Samantha

Are you doing what you should do whether you want to or not? That is DISCIPLINE! Remember Fundamentals Win the Game. Check out this video to determine your discipline level as well as a check list to help you get better and better at it.

I did a talk for the Chamber of Commerce last week on how to get fit during the quarantine. Pretty wild times. Since we are still limited here (NY), 20 business owners met at a diner parking lot with masks on to hear me speak.

It’s interesting how quarantine or not it always seems to boil down to the fundamentals.

The 3 I mentioned in my talk were discipline, consistency, and focus.

It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about fitness or finances. Without solid character traits like these, success will remain elusive.

Let’s talk about focus.

To me, focus is all about prioritizing what is most important. Oftentimes, this will be the big lever that makes other things move as well.

You can train for a marathon, a powerlifting competition, or a BJJ tournament, but you probably can’t train for all 3 effectively.

Here’s what Oxord has to say. Focus is an act of concentrating interest or activity on something.

Now that we know what focus is, let’s touch on how a lack of focus can manifest itself. When we are unfocused, we find ourselves busy with multiple tasks. It’s hard to make any real progress this way.

We mistake being busy for being productive.

While it’s OK to have multiple interests, think about anything you’ve achieved success in your life so far. Chances are you were “all in” and completely focused in that area before finding success.

If you want to find financial success and build wealth, you must focus.

I remember at one point my wife and I were doing some good things to work our way out of the financial mess we created. However, we didn’t have complete focus. She commented that we needed to be all in and she was right. As soon as she said that it was game on baby! We became laser focused and made more progress and faster than we thought we could.

If you truly want to succeed with your money (If you don’t, there is another issue), you need to figure out what to focus on. What’s the one thing (not five things) you need to do to make your finances better?

Here are some questions to help you see how you’re doing in this area:

• How many things are you focusing on right now?

• Do you spend more time watching television or on social media than planning your future?

• What’s stealing your focus?

Is what I’m doing right now the best use of my time?

Before you can start building your ideal body, you need to first change your diet. There is a saying:

“Abs are made in the kitchen.” There is a lot of truth to it. If your nutrition isn’t on point, then all of your hard work in the gym can still leave you frustrated.

If you’re like a lot of people your quarantine diet has been less than ideal. Well, it’s time to move on.

Here are few ways to maximize your nutrition for better overall results:

1. Eat Frequently Throughout the Day

This is going to be a little more controversial—but it works. Some fad type of diets may recommend more (or even less) than this, but it may not be sustainable. Eating more frequently throughout the day could lead to better blood sugar control, and could have some really great benefits for your metabolism.

2. Eat More Fiber-Rich Foods

Fiber is one important nutrient when it comes to losing weight and keeping your appetite under control. Fiber helps slow digestion, maintains blood sugar and insulin levels, and may help you stay regular. You should have at least 25 to 35 grams of fiber each day. The best sources of fiber include: fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

3. Protein—The “Metabolism Maker”

You want a faster metabolism? Then you need to include more protein in your diet. Protein provides the building blocks your body needs to build lean muscle mass. If you’re working out, then you want to make sure that those efforts aren’t going to waste. Not only does protein build metabolism-boosting lean muscle mass, it could satisfy your appetite, which prevents you from feeling hungry and curbs the urge to eat more.

If you’re going to tone up and lose weight, you need to change your mindset in the kitchen for optimal results.

Those that know me know I’m not necessarily the go to guy when someone needs help with a home repair.

Last week, my wife and I both showered before dinner.

My daughter Alyssa (8) went downstairs to get something for dinner.

That’s when she screamed because there was water everywhere.

I descended down the steps to see water everywhere.

Being as solution minded as I am, I immediately figured we needed to call a plumber. I wouldn’t even know where to begin with something like this.

After striking out finding a plumber who would come, I called a friend of mine who is a union plumber for some advice.

To make a long story short, he explained some things and ultimately I ended up doing the following:

• Cutting open the ceiling where the leak was
• Finding the leak
• Re-connecting the pipe
• Securing the pipe with metal strapping so the leak won’t happen again
• Bathing my kids
   

Now I realize this is a relatively minor job for someone who is handy but it’s probably the handiest thing I’ve ever done.

I never saw myself as someone who would be able to fix something like that.

The reason I’m sharing the story (not just looking for praise:)) is because I realize the perception we have of ourselves is powerful.

Since I never saw myself as someone who could fix things around the house, I’m sure there were things I could’ve fixed but didn’t.

In the same way, many people don’t see themselves as having the ability to be healthy, fit, or to live a good life.

It’s not until our belief changes, that we can change things.

One of the best ways to change our belief is to take action. Even small actions start changing how we see ourselves. Before you know it, you’ll be doing things you never thought you’d do, all because you started seeing yourself a little differently.

I was recently listening to an interview with billionaire investor Ray Dalia.

It was refreshing because there was no bias. He didn’t paint a pretty picture regarding the economy. In fact, he compared it to the depression of the thirties.

He also had some things to say that were more positive. One he said booming economies are always preceded by downturns. It might take a while but this will no doubt lead to a strengthened economy.

He also said that there will be 2 types of groups or people. One time won’t adapt. They will try to keep doing the same things even though the world has changed and will suffer for it.

The other group will thrive. They will adapt, innovate, and use creativity to become much better. They’ll become something better that they wouldn’t have without the circumstances.

This reminds me of fitness as well.

We really have 2 choices. We can make excuses about why we can’t live a healthier lifestyle including some exercise and effective food choices. Or we can be resourceful and do what we can with what we have. That’s the key. It’s more about our attitude and how we choose to react than anything else.

I was doing some roadwork (that’s cool martial arts speak for running) recently. I ran about 4 miles. I realize I wasn’t going super fast but as I was running, a car drove by and some punk yelled out the window, “Go faster.” 

At first, it kind of annoyed me. For a split second I thought about chasing his car down and seeing if he had anything else he wanted to say. Then I came to my senses and realized I was a 40 year old father of 3. 

I had a choice.