Are you at your goal weight? Do you have the body you dream of? Are you comfortable in your own skin? When was the last time you wore a bathing suit in public? Do you undress, or engage in intimacy, with the lights off? When was the last time you went shopping for some sexy attire? Do you feel confident, empowered and unstoppable? Are you full of energy in the morning, around lunch and at the end of the day?

Bear with me ... This is exciting!

I've been thinking a lot lately about two things, kickboxing and motocross, and I’ve come to realize, it's all a matter of mentality. When I first started riding dirt bikes, I knew nothing. (About motorcycles, hold the witty comments!) As a total beginner, with a goal to race (and win), I wanted to take in everything motocross. Every teaching tool, every tip, every trick, every technique, everything! I signed up for a dozen magazines, bought books, watched tutorial videos... Everything labelled motocross I checked out.

Now, let's flip back to kickboxing. When I got started in Karate, I set my goal, Black belt, and implemented everything I could to take me to my goal. When we started Kickboxing, it was same thing. My father and I have literally traveled 8 hours one way, multiple times just to train for 2 hours on a Friday night.  It's a mentality, an attitude. An all or nothing, an “I’m going to reach my goal or die tying” mentality.

Now, what does all of this have to do with you? Everything.  If weight loss if your goal, why would you not stack the deck to increase your chance and do everything possible to reach your goal?

Let's separate people into TWO groups. Those who WILL reach their goals and those who WON'T reach their goals. Which category do you want to be in?

Over the years working in the health and fitness industry, I’ve come to learn that some people will simply NEVER REACH THEIR GOALS.

There, I said it. And do you want to know something; I've gotten pretty darn good at picking them out before they even start! Why they won't lose weight is actually very simple. It's because losing weight is not a MUST. Once something is a MUST, it happens without exception. We all get our MUST, and sometimes get our SHOULDS.

Meaning, if it's a must, it will happen, if it's a should, it might. If you should lose weight, forget it. If you MUST lose weight, you’re set.

I want to focus more, for the time being, on the serious ones. The ones who WILL reach their goals. The ones who have what it takes, or will find what they need to have it. Those who make it a must. Those who aren't just talk. Those who are ready to walk. How do you rate your weight loss goals, or any life goals for that matter?

Do you ever say any of the following?

• The gym is too hard to get to.
• 6:00 am is too early.
• But I like the way I eat.
• But I enjoy the food I eat.
• I can't let go of meat, chips, or chocolate (Or whatever is your vice)
• I’m too tired after work.
• I’m working out as hard as I can.
• I don’t like vegetables.
• I don't eat that bad.
• Three times a week is too hard.
• This drill is hard.
• Diet pop isn’t that bad.
• This music sucks.
• The coaches aren't funny.
• The stairs are too hard.
• There are no showers.
• The room stinks.

Sound familiar?

It's not that any of those are NOT true, a lot of them are 100% true! That's not the problem, the problem is when they become the focus as oppose to your GOALS being the focus.  Make your goals the focus, give your energy to your goals – NOT the excuses.

And always remember, when it comes to health, there are NO sides. It's not me against you. It's not the world against you. It's you and you alone. If you are overweight, don't blame fast food, don't blame work, don't blame kids, and don’t blame the rigors of life. You stand alone. It's time to take back your life and do it for YOU.

But of course, although you sleep in the bed you make, I’m here to help you along, and when you’re ready kick you in the butt and motivate you when you need it.

To your success, 

Al