What Doesn't Work (Fit Tips)

I mentioned recently to one of my morning class participants that I’m pursuing a college education and want to be a psychologist when I grow up. After some discussion we decided that at least I can tell people what doesn’t work. We both laughed at that.

The thought came to me of a doctor who smokes, telling you to stop smoking; or an out of shape trainer helping you with your exercise program. Divorced counselors may have the same problem…but it’s not uncommon.

I truly do know what doesn’t work. I can tell you eating ice cream before bed every night isn’t good for you. I can tell you too much sitting or relaxing isn’t going to help you lose weight or become stronger. I can tell you that if you don’t strain your muscles regularly, through some resistance training, you won’t build stronger bones over the years, and you will experience an increased possibility of many health related issues, including diabetes.

Telling you doesn’t change you. That doesn’t work. I can tell you all day long how to be a happy, healthy, well balanced person. That doesn’t work. I can tell you that trying to change anyone except yourself doesn’t work.

What does work? “Often times it happens, that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key.” (Jack Tempchin and Robb Strandlund, ‘Already Gone’, The Eagles 1974). You have the key. I don’t have it. I can tell you that you have it. I can tell you how to find it. I can tell you how to use it. But my telling you doesn’t work. It’s you that makes it happen.

Not only do you have the key somewhere in your own pants pockets…but, you ARE the key. You are the secret ingredient to your own success. Once you believe that, you have what you need to change and grow. There is truly magic in believing that truth.

If you don’t believe you can change, it won’t work. I know that doesn’t work. Know you hold the key. Exercise a particle of faith to reach for the key. Take hold of it. It’s in your own hand. See the key in your own possession. Put the key into the lock and unlock the chains that bind you.

Allow yourself to be free from the chains and find who you are without the weight of them. I know that works.

Sally Windham is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor in Blanco, TX. Please send questions and comments to sally.windham@yahoo.com

Read Article.

More from Fit Tips.