I originally wrote this article in a completely different tone. But then I typed the phrase “successful life” into google searching for an appropriate image for the article. What showed up resulted in me scrapping what I had down and completely re-writing the whole thing.
What made me change the article?
Where to start…
There was a picture of a dude surrounded by a bunch of hot girls in bikinis, a picture of a young couple walking with their young son, a picture of Obama, and so on…
It made me realize that no matter what you want out of life, being healthy, and being in great shape will help you get there.
Sex
There are a couple of things that make it easier to get some – they aren’t necessary, they just make it easier: having lots of money (being famous is included in this), or being incredibly good-looking (having a great body is included in this).
Whether you want to find that one special girl and have a meaningful relationship, or find lot’s of girls and have completely meaningless relations, being in great shape is going to help you. And as you’ll read under the next subtitle, being in great shape can also help you make more money.
Being healthy and getting in great shape will not only help you get sex, but it’ll help you with the quality of your sex life through greater endurance, and increased strength and stamina. If you have one girl who you’re crazy about and in a relationship with, this means a better sex life for the both of you. In the case of a bunch of meaningless relations, it can result in referrals 🙂 (Being healthy and in great shape also means a reduced risk of erectile disfunction.)
Let’s assume that at some point we all find that girl that we want to be with – and want to be with no one but her. Well, get in great shape if you want to be around for a long time. Become a healthier guy if you want to protect and provide for her and the family you may eventually have. If you want to have an exciting, high-energy relationship, then head to the gym and construct a body that’ll give you the energy and the quality of life that you crave.
Career
One of Richard Branson‘s keys to success is being in great shape. Working out and taking care of our bodies through proper diet and nutrition not only gives us a better chance at a longer life, but a life that will be lived with the previously mentioned: higher quality.
Being healthier = greater productivity. Greater productivity = more success.
Taking care of your body by training regularly and eating healthy means you’ll be sick less, you’re less likely to suffer from depression, you’ll be a more confident, more vibrant, and more energetic person. No matter what career you choose, you’re almost guaranteed to perform better if you’re healthier.
Happiness
Life isn’t all about sex and money. It’s about being happy and living with a purpose – among a host of other things. Studies have shown that exercise reduces depression. The endorphins released during an intense workout also give us a natural high. What increases the risk of depression? Living a sedentary life.
I’ve already talked a fair bit about how being in great shape is going to benefit us. But looking good will do the same. If you’re heading to the gym purely to build a better -looking body, more power to you. Go for it. Whatever gets you in there, use that motivation to reach your goals.
The reality is, we feel better about ourselves, and our lives are lived at a much higher quality when we’re confident and proud of how we look. If you’ve ever gained a bunch of muscle or lost a ton of fat, you’ll know what I’m talking about. I’ve added 32 pounds of lean muscle onto my frame, and I can say with 100% certainty that life’s better when you’re proud of how you look.
5 Steps to Get in Great Shape – Today
1. Get in a routine.
If you struggle with consistency, make working out a part of your weekly routine. It seems like a no brainer, but actually write it down into your schedule and commit to working out 3-4 days a week. If you leave your workouts to chance, chances are you won’t do them.
2. Follow a program.
Don’t just ‘do your own thing’ when you’re in the gym. I don’t even do my own thing when I’m in the gym. I plan out my sessions weeks in advance if I’m trying out or developing my own workouts, or I follow someone else’s routine. If I’m following someone else’s routine, it’ll force me to do stuff I won’t necessarily do if I’m relying on me to push myself.
Here’s what I’m doing right now —-> Challenge Workout Series – I needed something to kick my ass coming out of the holidays, so I’m going back to what got me my original results for the next few weeks.
3. Take things one step at a time.
You don’t need to go all out in the beginning. Actually don’t make too many dramatic changes in your routine at first, it’s a great recipe for quitting. Change one thing at a time. Add one more meal in each day, if you’re not working out at all, start by working out 2 times a week. When that becomes a bit too easy, up it to 3, and then 4.
4. Have a lifting partner.
If someone else is depending on you to get to the gym, you’re more likely to show up. Start your new program with someone else who has similar goals.
5. Write your goals down and make them measurable.
NEVER have the goal of just “wanting to get in better shape.” Always make your goal specific and measurable.
– I want to add 20 pounds of muscle.
– I want to lose 20 pounds of fat.
– I want to run a sub 60 second 400 meter.
These are good goals. They’re specific and measurable. You’ll know if you succeed or if you fail.
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What is the #1 reason as to why you workout?
If you workout for any of the above reasons – here’s a presentation about how I went from a less confident 150 pounds, to a more confident, and happier 182 pounds in only 32 weeks —->
