Preemptive goal setting...and the Tao Te Ching...

Are you up for a challenge? Here is a hint. Yes. Set three goals (preferably one in each of the three branches; Fitness of Body; Fitness of Mind; Fitness of Spirit) for 2017. Start your goals now. Yes, start these goals before 2017. Here are a couple of reasons:

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are fast approaching. If there is any time that we get so far removed from self-awareness, and nourishing the body, mind, and spirit (ironically), it will be in the next few months. All the more reason to focus on what’s important.
Your mental toughness will increase, your confidence will grow, and it will propel you forward to begin from a strong place in body, mind, and soul. You will be consistent and discard excuses that hold you back.

The good news is we already know this! We know what’s coming. We know that oh so familiar feeling of overwhelm and self-loathing after indulging in late nights and mixtures of goodness. The franticness of purchasing perfects gifts, cooking for days, and entertaining guests. It sometimes leaves us emotionally drained, with additional pounds, and oh, yeah, returning to the must-complete big projects waiting for us at work. But there is so much going on during the holidays, how can I possible get one more thing done?! Exactly. You do your daily practice towards your goals (especially during the holidays) and you will be golden. Unstoppable. Resilient. Better for it. We can do this! Take a look at the Three Branches below for some inspiration. You can begin these on your own. Use what works for you, discard the rest.

Fitness for Body "Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” ~ Napoleon Hill The trainings I have been posting lately on the GreenNote Fitness Facebook Page are challenging for me but are far easier than when I first started strength training on a consistent basis over a decade ago. Then, trying to complete 10 push-ups or 20 sit-ups was all I could do. That was really tough. But I did not quit. I kept going, doing the work consistently. And now I’m stronger than I was ten, twenty years ago. Don’t be discouraged where you are at right now. We all start where we are at…right now.

Dig in
Be consistent
Keep going

Why do I provide much information on the physical aspect? Why do I push people beyond their perceived physical limits? Because this branch is the foundation of human growth...in all areas of our lives. We must learn to crawl, walk, run. If we stay stagnate in this branch, it decreases the chances of growing in other areas of our lives. Do what drives you towards health and vitality and away from weakness and deterioration. Do the work on this branch. It is work, no question, but it will be worth it...

Fitness for Mind “You have the power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” ~ Marcus Aurelius Undoubtedly, there is much discussion on the Presidential Elections. Now more than ever, we need to forge ahead with mental toughness. Don’t engage in negative thinking and talking. We cannot control the outcome of the election. We can control our reactions to it. Stay away from media dialogue about the candidates and instead focus on what you can control - your emotions, your behavior, and improving yourself. Take this time to first work on improving yourself through the Three Branches, then focus on your family, community, tribe. Don’t waste energy and power complaining. There are plenty of people in this country right now doing exactly that. Instead do something positive for yourself and those around you. That is the most productive action you can take. Fitness for Spirit “…The wise are shy and humble…” ~ Tao Te Ching Recently I’ve (re) incorporated reading as part of my evening routine. Each night after writing in my journal, I read a page from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. Written in the 6th century B.C., “…to read it is not only to see ourselves as we are but to glimpse a greatness extending far beyond our knowledge of ourselves and the universe we live in…The Tao Te Ching deals with what is permanent in us. It speaks of a possible inner greatness and an equally possible inner failure, which are both indelibly written into our very structure as human beings…”. Reading something inspirational is a great way to “bookend” your day. It can serve to help you unwind and plant a seed of goodness upon your soul. Your mission, should you choose to accept it - …make time to think about what’s important to you, …set some goals around those things you deem important, and begin them now before the holidays approach... You will be so grateful you did.