MIND. Body. Soul. Why Take Control?

I’d like to write about the importance of the Mind, for the first section within my segment, Mind. Body. Soul. Although most people know the difference between each word, I don’t know if everyone has spent time reflecting on each word and the gravity in which each play in our lives. If you do, great, I hope you can grow even deeper into that understanding. If you haven’t, that’s okay, most people are in your shoes! Because my blog is going to be primarily focused on health, wellness, and happiness, I believe gaining a deeper understanding of your mind is the first fundamental step to becoming healthy.

“As long as the mind is enslaved, the body can never be free. Psychological freedom, a firm sense of self-esteem, is the most powerful weapon against the long night of physical slavery.”

MARTIN LUTHER KING, speech, Aug. 16, 1967

MIND: The human mind is a crazy, bizarre, constant, yet ever changing tool if you will, that has the power to do things you can only imagine…If you allow it. Most people have heard of the theory Mental Toughness (the state in which a person can persevere through difficult and challenging times). Or how about the theory of Self-Efficacy (the construction of ability)? I have seen these two theories first hand as a Group Fitness Instructor, and strongly believe that the root of doing comes from your own mind. Patrons come in and out of my fitness classes with their own personal goals; whether they be to loose weight, gain muscle, feel healthier, prevent injury, each goal is personal and their own. Of course, I do the very best I can to provide those results for people, but I can only do so much. I believe true self progress comes from spending time self-reflecting on your doubts, concerns, and desires. Personally I use the model, S.M.A.R.T. Goals. If you have heard of them, good, I hope you can look into what potential using them might have for you. If you use them already, GREAT, you know exactly what I’m talking about when I say they truly help you navigate your needs and wants into reality.

S. Specific (Leave nothing unclear; who is involved, what do I want to accomplish, where will it be done, why am I doing this, which constraints do I have?)

M. Measurable (Can you track the progress and see the measure the outcome? How will you know your goal has been accomplished?)

A. Attainable/Achievable (Is the goal reasonable enough to be accomplished? make sure it is not too low, or to high for YOUR level of performance)

R. Relevant (Is the goal worthwhile and will it meet your needs? Does it fit your immediate and long term plans?)

T. Time-Bound (Set yourself to a date and time to accomplish this goal. This will establish a sense of urgency and help you enhance your time management skills.)

An important step in all healthy success is taking control of your mind. If you can push yourself, believe in yourself, and exceed goals you can take control of your mind in every fashion of your life. Everyone has heard of this advice before, but have you actually reflected on the attainable personal power that rests at your fingertips? This is something every human struggles with on a day-to-day basis, myself included. You get so bogged down at work, that the definite line of work-life balance becomes hazy. Or maybe you want to exercise more, but you don’t have the confidence to get to the gym. Whatever the reason may be I encourage you to go out of your comfort zone and try something new! (Crazy, I know) Check out the gym you drive past everyday, go for walk, meet someone new at work, buy a yoga mat and meditate on your week. Do what you can to be the healthiest person.

Remember, your health is yours. It might even be the most personal thing you ever have in this lifetime.

Take ownership, take control of your mind and see what you can accomplish…