Different Mindset AFTER attending Jillian Michaels Maximize Your Life Tour

Last night I had the privilege of attending Jillian Michaels Maximize Your Life Tour at the Warner Theatre in DC. I wasn’t too sure what to expect from the show. I didn’t know if it was a weight loss event, a motivational speaking event... I just didn’t know, but it was my chance to see Jillian Michaels and hear what she had to say live. I was hoping that Jillian was the person who I perceived her to be. There is always fear when about to see/meet someone who you admire. I had the same feeling when I met Richard Simmons for the first time.

Like Richard, Jillian was so much more than I expected! Jillian is honest, funny, no-nonsense, but is also very compassionate. She understands the mental struggles that are associated with getting the better life that you desire. Most of us know she understands what it is like to be overweight. But she also understands what it is like to be scared to take risks that facilitate growth.

She shared many personal stories, she educated us on nutrition and how to really read food labels, she showed us that quality of the food is what matters, she proved that it’s not an all or nothing deal. She taught us the effective workouts that have given her success not only with the Biggest Loser contestants, but also her real life clients and for herself! While I did learn a lot from those sections of the show... It was the “self” portion of the show where I had my self realization moment. This section wasn’t about weight loss, though it could have been for some. This was about life. We covered everything from work, school, family, inner demons, fear, letting go etc... This was about what holds us back and why.

For those that know me very well, they know that I am fearful of falling flat on my face. It doesn’t matter that I know I can do something. The “what-if’s” and fear of the unknown outcome tends to put the brakes on. Let’s look at two similar examples...

When I became certified to teach various fitness classes I was terrified to actually teach. I was scared that I couldn’t do it. I was scared that the students wouldn’t like me. I was scared that I would be perceived as too easy. I was scared of being rejected in the fitness industry because of my size. I knew I could do it. But those thoughts were flooding through my mind. It wasn’t until another more experienced instructor told me that I could do it and I am good at it and just go for it. They told me for a specific class to make a bold first impression. “Plaster them to the wall.” I did. Since then I am extremely comfortable. I get nervous when teaching something new, but that’s different. I’m not paralyzed with fear. Once the music gets going I’m right back in my element. So this example is something that was easily worked through with the encouragement from a mentor.

 

This second example highlights my ah-ha moment during last night’s show.

 

Currently I work a basic 9-5 and then I teach fitness classes and do personal training. My 9-5 is life draining. There is little joy, I wake up in the morning and grumble and I go through the motions to get through the day. Being cooped up in a cube all day is not my idea of fun. However, it pays most of the bills and provides my much needed health insurance. Usually by Sunday afternoon I am already dreading going to the office the following day. Now, when it comes to teaching, training, or speaking I am up at the crack of dawn. I’m excited; I’m pumped up and ready to go. I would love to do more with fitness. I know I have to keep the 9-5 for insurance reasons.  But there is no reason that I can’t take on more classes, clients, or speaking engagements. Here’s the problem. I don’t! I have a million reasons why: I don’t have time, I am too tired, my 9-5 gets in the way, I have dogs, I want free time, etc... These are all very stupid reasons not to take on more. They are excuses. They are putting a cover on for what is really holding me back, fear. One of the fears I have is fear of it not happening. So what Jillian said was pure brilliance. She asked us to identify what the worst case scenario is if we don’t get what we want. The worst case is we don’t get what we want. After all, most of our goals if we don’t get it we aren’t going to die, we aren’t hurting anyone. It’s just the fear of not getting what we desire. But guess what... “You already don’t have it!” (Jillian Michaels, 2013)

It can be about anything-

·         You want to date someone and worry about being rejected or not being their girlfriend/boyfriend... guess what you already are not dating so what do you have to lose?

·         You could want a better paying job but afraid to go for it because you may not get it and feel judged in someway... guess what you already don’t have the higher paying job.

·         You want to lose 60 pounds but are afraid of not being able to do it... guess what you are already carrying the weight.

So the reality is... we really have nothing to lose because we don’t have what we desire. We are already at the bottom rung and the only place to go is up!

I had many moments that were eye opening. But I just want to share one more. She was talking about nutrition and reading labels. Specifically we were talking about the low fat or no fat labels that claim to have zero calories. Zero calories sounds amazing right? There are health experts out there who suggest we eat these zero calorie condiments/foods because they are better for us. Personally, I prefer the full versions and just watch my portion sizes. But that’s another topic for another day. Anyways... There was one label that she showed on the screen. No fat, no calories. SCOOOORE!!! Right? Doesn’t that sound too good to be true? Well if it sounds too good to be true than it is. When looking at the ingredients list things didn’t add up... I’ll just give one ingredient that was on the list that will leave you scratching your head. Buttermilk. Can someone please explain to me how buttermilk has no calories? Anyways, it turns out that this product has 1200 calories per bottle. That doesn’t sound calorie free to me. They get around it because of serving size. And then they are allowed to round. Once rounded there is legally no calories. But there is. You can’t go crazy with these no calorie products. There are calories. A very irritating loophole if you ask me. We are trying to get healthy and do the right thing, but the way labels are allowed to be makes it very difficult. She then showed us what to avoid and what to look for. Very eye opening. Ok, one more example with labels... then I’ll stop talking about it. There are multiple names for sugar. We think we are making a good choice by purchasing a protein bar. Sugar is not one of the first three ingredients on the label so we get it. But is this actually true? We must keep reading that label,  if you see three or four different sugars on the label chances are sugar should be a top three ingredient. It’s not because it’s a different type of sugar, which is the work around to ensure sugar isn’t the first thing on the label. I don’t know about you but this makes me mad. We the consumer must educate ourselves.

Jillian Michaels Maximize Your Life Tour was well done, well thought out, well researched, but most importantly real. There was a true connection between her and the audience. What makes it great is her passion. She loves what she does, she loves to teach and empower people and it shows. This show goes beyond weight loss. This show empowers you to dare to tackle your dreams. Anyone can dream, but this is about going after what you really want.

And I’ll leave you with this message. Remember when Jillian said “Unless you faint, puke or die, keep going.” We are not on the biggest loser. We are at home. We don’t have medics on standby. Jillian would rather you stop and be safe. She said so, just last night.

If the opportunity arises for me to see her again I would without any hesitation. If her tour is coming to a city near you, do yourself a favor. Get a ticket. It is well worth it. I gained more real life insight from her in 2+ hours than I had from anyone else. This isn’t a weight loss show, this is a show on life.

 Dare to live your dreams

~Meg

 

 

 

 ;)

Makes Me Stronger: The Power of Positive Thinking

The power of positive thinking. What comes to your mind when you hear that phrase? Do you right away go negative? Do you feel annoyed? Do you immediately think of the chirpy girl in the office who constantly says “aww that’s ok look at the bright side” with wide eyed enthusiasm?

Or perhaps you are nodding your head in agreement because you already KNOW what the power of positive thinking does and how it has worked for you.

Our thoughts create our own reality whether it’s positive or negative. We are exactly what we believe. We can choose how we feel. We are in control of our own emotions. This doesn’t mean that we are not going to get sad, mad, scared, etc… That is human nature. But once we work through our emotions and come to some sort of acceptance to the situation, this is where change really occurs.

Think of it like this. Your life is going great. Everything is starting to fall into place. Your dreams are coming true; you are content, happy, excited, and literally full of life. You know what you want. You went and got it. You made it happen. You set your intention, you did the work, and now you are reaping the rewards of your effort. Now that you are finally living the life you have desired you are over the moon happy.

You are so happy that you aren’t even thinking that anything could go wrong. After all how could it. You are attracting good things by your positive attitude.

But then something happens. Something unexpected and suddenly… that happy confident feeling you never gave second thought too bursts. Suddenly you are slapped with reality. You are suddenly aware of how fragile life is and how fragile our dreams really are. We become painfully aware that nothing is guaranteed.

This is where we have to dig deep. We have to look into ourselves. We have to try to change our mindset. Of course, first experience the emotions. It’s not only natural but it’s healthy. Then you must look into yourself. Realize that the shock is something you do not want in life. We must experience both the positive and the negative in life in order to achieve balance. Acknowledging the negative experience doesn’t give it more power; unless, you let it consume you. Instead, let the seemingly bad enhance the positive experiences; your desires, hopes and dreams. Let that negativity make you stronger. Let it make you fight for what you want in life. Let it force you to appreciate the good you had and still have. Let it reaffirm how strong you are.

The “Law of Attraction” is a very cool concept. It’s been around for ages, it’s just become popularized recently. It shows how to bring what we desire to ourselves. It’s the power of positive thinking! Part of achieving our desires and becoming happier and empowered is living as if. Living as if simply means that you are living your life as though you already have what you desire. You are living in the moment.

Let’s put that into context using a weight loss scenario, though it could be about anything, relationships, housing, work, finances, etc…

Story Time:

Jessie, a 27 year old female has embarked on a weight loss journey. She got tired of being overweight and wanted to do something about it. She knew that she didn’t want to be that girl. She wanted to be better. She knew she could do better. Jessie started walking around the block and then starting jogging, next thing she knew she was running. Jessie was excited. She was seeing all the changes she wanted to see. Her clothes were looser, she felt better, looked better, had more confidence, and this positive experiencing she was having with her weight loss started spilling over into other aspects of her life. Her confidence began showing at work, she was picked for exciting new multi-media projects, she joined a basketball league with her co-workers, started a weight loss group where she provided support and they exercised together in a safe friendly environment. Everything was looking up. All because she knew she wanted to make a change. She knew what she wanted, and she knew what she didn’t want.

Then one day, Jessie got sick. At first she didn’t think too much about it. There has been a nasty bug going around the office leaving people out of work for 3+ more weeks. Then just as soon as she felt better she was knocked down again. Exhausted, hurting, unable to walk around the block anymore let alone run. She went to the doctors and they ran tests looking to see what was going on in her body. She got some scary news.

Devastated, Jessie lost sight of what she wanted. Her once sunny bright happy world turned dark and gloomy with one conversation. She began to withdraw. She was scared; she didn’t know what to do. Her outlet to relieve stress was running, but now she couldn’t because she didn’t have the energy. Just day to day walking had become exhausting. She started concentrating on the worst case scenario. She started wondering “what if this is all over?” “What if I’m not meant to be that fit and healthy girl?” “What if it’s really bad and I can’t do what I was born to do?” She knew that she wasn’t a trainer or fitness professional. But she was the leader of her weight loss group. She created the exercises, she rallied the troops. She wondered what if I can’t do that anymore.

At this point Jessie is living as if the possible negative outcome is confirmed. She lost sight of what she wants. She lost sight of who she has already become. She is still that girl. Nothing has changed…yet. But she fell into a deep dark place filled with worry and fear. With that worry and fear she started to struggle more. It was as though she was attracting everything she didn’t want. You see, the “Law of Attraction” works both ways. Jessie needs to make a choice at this point. Does she want to be open and accept all the positive that is already around her or does she want to be closed to it. Only focusing on the negative which is only making her feel worse.

Jessie can’t control what her results will be. But she can control her attitude and shift her thoughts into more positive thinking. She must believe she is going to be ok. She must believe no matter what happens she’s got this. Whatever “it” is. Jessie needs to find that strength and resiliency. The same formula that she used to gain her confidence, to lose the weight, to become a runner, and to be the natural motivator that she is today. She’s got to dig deep. Otherwise she will be destroyed by the negative self-talk.

Positive thinking isn’t a cure all. But it will help Jessie achieve peace with what is going on. It will also help her continue to be the fighter that she is. It’s been said many times by so many people that you don’t know what you have until you lose it all. This is where Jessie’s fear is coming from. She finally found herself and the thought of losing it all is too much too handle. However, keeping a positive outlook will make it at least a little easier.

Jessie did decide to take her life back. She decided she was going to live. She fought back. She modified her route around the block. She did what she could do. She told her group what was going on, allowing others to step up and shine. She surrounded herself with positive people and listened to her “power” music. She dug deep. She fought back. As she fought back, she started feeling mentally stronger.

While Jessie may not know the outcome, she is fighting for the life she wants. The life she desires. The life she put into motion. She is choosing to live a happy life.

Does this mean she isn’t scared? No it doesn’t. It just means she isn’t letting it control her every waking thought. She is more than a bunch of symptoms. She is Jessie, basketball player, friend, coach, designer, runner, sister, aunt, teacher, student, etc. She chooses to continue to live the life she built for herself. She’ll deal with the rest when she has more information.

Being Realistic:

It is harder to think positive. Especially when facing a hard time. It’s so easy to go straight into panic mode. This is the society we live in. Always expect the worse. I think we should switch this way of thinking. After all it’s only a mindset. Let’s start expecting the best that could happen.

While we should prepare ourselves for something unpleasant, we shouldn’t dwell on it. We shouldn’t let it take over our lives because there are some situations that we simply do not have control over. The only control we have is how we choose to deal with it. We can give in before we have all the facts. Or we can be the fighter that we know we are. We can say no. We can say “you know what… we don’t know.” We can say “no matter what happens it’ll be ok, we will deal with it.” The positive mind frame makes all the difference in the world.

It’s your choice. Choose to be who you are born to be…. Or not. Choose to attract the good in your life. When bad things are thrown at you, fight that much harder for your dreams. Nothing comes free and easy. You gotta fight for it. Be a fighter. Be stronger. You can do it. You got this.

Public Service Announcement

I am sick and tired of people treating those who are overweight as a punching bag. I am sick and tired of people assuming that those who are morbidly obese got that way because they are lazy and they don't care. I'm sick and tired of the looks.

 

People who are overweight... they know they are overweight. They are reminded of this everytime they look in the mirror, when they try on clothes, when they can't fit through an aisle at the clothing store, when they can't fit in a booth, or they can't fit in a ride, ride a horse, and get winded walking from the front door to the car. The world is built for "normal" sized people. 

 

If you are reading this and you are one  of those people who tear the overweight down. Stop it. Instead offer them a helping hand. 

 

People don't get to be 400+ pounds just because they like food. Sure it plays a part.. but it's offering some sort of comfort. This is why there are so many emotional break throughs during weightloss journies. Yes, they need accountability... But stop feeding the problem by tearing them down. Be a supporter. Be that person who makes a difference.

 

In my time that I have been helping people lose weight.. comfort food is the number 1 reason for eating. Not because it tastes good, but because it makes them feel good. Being mean to these people... they are going to go for that escape. Just stop it. It's not right.

 

One last thing... I'm sick and tired of the overweight feeling as though they are not welcome in gyms. The overweight are very aware of their size in comparison with others. They don't need anyone telling them they shouldn't be there! A gym is a place to build health. Welcome them. Don't stare. Encourage... or if you can't be nice.. keep your mouth shut.

 

Remember, each and every one of you are absolutely worth it. The weight wasn't put on over night. It's not going to come off over night. Surround yourself with positive people, and get rid of those who are causing you distress.