My Journey to Fitness Blogdom (Part II of III)

Lesson II -- Take the time to discover the real you; FIND YOUR PURPOSE.

Setting goals is analogous to finding your purpose and it is a crucial function in any fitness endeavor.  You need to be open to your intuitions and let them assist in defining your purpose in life; let them map out a path so that you can fulfill that purpose.  In much the same way, specific goals have to be set for your fitness regimen.  It's not enough to say, "I want to be in shape" or "I want to eat better" -- not because those statements aren't meaningful, but because they're not specific enough.  Clearly specifying your goals will allow you to more effectively design a course of action that will make your journey easier and increase your chances for success.

"Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life." 

                                                                            -- Confucius

I was a little behind schedule.  While many college students spread their wings and explore all that life has to offer, I more closely resembled a hermit.  I rarely took time to heed the wise advice of my professors and friends who suggested that I "smell the roses" and enjoy life.  Apparently, I was hell bent on doing that after I'd earned my degree -- when I was supposed to begin my career.

As I left the world of research behind, my thoughts essentially were, "I don't want to be laying in my bed when I'm 95 wondering 'what would have happened if . . .' so I'm going to try every occupation that's ever intrigued me."  My experiences included:

-- Dealing blackjack at Mystic Lake Casino/Hotel
-- Temping for Lab Support (trying science in the corporate setting)
-- Bartending
-- Modeling
-- Bouncing

Throughout this adventure, I also focused on improving my level of fitness.  I'd always been around sports and competition, but weight training hadn't ever become a consistent habit . . . and developing that habit proved difficult.  I'd start for 1-3 months and fall off schedule.  Then, when consistent training wasn't an issue, I limited my progress with substandard nutrition and inadequate rest.  Frankly, I dealt with many of the same obstacles that my clients and countless others have faced. . . until my mindset changed and I matured enough to clearly define my goals and follow through with them.

And with this improved mindset, my expedition lead to the discovery of my soul's purpose -- during a workout, none-the-less.  My self-esteem had greatly improved as my body transformed and started to function better than it ever had.  I felt great, like I was becoming the person I'd always wanted to be, and realized that I could take this newfound love for training and use it to better the lives of others. 
"This is it," I thought, "I'm going to be a fitness professional."

I overcame my fears and took a risk to explore my deepest desires;  leaving me open to find my purpose.  I embarked on a career that perfectly blended my educational background with my desire to help people.  Not only that, but it pushed me to live to my highest ideals, to lead by example and practice the lifestyle that I teach . . . to be the same person publicly and privately.  This decision gave me plenty of opportunity for self-improvement while enabling me to bring people health and keep them OUT of hospitals.  As far as I was concerned, I'd found the perfect career; and from here, the future would only get brighter.