This is my 200th post to this blog! 2 years and 10 months since my first post. At least 30 minutes of writing, per day, for the first year, and well over 300 hours of writing in total.
This blog started as an idea to explore awakening the true self in education.
We all have ideas - many of them! Why did this one stick?
Because I committed to it. I made a promise to play the game to the best of my ability and transform anything that got in the way.
18-and-a-half years ago, the day I asked Amy to marry me, I made a similar promise to her. I committed to letting go of anything that got in the way of me being an amazing husband to her for the rest of our lives.
Last week I committed to leveling up my physical health, and I put money on the line. I told my friend, Pete, that I’d exercise at least three times a week or else I’d give him $20.
I’m probably in the best shape of my adult life, yet there’s a level of physical health I’ve never achieved. Mostly, I’ve given up on the idea that it’s even possible for me to level up. I eat great, I work out a couple times a week, and my schedule is already pretty busy! What more could I do?
But last week I realized something - and it’s rather obvious in retrospect…Physical health and well-being happen in the mind first.
Being in great shape hasn't really been about my body at all. It's been about my mind.
In fact, everything happens in the mind first.
Our relationships - spouse, kids, friends, pets, colleagues, neighbors - all happen in the mind first.
Our health and well-being - energy, peace, strength, focus, exercise - all happen in the mind first.
Our effectiveness at work - satisfaction, enjoyment, compensation - all happen in the mind first.
Enthusiasm, passion, creativity, enjoyment? In the mind first.
Love, compassion, understanding, connection? In the mind first.
Our biggest hurdles are also in the mind: Doubt. Fear. Reasons. Indecision. Lack of willpower.
Yes, it all happens in the mind first.
My mind is my most valuable asset. It’s the one part of me that makes ALL else possible.
And the mind isn’t simply the brain. The mind is so much more. It’s story. It’s creation. It’s a universe of possibility once we learn to tap into it and move beyond the lies, pretenses, and illusions that hold us back and keep us and others small.
Now, all of that is a nice insight.
Insights are a dime a dozen. When I scroll through my social media feed, I find insightful videos and posts, inspirational quotes, and other powerful truths that resonate right to my core.
So what is it that turns insight into actual transformation?
First, listen. If it's something that actually inspires you and invites you to see something new being possible in life, sit with the idea and the feeling of inspiration.
Second, commit. If it's something you actually want, it serves your core values, and it doesn't conflict with your other core values and commitments, commit to it!
Third, honor your commitment. Look, this isn't always easy. This is actually where the work comes in. And it's only the mind that can both get in our way and also get us back to clarity, peace, and motivation.
And trust me - support is a must. I get to live a life I love due to my years of training and practicing, and also because I have a one-on-one coach, a #ProFriend, and a community of committed partners.
Commitment, done well, is the higher mind making a choice that our future self only needs to align with. That's what it means to create your world.
It all begins with the mind - our most valuable asset.
Thanks so much for reading. ❤️
P.S. As a transformational coach, I help teens, adults, and organizations move beyond their self-imposed limitations to be their best and feel their best. If you’re interested in finding out how I can support you or your organization, reach out and let’s talk. 💌
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