The Missing Link in Achieving Your Goals
By Dr. Jeff Bartlett
 We've heard time and time again how important it is to exercise and eat properly to improve your health, but have you ever considered working on your mental attitude to achieve your health goals? Many great health philosophers and doctors believe that to function in a state of optimal health, by definition, requires the balance of three fundamental habits: exercise, nutrition, and, most importantly, positive affirmations.
Some people define 'mental attitude'as the mental stance we take toward life based on the sum total of our past experiences. According to this definition, it could be said that our past determines our current thoughts, character, and attitudes. But I would like to pose this question: Regardless of the situation you're in, or the cards you've been dealt, do you have the power to change your state?
We have all faced challenges. Whether our trials are physical or health related, career or financial, or rooted in our relationships or home life...none of us are exempt from life's challenges. The question is...can you overcome those obstacles and take control of your destiny? I believe firmly that your past, your circumstances, or the behavior of those around you does not have to determine your success or failure in life. We all know stories of individuals who have faced tremendous odds and have risen to the challenge to accomplish incredible dreams. Lance Armstrong and Rick Hansen come to mind. What is it that sets these people apart? What is the common thread in their success? It boils down to one thing...their attitude. Dr. Charles Swindoll said it best: "The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past, we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes."
 Pat Croce, one of my favorite authors, has a fantastic book that I highly recommend entitled "I Feel Great." In his book, he reveals his commitment to wake up every morning with the words..."I Feel Great!!!" He says these words with enthusiasm and conviction. After reading this book, I've made a conscious effort to implement the same strategy. Yes, my wife may have thought that I was a little strange at first, but I was amazed at how these three simple words could change my entire day for the better. Author Debbie Ford says, "Imagine waking up each morning with an excitement and passion that you haven't felt in years. Imagine going through each day, enjoying every moment, feeling purposeful and fulfilled. This is what you can expect if you live each day, week, and month of this year to its fullest!"
But what does your mental attitude have to do with your physical health? How does all of this translate into success at Curves and the attainment of your health and weight loss goals? Quite simply, you must think, believe and act as though there is nothing standing in the way of you becoming healthy, fit, and happy. Our perceptions and beliefs essentially shape the reality of our life, and we must make the decision to embrace positive and empowering thoughts, rather than thoughts that are destructive and disempowering. Thoughts such as "I've always been this way", "It runs in my family", "I'm not athletic enough" or "I don't have the time" must be replaced with positive affirmations! "I am healthy! I am fit! I am strong! I can do this!" These are the words that you must post on your mirror and replay through your mind during your workout. Make a commitment to try it for 30 days. I can't guarantee that positive thinking will bring instantaneous results, but I can guarantee that positive thinking brings faster and better results than negative thinking. You will be amazed at what you can achieve when your mind and body work together.
Recommended Books:
I Feel Great by Pat Croce
The Best Year of Your Life by Debbie Ford
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
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Joice's Success Story
Success at Curves of Los Gatos
by Joice Garrison
 I DID IT!!! For the first time in my entire life I am not fat. It's official, as of August 14th, 2004, one year and fifteen days after I started working out at Curves of Los Gatos, my body fat percentage is within normal range. I also changed my eating habits and my lifestyle. I'm only 20 pounds from my goal weight. I've lost 89 pounds so far. I've gone from being a grossly obese size 22-24 to a size 11-12 and I'm on my way to a size 8. I can barely believe that as I write it. Even my glasses and shoes became too big for me.
For 50 years, I wished for some magical solution. It took serious health issues and several embarrassing moments (like having to get off a roller coaster at Great America because I was too fat for the safety bar to close) to finally motivate me to do something about my weight. First there was the high blood pressure, but my doctor gave me pills and that was controlled. Then came the diabetes, which I never did manage to get under control with pills. Then I had the epiphany that I would never succeed at treating symptoms – I had to correct the causes (those being a sedentary lifestyle and improper diet).
 My daughter convinced me to join Curves of Los Gatos and I started working out on July 31st, 2003. On August 4th, 2003, I changed the way I was eating. The very next day, I had to cut back on my medications because my blood pressure was going too low. In a matter of months, with the supervision (and chagrin) of my doctor, I was off all my medications and all my blood work was (and continues to be) normal.
All my hard work has paid off. It is hard work and it takes time and effort. It's about eating moderate amounts of the right foods in the right combinations. It's about intentional exercise. I workout. I walk. I make exercise as much a part of my daily routine as brushing my teeth. I no linger think like a fat person. I can now ride any ride at an amusement park. I even recently rode the Extreme Skyflyer! I look good, I feel great. I am a whole new person and it all started with my first workout at Curves of Los Gatos. The encouragement and support I have received here is an integral part of my success.
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