Working for a "Loving"

As many of you know last weekend I was in Stamford, CT at the Ryan Lee Boot Camp fitness conference. To say it was amazing is an understatement. My head is still spinning and my batteries are fully charged as my passion is renewed as my for what I do for a "loving". I actually look forward to Monday mornings and if you do too, then you are also one of the lucky ones. I'm not embarrassed to say it. I love my work. I love helping and working with people. Well, this weekend I met a man who inspired me as he inspires thousands of people around the globe.

I've known about Brian Grasso for over two years. I've been reading Brian's newsletters and blog for over a year and I just had the opportunity to meet him and hear him deliver the keynote address at the conference. Brian Grasso is the CEO and the driving force behind the IYCA, (International Youth Conditioning Association) and he is passionate about many things, but two that are at the top of his list are youth fitness and athletic development. After meeting other IYCA Coach's and Brian, I am even more fired up to be involved with this great organization as I am completing a training certification with the IYCA.

Uncharacteristically, the topic of the keynote was about "How to create your optimal life". So I wanted to share a brief recap with you about what Brian discussed. Think about it and internalize what he is saying. It may just inspire you in ways you've yet to experience -

:: Living an optimal life is easy, but we let extrinsic factors of doubt and negativity
penetrate too often.

:: Most live lives of quiet desperation. They want so much more for themselves, but never
go after what they truly desire. Don't take your songs of desire to the grave with you.

O.K… So here they are in Brian Grasso's own words….

Point 1 -

Follow Principles not Values

I take this from the work of Stephen Covey in the 8th Habit. We too often measure our success by the ‘values’ of a situation.

How much weight did we lose?

How much money do we make?

How many ‘A’ grades did we get on our report card?

These are the items that most of us chase, but they are superfiscial and seldom
give us depth or a sincere appreciation for life.

Rather than following or pursuing the ‘values’ in life, go after the principles of
a situation.

What makes you feel good?

Whatever it is, do that.

Money will come.

Pounds will drop.

Good grades will happen.

All we have to do is pursue our desires with conviction.

The secondary factors I mentioned above will come on their own…

Point 2 -

Sawubona

This is a Zulu word that technically means ‘hello’.

But it has a much deeper meaning than that.

The literal translation is ‘I See You’ and is used as a formal greeting when
seeing friends or family.

And I love the concept.

We are so loose with language in our society.

Think about what you say when you pass a friend along the street…

"Hey!"

"What’s Up?"

"How You Doing?"

Informal. Lacking passion. Do you even really care about what the answer is?

Sawubona is a word I’ve come to embrace as having a deeper meaning.

"I See You"

I’m paying attention. My focus in on you.

I find that very powerful.

But here’s the real point of that word as far as I’m concerned.

I’ve learned to say it to myself.

Do you really know that person you see when looking in the mirror each morning?

Have you truly connected with yourself and understand who you are, where your
passions lie and what you want in life?

Give it a try sometime…

Point 3 -

Don’t Think - Create Habits

Thoughts don’t become things.

They don’t translate into tangibility unless they are converted.

Powerful thoughts or images you may have for yourself or your life will only
become real if you start creating daily habits around making them so.

This is one of the major limitations people have in our society.

They imagine and ‘dream’ of large scale things for themselves, but keep them
as nothing more than thoughts.

If you truly want to live your dreams, than start creating daily habits around making
them so.

This will change your life forever…

So those are my own personal success habits.