Croix Sather

Why Did You Learn to Walk?

Have you ever thought about why you learned to walk?

I didn’t either until I had a conversation with a great friend and amazing public speaker, Jerry. We were talking about our children and lives when he said an interesting thing (in his sophisticated accent that makes him sound smart even when ordering a sandwich). “Croix, did you learn to walk because you were encouraged to? … or did you learn to walk because you wanted to be like those you admired?" 

At first I responded that it was because my mother never gave up teaching me. And that is partially true. However, that is not the “why” it is the “how.” The “why” is that I wanted to be just like my mom and dad and everyone else that I looked directly at their feet when I was crawling. Just like every child wants to be just like the ones they love and admire.

The conversation between Jerry and I continued and we discussed who we admire today. Who do you admire? Do you admire them or do you emulate the character traits they have cultivated? Most likely the things you admire about someone is a character trait that can be learned and honed. Traits like hard work, integrity, honesty, and intelligence. Or it might be a skill such as public speaking, selling, networking, and coaching. These are things we can learn, do and become if we decide to.

Just like when you were a baby, first you learned to raise your head, then your upper body, then rollover, then raise to all four, and then crawl. And this was all before you even attempted to walk. But through focus, determination, and persistence you were successful in learning to walk. 

I admire many people for specific traits or skills that I want to learn. I will study their life and work (usually books, programs, biographies) and sometimes I will even hire him or her as a coach. For example, I didn’t learn to be a great public speaker over night. It took years of passionate learning, practicing, and being coached or mentored. I still continue today so that I can become the best I can.

Who do you admire today? Find someone that is doing what you want to be doing and emulate that person. If you have enough passion to become like that person, then you can succeed.

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates 

Laughter as Medicine

This past Sunday I was watching Megevangelist Joel Osteen. His message was about laughter as a healing medicine. I wholeheartedly agree with Joel. I have read studies and books about laughter healing people with terminal diseases. It is mind blowing what a positive attitude and a heavy does of daily laughter can do for the soul and the body. Joel reminds us to fuel the inner child with good humor and to laugh unreservedly at least once a week.

 

I came across this talk by Artist Terry Border and had to pass it along. Since we need to laugh more this will get you started. When you need a 15-minute chuckle take a break with Terry and his amazingly creative art imitating life.

 

I haven’t found a way to embed this video so you will have to click here to link over. http://gelconference.com/videos/2008/terry_border/

 

Take 2 chuckles and call me in the morning.

World-Class Runner Defies Odds

We all have challenges in life, but few of us go through life without our legs. Only Oscar Pistorius became a world-class runner without his legs. An unimaginable story of a boy that lost his legs when he was just one-year old. Fitted with artificial blade like legs Oscar tried-out to compete against world-class sprinters in the Olympics. He was initially rejected from the Olympics as having an unfair advantage.

 

Oscar is an inspiration to us all and an example of what you can achieve when you decide who you will be and what you will achieve. Next time you come up with an excuse not to work toward your goal think of Oscar and tell yourself, “Get over it!” Then go become who you are meant to be.

 

“The act of taking the first step is what separates the winners from the losers.”  - Brian Tracy (author & motivational speaker)

Your Attitude Determines if You Succeed

Everything in life worth achieving is difficult. Think about the times when you are most proud of what you accomplished – weren’t they also the most difficult to achieve? Didn’t they require everything you had at that moment? Your attitude kept you going even when there were moments when you wanted to give up.

But you didn’t give up and you prevailed. You graduated college. You finished a 5k run. You completed that project on time. You stepped out of your comfort zone and tried something new. You lost 20 pounds.

 It is no different when it comes to your health. You must do what seems too difficult in the moment. Say no to a second helping. Don’t buy the junk food. Go to the fitness center when you rather watch TV. Jog one more mile. Choose the healthy food over the garbage.

In the moment some choices are hard, but when you do you grow past your previous perceived limitations and then the next time is easier. And the next time – even easier. Soon what was once difficult becomes a habit and there is no effort at all.

Check out this video clip from Facing the Giants. Don’t let the negative voice of attitude in your head keep you from doing what you can easily do. What you thought was impossible becomes reality.

  

You CAN Do It!

I will send a FREE autographed copy of BetterBody BetterLife to the most inspirational email I receive in February. Extra credit if it relates to health or fitness, but every story counts