Life Lessons

By: fitfactor June 30, 2022 1:59 am

Hello my friends,

In a recent conversation with a friend, I told him how I would give my Dad some wise advice about the consequences of his choices, thinking I was enlightening him with a life-changing moment. My friend, who is also a parent, laughed and said: “- Paulo, your Dad already knew all about his choices’ outcome. He just wanted you to think you were teaching him something. -“

​Well, it made me feel good, even if he knew.

One of the great things about getting older is that we may have lived through enough experiences to (hopefully) have learned lessons about what works for us – and what doesn’t.

You know how to reach a goal successfully.

You know how to set the right mindset to win.

So, whatever your life experiences are, you should have had enough of them that you can apply them to your fitness goals to ensure your success – whatever that looks like for you.

Think about these Five Life Lessons and how they can help you get fit or stay fit to enjoy your hobbies, prepare for travel, play with your kids or grandkids… whatever you want!

1- It is All in Your Head. Whether you think you can or cannot, you are right. Recall a time when you wanted something that was a stretch – an education, a promotion, a better relationship, etc. When you reached those goals, what was your attitude going into the process? What about those times when you failed? Remember the victories, learn from the failures and adopt those thoughts to your fitness goals.

2- Quitters Never Win, and Winners Never Quit. How often have you said that to one of your kids or a junior colleague? Was it true then? Is it true now? Yes, and yes. Fitness is not “instant gratification” but a life pursuit. So put the work in, be consistent, be patient, and enjoy the results (consequences or outcome).

3- Align Your Actions with Your Beliefs. Think of a young professional working for a company with a very lucrative salary but is overworked and over-stressed. The young professional leaves the company for a less-paying job but eventually makes up the difference without sacrificing their health and integrity. We must behave in a way that is consistent with our self-image.

4- Take It Easy, Baby. You have worked hard for what you want, but sometimes you must take your foot off the gas. Self-care, rest, and recovery will help you more than just grinding away all the time. So have a glass of wine, or call me, and I will make you an Old-Fashioned that will knock your socks off.

5- Practice Gratitude. Being ungrateful could be the #1 cause of all failures in life. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself about what you lack, try to systematically express thankfulness for your blessings. This attitude will fuel you to greater heights and encourage you to do better and help others.

Did you notice how none of these tips has anything to do with fitness? I did not talk about strength training instead of cardio. Or whether you should eat carbs or not.

I am happy to talk about those things when you come in.

But for now, this is about your brain, your heart, your mindset, and your emotions.

​But then again, like my Dad, you already knew all of this.​​​

​See you soon.​

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