ” heavy mental ” state when you hit a wall.   

 I realized quickly that I needed to have a goal in order to accomplish anything.  Work, play , health… all areas of our life needs passion.  When I didn’t want to work out, I mentally went to myself being out of shape and trying to lead my Cavalry group.  Remembering how sore I used to be after riding, how my back pain was ruling my life.  Then remembering now, how much quicker I recover from everything now that my core is strong.   

So now that my Horse riding and Cavalry career are coming to a close, I’m re-pushing my focus to play baseball again.  Why?  Because I have such passion for baseball, and why not?  Is it hard?  yes?  Am I a great player? No… But….. I’ve quit playing in the past because of my frustration in my inability to hit the damn ball with consistency.  Last time I walked away from the game was 10 years ago.  Guess what? I’m in much better shape now, both mentally and physically than I was then, and I’m going to go at this thing again.  And that focus… will drive me.  Now that I’m just about done with P90X + I need a new challenge.

So, I’ve chosen TurboFire, the new cardio program by Chalene Johnson.  I chose this because, heavy cardio is my weak spot.   So, regain your passion, pick out a goal, regardless if it’s work related, fitness related, hobby related, family related.  Find that hotspot that turns YOU on and make it happen.  Leap over that damn wall,  picture yourself the way you want to be and that picture will come true.

And as I start my journey towards new goals and a new hobby, I’d like to share a short video with you on why I love horses so, and why I’ll miss riding, but realize it’s time to move on.

Consistancy, passion and caring is what drives it all……

As my focus gets back to business, both in my Advertising and Fitness business, I start thinking about what has been the driving forces in both my success and failures in business. 

I started selling when I was still in High School.  I got a job in a gas station when I was 16 years old, I loved it.  I worked hard, and it taught me that it did matter how I did my job.  Then I was hired from that place by Standard Oil Company.  They owed company stations, where you were expected to sell automotive accessories as well as gasoline in their stations.  So, I learned, I’d wash the windshields, and check the wiper blades for wear, I’d ask to check the oil, and check the radiator, while at it, I’d check the condition of the cap, see if the seal was worn or broken, and then check the air filter to make sure it was clean.   Check the pressure in the tires and while I was at it, look at the wear and condition.  Quite a few times I’d find bald tires, or bubbles that had the potential for danger down the road. Many people bought from me , I was providing a service, NOT just trying to sell something to someone who didn’t need it.   In fact most of them were appreciative of the service, some said, ” No thank you.”  And some didn’t trust the process, they didn’t care if their tires were bald, radiator cap was broken, wipers were torn… They just didn’t want to be sold anything, whether they needed it or not.  And I said OK, and closed the hood finished the service and moved on to the next customer.   Those days of  “Service Stations” are pretty much long gone now.  Gas was around .35 per gallon, and people were bitching then too.  We took pride in what we did, and who we were in doing it.  I never felt I was selling stuff, but trying to head off any future problems by doing the work now and letting them know that there was a breakdown risk  and a simple solution was available.

What I’m doing now, working with people and helping them in their fitness and nutrition is very similar to what I did when I was in my late teens.  I have the pleasure of helping people who want better for themselves.  Better health, better diet, better core strength.  Those people who want to be part of the health care solution and not the problem. I’ve written before how I’ve dropped 30 lbs, stopped taking my Cholesterol and blood pressure medication since I found Beachbody products and services.  I’m the kind of guy who, when he buys in….HE BUYS IN!!!   If I decide to do something, I want to be very good at it.  And since the moment I decided to get my fat ass into good shape, I took it very seriously.  NOTHING was going to get in my way, it became the first focus of my day, and once that became my lifestyle, my life improved.  In ways I never dreamed of.  And as I’ve said before, when 2009 finished off, and I was hanging around with no passion, no focus, no drive.  I realized that I HAD to do something in order to survive both mentally and physically.  So I dove into my P90X workouts, became a coach and made myself accountable to not only me, but each and every person I was talking to about Beachbody’s solution to the seemingly insurmountable healthcare crisis.

And as I started sharing this vision and passion the reaction has and continues to be mixed.  Mixed in the sense of, many people are really looking for help, and appreciate help.  Those people, like me, really have wanted all along to join this lifestyle, but didn’t know what the hell to do and are glad that someone is there to help them.  Sick of the Gym scene, waiting in line to get to the machine that looks inviting, but once there  not having the first clue on how to use the damn thing without hiring a trainer that will bill you 50.00 an hour or so.   It wasn’t my thing, and these home based workout programs really worked for me, and continue to do the trick. So, along with those who want, need and appreciate the help, come those who, just like in my old gas station business, just don’t want to be sold.  At all costs, they know what you’re saying is right, they know that they need to start moving their bodies, they KNOW it.  But just don’t want YOU to know that they know.  So, they will listen, nod their heads, tell you they’ll think about it, and…… then stop returning your calls because they don’t want to give you the satisfaction for some unknown reason of being the one to help.  They want to do it ” their way” Some will join the gym now, and not tell you, some won’t.  And then you wonder.  Did I come on too strong?  Why don’t they trust me?  What did I do wrong?  But the reality is maybe… maybe to all of them. And there is no right answer. There are too many scams out there right now, too many dishonest people trying to steal others identity and money.  And the more of them there are, the harder it is for good ideas, business’ and good people to get their word out and have it listened to.  And it does get frustrating at times, it makes me wonder if I’m doing the right thing.   Doubting myself.

But I keep going, when someone sees me who I haven’t seen in a while, they are amazed at my transformation, amazed how @ 54 years old, I’ve added muscle, lost fat, and have the energy of a 20 something again.  And then I get an email from one of my clients that says:

Tim,

You are making a HUGE difference in both our lives.  We were already on the path, but you have really accelerated our motivation!  We have always eaten well, however, this is the first time we’re really tracking what we are eating and really staying true to what we want.  It’s working.Keep it up – you are doing great! 

And it makes me feel soooo alive!!  That what I’m doing is making a difference, and is a good thing for me and those who just want more for themselves.

So, my drive, passion and determination is clear.  To build my Beachbody Coaching business in the right way. To help those who are willing to listen and trust me with their health.  I’ll keep doing this, because I KNOW it’s right. I’ll focus on helping those in need, and not in what it can do for me financially.  And THAT focus is what will make this successful. 

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/senseishaw?bctid=1861298193

Are YOU Living the Dream?

I crack up when I ask someone how the hell they’re doing, and they reply with a sarcastic ” Livin the dream, man… livin the dream..”  It’s funny really, we all do it.  At least I have.  But is it really possible to live the dream?  Can a person today really have a passionate and fulfilling life?  If so, what makes it so?  Questions for the ages really. I can only speak for myself, so here goes.

I’ll be 54 years old next Friday fergawdsakes.  Give me a break.  Wasn’t it just yesterday I was smoking dope in the backseat of my friends Dodge Swinger at the High School dance?  By god if feels that way to me.  When you think of yourself, what do YOU see?  I’m talking about the mental image you have of YOU in your mind.  Do you see a happy, energetic person that makes others feel good?  Or do you see a person who has allowed life to taint them.  Make them angry, see the worst in everything? Are YOU living in the pissed off world of Uncle Hal?  If so, why?  Do you like it? Do you like raining your crap on everyone’s parade day after day?  I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way.  You can turn this all around, it’s up to you dudes or dudettes.  Stop waiting around to croak.  The world is full of people who just don’t get it.  Those who do nothing but bitch, bitch, bitch about any subject that anyone will listen to.  Saying that…   I can relate to both sides.  Let me explain. 

2009 was a bitch of a year for me.  The economy tanked and my Advertising business went into the dumper. I still have it, www.adprollc.com but the crappy economy allowed me to change what had become a 20 year pattern or so.  In addition, I lost my only sibling, my big brother Mike died of complications from Chrones disease, my poor brother died a crappy death wacked out on pain medication as his body shut down from years of steroid therapy.  Look at the picture of the crazy son of a bitch… we were at the Las Vegas wax museum, and he said”  Tim…. take my picture”, he goes up to George W’s likeness, put’s his finger in his hand and pulls THIS off!!  Everyone including me laughed like hell, it was priceless… friggin priceless.  There were about 15 people who saw this, and it brought down the house.  Then one by one, they go up and take the same picture.  That was him… A complete nut job for sure.  I miss him very much.  So, 2009 was horrible to me.

My passion for life was gone.  I was in the ” pissed off world of Uncle Hal”.  I hated each and every day.  Something had to change…. SOMETHING HAD TO CHANGE!!!!   So, like the rest of the world, I’d seen these infomercials showing this product, P90X and how it could transform your sorry ass in 90 days into a 20 something Adonis.  And also, my back was trashed, everything hurt, I was drinking a ton of Vodka each day… UGG…..  I was a complete train wreck.  A lost soul,  NOT the guy I’d dreamed of being when I imagined livin the dream in my 20’s.  So, back to the point.  I get this P90X program for Christmas, and looked it over and decided right then and there, that THIS was the damn answer for me.  This was the thing that was going to change my focus, change my body and at the very least get me into better shape.  It seemed unattainable really.  I wasn’t sure if a 50 something guy like me who was 35 lbs overweight with Manboobs could do this.  But I was damn sure gonna try.  And when I put my mind to something, I can do anything. 

So, I read what I’m getting into, and then on a Monday morning, I put on my shorts, put the first workout into the DVD, and push play.  HOLY CRAP!!!  I barely made it through it. But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I just kept at it.  Pushed play, day after day after day.  And what started happening to me was a miracle.  What I didn’t realize was how much working out would do for my mental outlook.  I felt great, I thought more positive thoughts.  I was proud of me again.  And THAT’s the gold.  I was waking up each and every day with a passion for life that I thought I’d NEVER get back.  I got it back ten fold.  I became such a believer in this company, that I changed the focus of my business to helping others get this for themselves.  I became a Beachbody Coach, within a month of starting the program, and it’s one of the single best gifts I’ve ever given myself.  I ran into people who hadn’t seem me in a while, and they said ” my god!!  What’s happened to you?”  And I’d share them this story.  And they wanted the same passion and zest for life that I had.   And helping others attain this keeps me passionate, and focused on the goal.  The goal is NOT just how you look, the goal is, how you feel, how you treat others, how you treat yourself.  The goal is doing the right things and knowing that your efforts can and do change lives.  Change lives for the better mind you.  Within two years, my Beachbody Coaching business will be my sole source of income, good things take time.  I’m building my business one life at a time.

I’m so fortunate to have found this at this time in my life, I’m so fortunate to be living here, right now, writing this.  Are YOU living the dream?  If not, ask yourself ” why the hell not”?   In closing, I can only say, that I’m here for anyone who wants help getting fit, healthy and happy again.  This isn’t rocket science for the young.  THIS is attainable for us all, each and every one of us, regardless of your current situation. Contact me for the help you need, and I’ll give it to you NO CHARGE.  I’m going to solve this damn healthcare crisis one life at a time.

If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, contact me here:  www.beachbodycoach.com/senseishaw

Listen to what Tony Horton says about this: