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Hey Teachers! Use This Summer To Reconnect!
As teachers, we have the privilege of enjoying a much-needed break during the summer months. This time away from the stresses of the classroom provides us with an opportunity to reconnect with the things in our life that are truly important. While many of us may be tempted to simply relax and enjoy our time off, it’s essential that we use these months to reconnect to, and focus on, our physical and mental health, as well as our relationships with loved ones and our faith.
Reconnect With Our Body and Mind!
Taking care of our physical and mental health is crucial for teachers, as it directly impacts our overall well-being and our ability to perform well in the classroom. Teachers are often under immense pressure to meet the demands of the job, including long hours, lesson planning, grading, and dealing with challenging students and parents. This can lead to stress, anxiety, burnout, and even physical health problems.
Last year, I made a choice to start 75 Hard at the end of the school year. I wanted the summer months to be a catalyst for what has become a new and improved me…a healthy lifestyle that has been an amazing achievement…both physically and mentally. Healthy eating habits as well as fitness routines have been set in place for good, and that could not have happened without that 2 month long section of time that allowed me to properly kick off my health and wellness journey.
During the summer break, teachers have an excellent opportunity to prioritize their physical health. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health, and it can be a great stress reliever. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, exercise can help increase energy levels, improve sleep quality, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is also crucial for maintaining good health. During the school year, teachers may not have time to prioritize healthy eating, but the summer months provide an opportunity to establish healthy eating habits. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide essential nutrients that our bodies need to function properly. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day can help maintain optimal physical health.
Mental health is equally important to physical health, and it’s essential to prioritize our mental well-being during the summer break. Teaching can be emotionally taxing, and teachers may experience stress, anxiety, and burnout as a result. Activities such as meditation, mindfulness, and therapy can be helpful in promoting mental health and reducing stress. These activities can help us develop coping mechanisms, reduce negative thoughts and emotions, and increase our overall resilience.
Taking care of our physical and mental health during the summer break is essential for teachers. Prioritizing our health through regular exercise, healthy eating, and mental health practices can help us feel better physically and mentally, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase our overall well-being. By taking care of ourselves during the summer break, we can return to the classroom feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to meet the challenges of a new school year.
Reconnect With Family and Friends
In addition to focusing on our own health, it’s also important to use this time to strengthen our relationships with family and friends. As teachers, we understand the importance of building relationships with our students, but it’s just as important to prioritize our relationships with our loved ones. Teaching is a demanding profession that often requires us to work long hours, grade papers on weekends, and attend school events in the evenings. These demands can make it difficult to find time to invest in our relationships with family and friends during the school year.
Last summer when we started our healthy journey, we were blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with our daughters. Getting reacquainted after months of focusing on classroom issues and curriculum development. We were able to hang out with our daughters (and their boyfriends) and reconnect with them. Catch up on what we’d missed during the “busy months”. We were also blessed to have them join us on a couple of trips to the park to work out and the gym to lift. It was truly a blessing!
During the summer break, we have the opportunity to refocus on our relationships with loved ones. Spending quality time with family and friends can help us recharge our batteries and remind us of the things that truly matter in life. Whether it’s going on a vacation, taking a day trip, or simply spending time together at home, making time for our loved ones is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.
Spending time with family and friends can also have a positive impact on our mental health. Studies have shown that social support is an essential component of mental well-being. Having a strong support system can help us manage stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase our overall happiness.
In addition to nurturing existing relationships, the summer break can also provide an opportunity to build new relationships. Whether it’s joining a club or organization, attending a networking event, or simply striking up a conversation with someone new, building new relationships can be an enriching experience that can add value to our lives.
It’s important to remember that relationships take work, and we need to invest time and effort into them to make them thrive. As teachers, we have the privilege of having summers off, which provides us with a perfect opportunity to prioritize our relationships with loved ones. By making an effort to spend quality time with family and friends, we can strengthen our bonds and cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Reconnect With Our Faith
For many teachers, faith is an essential part of our lives, providing us with a source of strength and guidance in both good times and bad. As we work to nurture the minds and hearts of our students, it’s important that we also take the time to nurture our own faith, and a great time to reconnect with God is during the summer months.
When I started 75 Hard last year, I intentionally chose to read books (a large foundational part of 75 Hard…and Live Hard…is reading…learning from others how to be better) that talked about the man’s role in the family, the community, and God’s great plan. The reading, and learning, have been more rewarding than the weight loss…being real right now! I’ve grown more in my faith over the past 12 months than I ever have…and I was a preacher. Those initial summer months help instill the intentional reconnecting with God that I needed to catapult my overall health and wellness mindset. It’s been amazing y’all!
During the school year, it can be difficult to prioritize our faith amidst the demands of our jobs and personal lives. However, the summer break provides us with an opportunity to refocus on our spiritual well-being. By taking time to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ, we can grow in our faith and find the peace and strength we need to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
One way to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ is through daily Bible reading and prayer. Spending time in prayer and reflection each day can help us feel more connected to God and gain a deeper understanding of His teachings. We can also use this time to meditate on the lessons we’ve learned over the past year and seek guidance for the challenges that lie ahead.
In addition to daily prayer and Bible reading, we can also use the summer months to minister to those in need. Whether it’s through volunteering at a local charity, participating in a mission trip, or simply reaching out to those in our community who may be struggling, serving others can be a powerful way to deepen our connection with God and live out His teachings in our daily lives.
Finally, attending church services can also be a meaningful way to deepen our faith during the summer months. By participating in worship services, we can connect with other believers and find support and encouragement from our fellow Christians. This can be especially important for teachers who may feel isolated during the school year due to the demands of their jobs.
As teachers, we have a unique opportunity to use the summer months to deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father. By prioritizing our faith through daily prayer and Bible reading, ministering to those in need, and attending church services, we can grow in our faith and find the strength and guidance we need to be effective teachers and positive influences in our communities.
Bottom Line Y’all…
Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This verse reminds us that there is a time and a season for everything in our lives, including taking time to rest and recharge. By using the summer months to prioritize our physical and mental health, invest in our relationships, and deepen our relationship with God, we can ensure that we are ready and equipped for the upcoming school year
The summer months provide us teachers with a unique opportunity to prioritize our physical and mental health, invest in our relationships with loved ones, and deepen our relationship with God. As we use this time off wisely, we’ll be better equipped to face the challenges of the upcoming school year with energy, enthusiasm, and a renewed sense of purpose. So make the most of your summer, and invest in yourself, your loved ones, and your faith.
body and mind, campus leaders, Church, classroom management, community, depression, education, educators, Encouragement, faith, Family, fitness, friends, God, grading, health, Healthy Eating, inspiration, Jesus, lesson planning, life change, loved ones, mental toughness, ministry, mission, nutrition, physical toughness, relationships, routines, school staff, social support, student behavior, summer break, teachers, weight loss -
The Enemy Within
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past year as I’ve progressed through this new chapter of my life that revolves around personal development, it’s that my biggest enemy…the one who has the greatest potential to hold me back…is myself!
The Enemy Within
Our biggest obstacle isn’t external – it’s internal. It’s the voice inside our heads that tells us we’re not good enough, not smart enough, not deserving enough. It’s the negative self-talk that holds us back and keeps us from reaching our full potential.
That voice is what I call “the enemy within.” And if we don’t learn to conquer it, it can be our downfall.
But the good news is that we can learn to overcome this enemy. We can learn to recognize when we’re engaging in negative self-talk and replace those thoughts with positive affirmations. We can learn to believe in ourselves and our abilities, even when things get tough.
One of the biggest culprits of negative self-talk is the belief that we’re not worthy. We convince ourselves that we don’t deserve success or happiness and that we’ll never achieve our goals. But this is just “stinkin’ thinkin’” – it’s a mindset that will keep us stuck where we are.
Instead, we need to recognize that we are worthy. We are deserving of success, happiness, and abundance. And we have the power within us to create the life we want.
I know, I know… this is easier said than done. It takes time and effort to retrain our brains and overcome years of negative self-talk. But we must be honest with ourselves and recognize that the enemy within is real and that we have the power to overcome it.
So…How Can I Begin To Conquer The Enemy Within?
I know firsthand the power of overcoming the enemy within. My mind was EXTREMELY HAPPY being overweight (technically…morbidly obese). My body came to the realization that it needed to be healthier years ago…but my mind was determined to stay fat, sick, and super tired ALL THE TIME. The negative self-talk and limiting beliefs that hold us back from achieving our milestones/goals and living our best lives can be unbearable at times. But it is possible to conquer this enemy and unlock our full potential. There have been many steps I’ve taken on my continuing journey to become my best self. But there are 5 initial steps that I took that had a major impact on my success thus far. I want to take a few minutes to highlight them for you today in hopes that you may find one or two that you can begin to implement as you start your journey to personal excellence:
Practice Self-Awareness
The first step to overcoming the enemy within is to become aware of it. Pay attention to the thoughts and beliefs that run through your mind on a daily basis. Notice when they are negative or limiting. Only by acknowledging these thoughts can you begin to change them.
On the flight from (and to) Las Vegas that changed my life, I was made very aware of the voice inside my head telling me, “You’ll never lose weight”, “You’ll always be unhealthy”, “Being uncomfortable in various kinds of furniture will be something you have to live with”, and of course, ”Being unhealthy only affects you…nobody else!”
Challenge Your Beliefs
Once you’ve become aware of your negative self-talk, it’s time to challenge it. Ask yourself if these thoughts are really true or if they’re just beliefs that you’ve held onto for a long time. Are they helping you or holding you back? If they’re holding you back, it’s time to let them go.
I had to have a real talk with myself. Was I going to let the negative thoughts outweigh the positive potential? HECK NO! I had enough of “That’s how I’ve always done it”. It was time to challenge those beliefs and turn to a “This is how it will be going forward” mindset.
Replace Negative Self-Talk with Positive Affirmations
Now that you’re aware of your negative self-talk and you’ve challenged your limiting beliefs, it’s time to replace them with positive affirmations. Choose a few affirmations that resonate with you and repeat them to yourself regularly. For example, “I am worthy of success and happiness” or “I have the power to create the life I want.”
Since starting this new chapter in my life, I’m amazed at my progress each and every day. From where I was to where I am has been an amazing journey. Each day I see just what I’m truly capable of. The “I can’t” frame of mind has been replaced with the “Heck yes I can”. That positive mindset has been crucial in my progress.
Take Action
Positive affirmations are powerful, but they’re not enough on their own. To truly overcome the enemy within, you need to take action toward your goals. Start small and take one step at a time. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and keep moving forward.
The first step is the hardest. Don’t get me wrong, the following 1,000,000 steps are freaking hard too…but the idea of taking the first step to change our life for the better is scary, nerve-racking, and stressful. Good News: Even though the process is hard, with each step comes confidence, personal progress, and a deeper understanding of our true limits.
Practice Self-Care
Finally, it’s important to take care of yourself as you work to overcome the enemy within. Make time for self-care activities that nourish your body and soul, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish – it’s necessary for your well-being.
Whether we’re trying to get healthy, start a business, build stronger personal relationships, or get a promotion at work, if we are not physically (and mentally) fit, we are not going to achieve overall peak performance…no matter how hard we try. It’s been scientifically proven time and again, as the body goes…so goes overall achievement.
The Enemy Within From A Biblical Perspective
Throughout my personal development journey, I’ve researched, read, and depended on God’s Word for encouragement and inspiration. The Bible has many verses that speak to the power of our thoughts and beliefs. In Proverbs 23:7, it says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” This verse reminds us that our thoughts and beliefs shape who we are and the life we lead.
Similarly, Philippians 4:8 tells us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” This verse encourages us to focus on positive and uplifting thoughts, rather than negative and limiting ones.
And then there’s the “Old Faithful” passage in Jeremiah 29:11 that teaches us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse reminds us that we are worthy of success and happiness and that God has a plan for our lives.
In short, biblical scripture emphasizes the power of our thoughts and beliefs and encourages us to focus on positivity and hope. By taking control of our thoughts and overcoming the “enemy within”… i.e. “stinkin’ thinkin’”, we can live the abundant life that God has planned for us.
Bottom Line Y’all…
Overcoming the enemy within is possible, but it takes time, effort, and self-awareness. By challenging your limiting beliefs, replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations, taking action toward your goals, and practicing self-care, you can conquer the enemy within and unlock your full potential. Remember, you are worthy of success and happiness, and you have the power to create the life you want.
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Unlocking Our Potential: The Importance of Pursuing Peak Performance in All Areas of Life
We are at a time in history where society has convinced the majority of people that it’s easier to settle for mediocrity than embrace the meritocracy system that built this great nation. It’s time for men and women to step outside their comfort zone and start a Peak Performance Revolution. We need to be at our best, physically and mentally, so that we can defeat a broken system that wants us to stay unhealthy, uneducated, financially strapped, and spiritually silent and depleted.
The sad truth is that many of us have become too comfortable with our current situations. We’ve settled for jobs we don’t love, allowed ourselves to become unhealthy and overweight, neglected our mental well-being, and closed the line of communication with God. It’s time to break out of that rut and start striving for excellence in every aspect of our lives.
At its core, peak performance is about being in a state of flow, or “the zone,” where we are fully immersed in the task at hand and performing at a high level. This can apply to any area of our life, from athletics to business to personal relationships. When we are in a state of peak performance, we feel energized, focused, and confident in our abilities.
In order to achieve our dreams and reach our full potential, we have to perform at our best physically, mentally, financially, educationally, and spiritually. But what does that mean? What does that look like? Let’s dive into this idea of “peak performance” and find out!
Peak Health and Wellness Performance
Achieving and maintaining peak performance in the area of health and wellness is a critical component of living a happy, fulfilling life. It requires a commitment to making healthy choices, both physically and mentally and creating a lifestyle that supports optimal health. Let’s explore the importance of pursuing peak performance in the area of health and wellness and provide practical tips for achieving your health goals.
First and foremost, peak performance in the area of our overall health can help us prevent and manage chronic diseases. Many of the most common chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, are linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and stress. By making healthy choices and taking care of our bodies, we can reduce our risk of developing these conditions and manage them more effectively.
In addition to preventing and managing chronic diseases, pursuing peak performance in the area of health can help us feel better on a day-to-day basis. When we prioritize healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga, we’ll likely experience improved energy levels, better sleep, and a more positive outlook on life.
What are some ways we can achieve peak performance in the area of health and wellness? Here are a few strategies:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet: Focus on consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated and trans fats. This has been one of the most fun parts of our new healthy lifestyle journey. Courtney and I have discovered we like fruits and vegetables and the lack of processed “crap” has been a blessing. Oh…and meal plan, meal plan, meal plan!!! Experiment with healthy foods and figure out what foods are “best” and then make them a part of a new and improved eating habit.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day. We walk (or go to the gym) for at least 45 minutes per day and a lot of times we add an additional 45-minute workout into the daily mix. A 45-minute workout can include activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or playing (I mean really playing) with our kids. Find fun and challenging things to do and make them a part of your daily habit.
- Manage stress: Experiment with different stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation. I utilize the “tracing the hand” method of relaxing. With my right index finger, I trace my left hand (fingers pointing up and palm facing me). I breathe in when my finger traces the left hand from the palm to the tips of the fingers…and I breathe out when I trace the left hand down toward the palm. Trace slowly and go back and forth for about 30 seconds to a minute. This strategy allows me to refocus and avoid getting angry or anxious when I find myself in a stressful situation. Find out what stress relief tactics work and make it a habit.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Create a sleep-friendly environment, such as a cool, dark room, and avoid screens and caffeine before bedtime. I’ll be honest…I suffer in this area. Life is currently so busy, I’m lucky if I get 5 hours of sleep. BUT…I’m constantly working on my daily schedule in an effort to get more sleep. Scheduling the right amount of sleep is a good habit to employ for having more energy and allowing the body to rest and recuperate after a hard day’s work and exercise.
- Take care of your mental health: Seek support from a mental health professional if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. I utilize a Christian counselor (who also happens to be an elder at my church). Getting his advice and counseling from a Biblical perspective is such a blessing. We can also practice self-care activities that help us feel calm and centered, such as journaling, taking a bath, or spending time in nature. Make it a priority to include intentional mental health care in daily habits!
Pursuing peak performance in the area of health and wellness is critical for living a happy, fulfilling life. By making healthy choices and creating a lifestyle that supports optimal health, you can prevent and manage chronic diseases, feel better on a day-to-day basis, and enjoy a higher quality of life. Remember to prioritize healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, sleep, and mental health, and seek support when you need it.
Peak Personal Finance Performance
Personal financial stability is an important aspect of our overall well-being, and pursuing peak performance in this area can have a profound impact on our life. Achieving financial stability requires dedication, discipline, and a willingness to learn and grow. Let’s explore the importance of pursuing peak performance in the area of personal financial stability and look at easy-to-implement strategies that can help us regain our personal financial stability.
Why should we pursue peak performance in the area of our finances? Financial stability provides a sense of security, peace of mind, and the freedom to pursue one’s dreams and passions. Pursuing peak performance in this area can help us achieve these benefits…and more. Here are some reasons why it’s important to pursue peak performance in personal finance:
- Achieving Financial Independence: Pursuing peak performance in personal finance can help us achieve financial independence, which means having enough income and assets to cover our expenses without relying on outside sources of income. This can help provide a sense of freedom and control over our life.
- Building Wealth: Pursuing peak performance in personal finance can also help us build wealth over time. By creating a budget, saving regularly, and investing wisely, we can grow our wealth and achieve financial security. I know, I know…it takes time. But when we hit retirement age, we’ll be glad we took the time to pursue peak performance in the area of personal finance!
- Reducing Stress: Financial stress can have a significant impact on one’s overall well-being. Courtney and I are public education teachers, so we fully understand paychecks running out way before the end of the month. #BeenThereDoneThat We are currently pursuing peak performance in personal finance so that we can reduce financial stress and improve our mental and emotional health.
Here are a few tips we’ve identified to help achieve peak performance in personal finance:
- Budget: Creating a budget is an essential step in achieving financial stability. By tracking income and expenses, we can identify areas where we need to cut back on spending and increase savings.
- Save: Saving regularly is another important step in achieving financial stability. Setting aside a portion of income each month for savings can help us build an emergency fund (or Itally fund), save for future expenses, and invest for the long term.
- Add Revenue Stream: Starting a side business is a great way of bringing in some much-needed “extra income”. Courtney and I are currently in the process of building two separate businesses. One that teaches my graphic design/student entrepreneurship lessons (that I’ve honed in the classroom over the course of 10 years) to students and families, and one that offers teachers fun, educational, and engaging classroom decorations to teachers.
- Continuously Learn and Grow: How we make and spend money is a complex and ever-changing area of our lives. Pursuing peak performance in this area requires a willingness to learn and grow. Reading books, attending seminars, and working with financial professionals can all help individuals stay informed and make smart financial decisions.
Pursuing peak performance in personal finance can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. Being intentional about staying focused and up to speed on the various ways we can earn and save (and spend) money can help us attain financial stability, build wealth, and reduce financial stress.
Peak Educational Performance
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential that we continue to learn and grow to stay ahead and achieve peak performance in various aspects of life. This includes questioning what we read, see, and hear from news outlets and social media platforms, and performing in-depth research to gain a comprehensive understanding of various current events, topics, and stories. Let’s explore the importance of pursuing peak performance as it relates to continuous knowledge acquisition.
Why should we pursue peak performance in learning?
Pursuing peak performance in learning and education can have a significant impact on our life. Here are some reasons why it’s important to continually learn and dig deeper to gain an understanding of what is happening in the world around us:
- Staying Relevant: In a constantly evolving world, it’s essential to stay relevant by keeping up with the latest trends, news, and information. This can help us stay ahead in our careers and personal lives. Today’s current state of information sharing has been negatively impacted by outside sources who pay high ad revenue to have products, viewpoints, and narratives presented as facts. If we take the majority of “news stories” at face value, we could easily be misled into thinking a certain way when in actuality the truth is completely opposite of what is being reported.
- Improving Problem-Solving Skills: Learning and researching can help us develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This can enable us to tackle challenges and overcome obstacles with greater ease. The more we utilize our brain power, the stronger (wiser) our mental focus becomes and the easier it is for us to discern what information is true and what information is manufactured.
- Enhancing Creativity: Continuously learning and doing research can also enhance creativity by exposing individuals to new ideas and perspectives. This is by far my favorite reason why we should strive to grow our amount of knowledge. Creativity is essential to the success of the individual…and the world as a whole!
- Broadening Perspectives: Learning and researching can broaden our perspective on various topics and issues. When we begin to identify how current events, ideals, and traditions can have on people groups outside our own, the better prepared we are to meet the needs of others and be contributing members of society as opposed to simply being takers. This can lead to greater empathy, understanding, and open-mindedness.
Here are some tips and tactics that we’ve discovered to be beneficial to our own personal knowledge growth:
- Make Time for Learning: Making time for learning is essential to achieving peak performance. This could include setting aside dedicated time each day or week to read (my new favorite pastime), watch videos (can you say YouTube?), attend webinars/conferences, or engage in other types of learning activities like classes, memberships, and on-demand curriculum.
- Make a plan: Making a “learning strategy” can help us stay motivated and focused on our learning journey. This could include setting specific learning objectives (i.e. read _____ amount of books that cover the topic of ______), identifying areas for improvement, or seeking out opportunities for growth.
- Seek out Resources: There are numerous resources available for individuals to continue learning and researching, including books, online courses, podcasts, and webinars. It’s important to discover these resources and figure out which ones resonate with our own personal interests and learning styles.
- Embrace Curiosity: Embracing curiosity is key to achieving peak performance in the area of education. This involves asking questions (don’t be skeeerd!), seeking answers (research, research, research), and being open to new ideas and perspectives (close-minded individuals very rarely win…if ever).
- Be Discerning: With so much information available today, it’s essential to be discerning and critically evaluate sources. This involves doing research, fact-checking, and seeking out multiple perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of a topic. Remember, we live in a time where news outlets and media sources would rather take money and create a “story” that sells than share actual information. (Walker Cronkite would be LIVID!!!)
Pursuing peak performance in learning something new and doing research can have a profound impact on our life. By making time for learning, making a plan, seeking out resources, embracing curiosity, and being discerning, we can stay relevant, improve problem-solving skills, enhance creativity, broaden perspectives, and stay ahead of the curve.
Peak Spiritual Performance
Finally, spirituality is an area of our lives that we should strive to continuously cultivate. In fact, it might very well be the cornerstone of the foundation of a life spent seeking perpetual excellence. Spirituality is an essential aspect of life that goes way beyond what we experience through the 5 senses. Pursuing peak performance in this area can bring immense benefits to our life, including inner peace, joy, and fulfillment. Let’s jump in and explore the importance of pursuing peak performance in the area of spirituality, incorporating Biblical principles and scripture.
Why should we pursue peak performance in the area of spirituality? Pursuing peak performance in spirituality can have a significant impact on our life. Here are some aspects of spiritual growth that I’ve identified as being essential to prioritize as I’ve continued down the road of personal development and growth:
- Connection with God: Spirituality involves developing a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. By pursuing peak performance in this area, we can deepen our connection with Him and experience His love and guidance in our lives. After all…if we’re truly trying to identify “the plan” for our lives…it helps to have a direct line to the creator of the plan.
- Inner Peace: Pursuing spirituality can bring a sense of inner peace, even in the midst of life’s challenges. Being in constant contact with God can help us cope with stress and find contentment and fulfillment. As y’all know, a big part of 75 Hard is reading. For the vast part of the Live Hard Program, I’ve submersed myself in Christian-centered books. It has helped me to regain that inner peace that’s been neglected for years. It’s been a true blessing.
- Purpose and Meaning: Continued spiritual growth can bring a sense of purpose and meaning to life. It can help us understand our unique calling and how we can contribute to the world and serve the people we come into contact with daily.
- Personal Growth: Pursuing spirituality involves continuous growth and self-reflection. It can help individuals identify areas for improvement and strive to become the best version of themselves.
So…what does the Bible say about the pursuit of spiritual peak performance:
- Pursue God First: Matthew 6:33 states, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Prioritizing God and seeking Him first can bring clarity, direction, and blessings.
- Practice Gratitude: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages individuals to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can bring joy and contentment, even in difficult times.
- Be Humble: James 4:10 states, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” Humility involves acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on God’s strength.
- Love Others: 1 John 4:7 states, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” Loving others is a key aspect of spirituality and can bring each of us fulfillment and joy.
Here are a few strategies I’ve identified to help our efforts of pursuing spiritual peak performance:
- Develop a Daily Practice: Pursuing spirituality involves daily practice, such as prayer, meditation, and Bible study. Setting aside dedicated time each day can help us deepen our connection with God. Creating productive habits is not just a good thing…it’s a God thing!
- Connect with a Community: Being part of a community of like-minded individuals can provide support and accountability in one’s spiritual journey. Some of my greatest mentors and a ton of the inspiration and encouragement I get come from my church family.
- Serve Others: Serving others is a fundamental aspect of spirituality. It can bring fulfillment and purpose and help individuals develop a heart of compassion. If God has taught me anything over the course of 75 Hard and the Live Hard Program, it’s that success and accomplishment are a by-product of serving others.
- Practice Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of spirituality. It involves letting go of bitterness and resentment and extending grace to others…and yourself! If we harbor ill will and hate toward anybody, our journey to personal growth will be continuously obstructed by jealousy and bitterness. But when we find in ourselves the desire to see others succeed (even if we are at odds with them) we are able to shift our pursuit of excellence into a gear we never thought possible.
Pursuing peak performance in the area of spirituality can bring immense benefits to our life, which in turn benefits the lives of our family, friends, and community. By seeking God first, practicing gratitude, being humble, and loving others, we can deepen our connection with God and experience inner peace, purpose, and personal growth. By developing habits, connecting with a community of believers, serving others, and practicing forgiveness, we can continue to pursue peak performance and experience the fullness of life that God wants for each of us.
Bottom Line Y’all…
It’s time for American men and women to start a Peak Performance Revolution. We need to step outside our comfort zone and start striving for excellence in every aspect of our lives. We need to focus on our physical and mental health. We need to find ways to strengthen our finances. We must prioritize our education and learning as we continuously seek wisdom and discernment. And we have to reconnect with God so that we can better understand His plans for us in this great big world. By focusing on these areas, we can create a brighter future for ourselves, our families, and future generations.
Blessings,
Mitch
better health, Biblical principles, broken system, Christianity, education, Encouragement, financial stability, Health and Wellness, inspiration, knowledge, learning, life change, mediocracy, mental toughness, meritocracy, Peak Performance, personal development, personal excellence, physical toughness, research, revolution, self improvement, spirituality -
Failure: The Secret Ingredient That Makes Success So SWEET!
The journey towards success is often filled with obstacles and challenges. However, it is the possibility of failure that makes the taste of success all the more sweet. Without the risk of failure, success would be meaningless and losing would be inconsequential. I want to take some time and explores the relationship between failure and success and how failure can actually be a positive experience.
The fear of failure is a common human emotion that can hold us back from pursuing our goals and dreams. However, it is important to recognize that failure is an inevitable part of the journey towards success. The most successful people in the world have all experienced failure at some point in their lives. It is through these failures that they have learned valuable lessons and gained the experience and resilience necessary to achieve their goals.
When we experience failure, we are forced to confront our weaknesses and mistakes. This can be a painful and humbling experience, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. Failure teaches us what doesn’t work, and this knowledge is invaluable in helping us to refine our approach and ultimately achieve success.
The possibility of failure also adds a level of excitement and challenge to the pursuit of success. When we are faced with the risk of failure, we are pushed to work harder, think more creatively, and take calculated risks. This can result in a sense of accomplishment and pride when we finally achieve our goals.
It is important to note, however, that failure is not always a positive experience. It can be discouraging and demotivating, especially if we do not learn from our mistakes and continue to make the same errors. The key is to approach failure with a growth mindset and view it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Bottom Line Y’all…
The possibility of failure makes success all the more sweet because it adds an element of challenge, excitement, and growth to the journey towards achieving our goals. While failure can be a painful experience, it is also an opportunity for learning and improvement. So the next time you face the possibility of failure, embrace it as a chance to grow and come back stronger than ever before.
75 Hard, adventure, dream big, Encouragement, enjoy life, faith, Family, fitness, follow through, goal setting, habits, hard work, healthy lifestyle, healthy living, improvement, inspiration, journey, life change, life goals, mental focus, mental shift, mental toughness, Milestones, Mindset, personal development, physical toughness, quest, weight loss -
The Power of Taking Action: Why Doing Nothing is Not An Option
If you did nothing to change your life over the course of the next 12 months, how would you feel 365 days from now?
Have you ever stopped to consider what your life would look like if you did nothing to change it over the next 12 months? Would you feel content and satisfied with where you are, or would you feel stuck and unfulfilled? This is a question that we all need to ask ourselves if we want to live our best lives.
When we choose to do nothing, we are essentially giving up on ourselves and our potential for growth and self-improvement. We are settling for a mediocre existence instead of striving for excellence. And while it may be tempting to stay in our comfort zones, the truth is that true growth and happiness come from taking action.
Taking action doesn’t mean that we have to make drastic changes overnight. It can start with small steps, such as setting milestones and making a plan to achieve them. It can also involve seeking out support and guidance from others who have walked the same path. By taking action, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences that we would have otherwise missed out on.
On the other hand, if we choose to do nothing and let life pass us by, we will likely feel regret and disappointment when we look back on the missed opportunities and the time that we can never get back. The choice is ours to make, but the consequences of inaction are not worth it.
Now, let’s fast forward to this same time next year. If we choose to take action and make positive changes in our lives, we will likely feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when we look back on how far we’ve come. We will have grown and evolved as individuals, and we will be better equipped to handle whatever challenges come our way in the future.
Bottom line y’all…
Taking action and making positive changes in our lives is essential for personal growth and fulfillment. As we look ahead to this time next year, let’s commit to taking small steps towards our goals and trusting in ourselves to make the changes that we need to live our best lives!
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
~ Proverbs 6:6-11America, continuous improvement, dream big, Encouragement, enjoy life, follow through, goal setting, habits, hard work, health, healthy lifestyle, improvement, inspiration, journey, life, life change, life goals, mental focus, mental shift, mental toughness, Milestones, Mindset, nutrition, opportunity, personal development, personal growth, physical toughness, procrastination, Productivity, resilience, responsibility, self improvement, take action -
What Do You Stand For: Take The Time To Develop Your Principles
You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything! That is the title of an Aaron Tippon song from 1991. I was in college…and I remember it well. I still sing it regularly. There is a great message behind it! If we don’t know who we are at our deepest core, our decisions will switch directions like a flag in a tornado. The things we stand for should guide us as we live life AND as we try to make our lives better. Let’s face it. We all want to get better. Whether we want to get healthier, become more financially stable, or build stronger relationships. A great first step in the direction of personal progress is to understand our own personal principles.
If you’ve spent more than 5 minutes with me, you’ve heard me preach on the topic of identifying and defining our personal principles. Throughout our personal health journey, I’ve come to the realization that knowing what we stand for (and why we stand for it) has a major impact on our personal growth. If you’re someone who’s trying to create a better life for yourself, then defining your personal principles is a crucial step toward achieving that goal. Personal principles are the values, beliefs, and ideals that guide our actions and decisions, and they play a significant role in shaping our identity and determining our success. In this blog post, we’ll look at the top 6 reasons I’ve found why defining our personal principles is essential for our personal growth.
- Clarity and Focus
One of the most significant benefits of defining our personal principles is that it provides us with clarity and focus. When we have a clear understanding of our values and beliefs, we can make better decisions that align with our goals and aspirations. Our personal principles serve as a compass that guides us toward what’s important, and away from distractions and detours.
- Self-Awareness
Defining our personal principles requires introspection and self-reflection, which in turn, helps us develop self-awareness. When we take the time to identify our values and beliefs, we become more aware of our strengths and weaknesses, as well as our likes and dislikes. This self-awareness allows you to make better choices that align with your personality and goals, leading to a more fulfilling life.
- Improved Relationships
Our personal principles also play a significant role in our relationships with others. When we have a clear understanding of our values and beliefs, we can communicate them effectively to others, and we’re more likely to attract like-minded people who share our values. This leads to stronger, more meaningful relationships that are built on mutual respect and understanding.
- Increased Resilience
Defining our personal principles also helps us develop resilience, which is essential for overcoming challenges and setbacks. When we have a clear understanding of our values and beliefs, we’re better equipped to handle adversity and stay focused on our goals. Our personal principles act as a source of motivation and inspiration, helping us persevere through difficult times.
- Decisiveness
Knowing our personal principles helps us make informed decisions about when to say yes and when to say no. Knowing our principles allows us to identify opportunities that align with our values and avoid those that do not. This ability to set boundaries and make intentional choices based on our principles is powerful in creating a better life by prioritizing what’s important and avoiding distractions. Knowing our principles not only helps us define who we are but also empowers us to make choices that align with our values, leading to a more fulfilling life.
- Greater Sense of Purpose
Finally, defining our personal principles gives us a greater sense of purpose and direction. When we have a clear understanding of our values and beliefs, we can live a more purposeful life that’s aligned with our goals and aspirations. Personal principles act as a roadmap that guides us toward what’s important and helps us make the most of our time and energy.
Our Principles Grow As We Grow
It is essential to recognize that personal principles are not static and unchanging. Instead, they should be continually evolving and growing as we gain new experiences, perspectives, and knowledge.
Growing and changing our principles over time is crucial for personal growth and development. As we live through new things and encounter different challenges, we learn more about ourselves and the world around us. Our beliefs and values may shift slightly as we gain new insights and understandings, and this can lead to changes in our personal principles.
Allowing our personal principles to evolve and grow over time is essential for us to adapt to new situations and challenges. It is totally fine to reevaluate our principles in light of new information and experiences. My health journey is currently steeped in cardio…but I know without a doubt that will change over time as become more “whole body” focused. A principle that served us well for years may no longer align with our continuously changing milestones and goals.
As we gain more knowledge and experience, we become more aware of the complexities of the world, and our personal principles can reflect this growing awareness. We can then apply this newfound understanding to our relationships, career, and other aspects of our lives, leading to more positive outcomes.
Bottom Line Y’all…
Defining our personal principles is essential for a better life. It provides us with clarity and focus, self-awareness, improved relationships, increased resilience, decisiveness, and a greater sense of purpose. It is a continuous process that needs to be reevaluated regularly to make sure it still aligns with our growing life experiences. If you haven’t already defined your personal principles, I encourage you to find the time to start. Our personal principles are unique to us, and they’re an essential part of who we are. Identify them, and you’ll be on your way to creating a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Encouragement, goal setting, habits, hard work, healthy living, inspiration, journey, life, life change, life goals, mental focus, mental shift, Milestones, mind shift, Mindset, opportunity, personal development, personal growth, principles, Productivity, resilience, self improvement, success, take action -
Success Doesn’t Always Lead To Happiness…But Happiness Always Leads To Success!
Does success really lead to happiness? I mean, before our shift to a healthier lifestyle, Courtney and I had stable jobs, a house, cars, a beautiful family, and dogs (lots of dogs). So, by most people’s standards, we should have been “happy”. But in all honesty, we were just going through the motions. It wasn’t until we started tackling our health goals together and focusing on growing physically, spiritually, and even mentally, that we started to truly feel happy. Don’t get me wrong, we don’t feel like “we’ve arrived”. In fact, we are now setting new targets to hit (and boy are these targets going to require hard work, determination, and a steady growth mindset).
In doing a deep dive into our experience, I’ve come to a few conclusions.
First…Success and happiness are two concepts that are often closely linked in our minds. We tend to believe that success brings happiness, and that if we work hard enough and achieve our milestones (or goals), we will finally be happy. However, the truth is that success doesn’t lead to happiness, but rather happiness leads to success.
Research shows that happy people are more productive, more creative, and more likely to achieve the milestones and goals they set. When we are happy, we are more optimistic, more resilient, and better able to cope with stress and challenges. This, in turn, makes us more successful in our personal and professional lives.
One reason why happiness leads to success is that it changes our mindset (Man Mitch! You’ve been posting a lot about “mindset” lately). When we are happy, we are more likely to adopt a growth mindset, which is the belief that we can learn and improve our abilities. This mindset leads to a willingness to take on challenges, learn from failures, and persist in the face of obstacles. This, in turn, leads to greater success.
Another reason why happiness leads to success is that it improves our relationships. Courtney and I can attest to that!!! Happy people are more likely to have positive relationships with others, and these relationships can be a source of support, encouragement, and opportunities. People are also more likely to want to work with happy people, which can lead to greater opportunities for success.
So, if you want to be successful, the key is not to focus solely on achieving your goals, but to focus on your happiness as well. By taking care of your emotional well-being, building positive relationships, and cultivating a growth mindset, you can increase your chances of success and achieve greater happiness at the same time.
Bottom Line Y’all…
Success doesn’t always lead to happiness, but happiness always leads to success. By prioritizing our emotional well-being, building positive relationships, and cultivating a growth mindset, we can increase our chances of success and achieve greater happiness in our personal and professional lives. Remember, happiness is not just a byproduct of success, but a key ingredient for it.
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Success Focuses On “Aways Getting Up”…Not “Never Falling Down”!
Success is something that everyone strives for in their lives, but not everyone achieves. It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance to succeed in any field or endeavor. However, success is not making sure we never fall down, it’s about always getting up after a fall.
It is important to understand that failure is an integral part of the journey toward success. Every successful person has faced failure at some point in their life. What sets them apart is their ability to learn from their mistakes, get up, and keep moving forward. It is often said that failure is not the opposite of success, but a stepping stone toward success. Embracing failure and using it as a learning opportunity can help us achieve success in the long run.
Furthermore, getting up after a fall requires resilience and determination. It is easy to give up and quit after a setback, but it takes strength to keep going. Successful people understand that setbacks are temporary and that they should not define their future. Instead, they use these setbacks as motivation to work harder and smarter.
Another important aspect of always getting up after we fall is having a growth mindset. A growth mindset is a belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed over time through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. People with a growth mindset see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a reflection of their abilities. This mindset allows them to bounce back from setbacks and continue on their journey toward success.
Bottom Line Y’all…
Success focuses on “always getting up”, not “never falling down”. Failure is a necessary part of the journey toward reaching the milestones and goals we set, and it takes resilience, determination, and continued growth in the area of knowledge to get up and keep moving forward. Remember that setbacks are temporary and that they should not define your future. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and use it as motivation to work smarter AND harder. By doing so, we will be well on our way to achieving success in whatever field or endeavor we choose to pursue.
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Stop Staring At The Closed Door And Go Find One That Is Open!
In life, we often find ourselves stuck in situations where things don’t seem to go as planned. It’s common to feel frustrated and defeated when we’re faced with a closed door, but it’s important to remember that there’s always an open one waiting for us.
For years I sat in my favorite recliner or laid on my worn-out couch, eating chips, candy, and french fries while sucking down a sugary drink, and thought, “Man! I can’t believe how fat and out of shape I’ve gotten!” Sadly, the next day I’d find myself on the same couch thinking the same thing! Before I knew it, 25 years had passed by and I hadn’t changed AT ALL. Well…that’s not totally true. I continued to gain weight every day! I was fixated on all that was wrong in my life, and I chose not to look for a “way out.”
It happens to the best of us! But…what do we do when we finally realize we are in this position?
Instead of fixating on what’s not working or what we’ve lost, it’s time to shift our focus toward finding new opportunities and taking action toward a better future. This can be done by adopting a positive attitude, being open to new experiences, and learning to adapt to change.
One of the key things we can do is to stop staring at the closed door and start actively seeking out new opportunities. This could mean exploring new career paths, networking with like-minded individuals, or taking on new hobbies and interests that align with our passions.
It’s also important to remember that our journey toward a better life is not a linear path, and setbacks and obstacles are to be expected. Rather than viewing these challenges as roadblocks, we should approach them as learning opportunities and use them as a chance to grow and improve.
Another crucial aspect of living a better life is to surround ourselves with positive influences. This could mean seeking out supportive friends and family members, finding a mentor, or even turning to online communities that share our goals and values.
Bottom Line Y’all…
Living a better life requires us to take action and make the most of the opportunities that come our way. By focusing on what’s possible rather than what’s not, we can find the open doors that lead us toward a brighter future. So let’s stop staring at the closed door and go find one that is open – our journey towards a better life awaits.
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Taking Action Is LIMITLESS!
When it comes to achieving success in life, we often think that external factors such as our circumstances, education, or resources are the main determinants. However, the truth is that the biggest limit to our achievements is ourselves, more specifically, our lack of action. In other words, the only limit in life is the limit we set for ourselves by not taking action towards our goals.
I understand this COMPLETELY! For 25(ish) years I did nothing! I didn’t truly attempt to get healthy. I didn’t truly attempt to better our finances. And if we’re being honest…I didn’t attempt to grow my relationship with God…AND I’M A PASTOR! I was totally limiting my full potential by not taking action in any of these areas!
Whether it’s getting healthy, career, relationships, personal growth, or anything else that requires effort and dedication, if we’re not putting in the effort…we’re not going to reach our goals and/or milestones. When we fail to take action, we are essentially limiting ourselves from realizing our full potential and achieving the success that we desire. So, why do we sometimes struggle with taking action?
Fear is one of the most common reasons why people fail to take action. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, and fear of the unknown can all hold us back from pursuing our goals. However, it’s important to remember that failure is a natural part of the learning process, and it’s through our failures that we learn and grow. If we let our fear of failure prevent us from taking action, we will never know what we are capable of achieving.
Another reason why we may struggle with taking action is a lack of clarity. If we don’t have a clear understanding of what we want to achieve and how we’re going to achieve it, it’s easy to get stuck in a state of indecision and inaction. To overcome this, we need to take the time to set clear milestones, create a plan of action, and break down our strategy for achieving success into smaller, actionable steps.
Procrastination is also a major obstacle when it comes to taking action. It’s easy to get caught up in distractions and put off doing the things that we know we should be doing. However, the longer we put things off, the more daunting they become, and the less likely we are to take action. To overcome procrastination, we need to cultivate discipline and make a habit of taking action, even if it’s just a small step forward.
Finally, we gotta have a strong support system! It’s important to surround ourselves with people who support and encourage us to take action. When we have a strong support system, we are more likely to stay motivated and accountable to our goals. Whether it’s friends, family, or a mentor, having people in our lives who believe in us and our ability to succeed can make all the difference.
Bottom Line Y’all…
The only limit in life is the limit we set for ourselves by not taking action towards our goals. Whether it’s fear, lack of clarity, procrastination, or a lack of support, there are many obstacles that can prevent us from taking action. However, by cultivating discipline, setting clear goals, breaking them down into actionable steps, and surrounding ourselves with a strong support system, we can overcome these obstacles and achieve the success we desire. Remember, the power to achieve greatness lies within us, and it’s up to us to take action and make it a reality.
~Mitch
Pivot Then Live It: The Blog
Mitch Fairchild 
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