No matter how healthy or fit we feel we have become, at some level we are affected by our past conditioning and how we think. I was not born a sports-mad kid. Actually, I was quite the opposite. At the age of 10, I was very overweight. I felt complete embarrassment. I felt immense shame. I felt like a defect.
My health and fitness didn’t really start to thrive until I started modeling my mindset after other truly healthy and fit individuals. This was something I discovered more deeply while completing my master’s in sports psychology. It also helped me to see the lives of my clients and colleagues change dramatically by changing their thoughts. Everything begins in the mind.
5 Mindsets of the Healthy –
Mindset #1: Healthy people believe they are in total control of their destiny as opposed to their destiny is predetermined.
The healthy do not allow physical limitations to prevent them from reaching their divine destiny. Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs. His life was not easy. His life is filled with joy and purpose after overcoming adversity. Nick, now 30, has a wife, and they travel the globe sharing inspiring messages of hope, accomplishment, and love. He understood that everyone needs love and hope, and that he was uniquely positioned to share it with others. He said, “Dream big, my friend, and don’t give up.” We all make mistakes, but none of us are mistakes.” How can the world elevate from your presence? You did indeed arrive for a divine purpose.
Mindset #2: The healthy get their metabolism to work for them instead of trading time for health.
The healthy metabolism investor has educated themselves on quality nutrition and a sound workout program that works for them. Their metabolism starts to pay off long-term when they master the art of consistency. Their metabolism and hormonal system are working efficiently so they can burn fat more effectively during workouts or at rest.
Mindset #3: Healthy people have a positive influence on their family members and friends, and they bring them along on the journey.
One of my most inspiring clients, ‘Mark’, had spent years on a downhill addictive path of drugs and alcoholism, & jail time. He could have easily lost the rest of his life. He hired me to rebuild his body and life. Mark dedicated his whole life to good nutrition and better workouts. Mark became a strong, muscular man and lost 5% of his body fat. I helped him achieve his personal training certification. Mark is now sober, continues to support his family, friends and community through his fitness training, and has inspired many.
Mindset #4: Healthy people focus on opportunities instead of obstacles.
To improve athletes’ performance, sports psychologists employ mental skills training. This training involves looking at the positive side of any situation. This is positive psychology. According to Seligman, ‘seeing obstacles instead of opportunities doesn’t just affect behavior; it also reaches down to the cellular level and makes the immune system more passive. When faced with a challenge, healthy people are more likely to stick to their exercise program and not abandon it altogether. A positive outlook is an important part of your inner strength and overall well-being.
Mindset #5 – Healthy people perceive fear differently and learn to overcome it.
Pema Chodron stated, “If fear is not understood, you will never be fearless.” Healthy people recognize the presence of fear and trek forward regardless because they understand that fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth, or higher accomplishments.
Stefanie Basso
NSCA Certified Trainer, NCSF Sport Nutrition Specialist BA Exercise Science, MS Sport Psychology
Ph.D. Holistic Nutrition San Diego, CA 92122
Email: [email protected], www.steffitness.com
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