George P.
Phoenix, AZ

ANSWER:

That is a really great question because getting and staying lean,
healthy and fit for life is about much more than just calories, protein,
carbs and so on.

Too many trainers and dieticians only focus on the mechanics of eating
and working out while completely failing to focus on the importance
of your mental attitude.

The way you approach this question could be the one thing holding you
back and causing self sabotage or it could be the catalyst that hurls
your towards success and the best shape of your life.

Here's my take on this:

If you're a serious competitive athlete or bodybuilder, I think you have to
have a little bit of "compulsiveness" or "perfectionism" in how you approach
your training. That's just a part of the nature and personality of successful
competitive athletes.

No one gets to the Olympics or the pros by living a so-called "normal, balanced
lifestyle" do they? You don't become a bodybuilding or fitness champion by
being "normal" either.

Athletes, especially bodybuilders, are a unique breed and many of them lead
lives that aren't totally balanced. Their diet and training dominate their
lives at times.

Frankly, if you're going to set your sights for high levels of athletic
achievement, then you're going to have to be willing to pay the price, re-arrange
priorities and make some sacrifices.

Although no one will ever be "perfect", I find that many athletes choose to
strive for perfection.

For most people however, and perhaps even for competitive athletes, I believe
there is a better attitude which helps you walk the fine line between attaining
excellent health and fitness and going too far by being overly compulsive or
perfectionistic, and that is...

Set a direction and strive for progress in that direction.

I believe it's self-defeating to try to be "perfect." None of us will ever be
perfect. But we not only should, we MUST set a course and and begin moving
in a positive direction.

In fact, I believe that if we're not moving forward, we're slipping backwards.
There's no such thing as standing still. "Grow or die" is a universal law and
everything in the universe is either growing or dying, increasing or decreasing,
moving foward or moving backward.

we must continually grow and strive to actualize our potential - this is a part
of our purpose as human beings. The Japanese have a word for this - they
call it "KAIZEN," which roughly translated, means "constant improvement."

In my own bodybuilding career, my aim has changed from a perfectionistic,
Lombardi-inspired "winning is everything" attitude to "competing against myself."
My goal is no longer first place. I don't care who I beat or who beats me.
I really don't even care if I get a trophy anymore.

My goal is to be better than I used to be.

Every time I step onstage, if I look the best I have ever looked, then I'll
feel like a winner no matter where I place or how I compare to some so-called
"perfect ideal."

I used to be so dreadfully serious about my training that it started to
become a chore. As a result of my new outlook on things, I have a lot more
fun bodybuilding than I ever did before. It's because I'm not so attached to
the outcome - I'm just enjoying the journey and gaining the same satisfaction
from progress that I used to only get from winning.

the great part is, focusing on progress and self improvement so often leads
to winning!

John Wooden, the winningest coach ever in college basketball, put it better
than anyone:

"To me, success isn't outscoring someone, it's the peace of mind that comes from
self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best. That's something each individual
must determine for himself.

You can fool others, but you can't fool yourself. Many people are surprised to learn
that in 27 years at UCLA, I never once talked about winning. Instead I would tell
my players before games, 'When it's over, I want your head up. And there's only
one way your head can be up, that's for you to know, not me, that you gave the
best effort of which you're capable.

If you do that, then the score doesn't really matter, although I have a feeling
that if you do that, the score will be to your liking.' I honestly, deeply believe
that in not stressing winning as such, we won more than we would have if I'd
stressed outscoring opponents."

I think that regardless of your goals - dropping a few pounds, losing a hundred
pounds, becoming a fitness model, winning a title, just being healthy, whatever,
that the mindsets of improving yourself, doing your best and striving to make
continuous progress are the most constructive attitudes that will serve you the
best over a lifetime.

Until next time, train hard, expect success,
burn your fat and feed your muscles!
Have a truly great day , everything is possible!
Allan Fine / Fitness/ Lifecoach
executive edge
executive-edge@shaw.ca
Phone: 403-246-7386
1-866-308-0606
Mountain Standard Time|
http://www.executiveedge1.com
******************************************
executive edge FitnessTraining
and Lifecoaching and Consulting services.
******************************************
--- Disclaimer ----
The information contained in this e-mail is
strictly for informational purposes. You should
consult a physician before beginning any new
nutrition, exercise, or dietary supplement program. The information contained in this email
are not meant to provide medical advice. Specific medical advice should be obtained from a
licensed health-care practitioner.

As you can see, training with The executive edge Personal Training has many advantages over working out at most local fitness facilities. If you want more details about any of our programs, please feel free to read the many pages on this site about how our services can benefit you, and you may also contact us directly at 403-246-7386 or email executive-edge@shaw.ca