Before we even consider a course of action to pursue fitness and health, we must understand that the modern world is out of balance with too much stress, unhealthy diet&exercise practices, obsessive/compulsive behavior, materialism/consumerism. We are faced with Hype, Shortcuts and Gimmicks when we pursue healthy diet or exercise techniques. It is important to take a step back and understand the need to take a more balanced and holistic approach to life, health, fitness and peak performance in the workplace. Implementing the concepts discussed below can have an INSTANT impact on your motivation and energy levels, reduce stress and prime you for success in any goal that you choose.

1) Make Your Health Your #1 Priority: Govern all of your actions in life by asking yourself, "Is this healthy?" The choices you make in your career, personal life, leisure time, grocery store - all of your choices should promote health and well being. Nothing is more important than your health for without it you have nothing. Sure we have to work too hard and too long on occasion - in times like this it is especially important to eat healthy, get regular exercise and take special care of your body.

There are more details about these concepts in my book Power Month - a 30-day program to Change Your Life featuring daily Action Plans in the areas of Diet, Exercise, Health and Personal Growth.

2) Destroy and Re-Frame Self-Limiting Beliefs: We all carry around tons of baggage in the form of self-limiting beliefs. "I'm terrible with names, Excel is so confusing, I'm not a natural athlete, I'm horrible with directions...". The key is to challenge your beliefs that are self-limiting and re-frame them into something positive and realistic. In my career as a professional triathlete, I formed a negative attitude about swimming and believed that my competition was better than me. I changed the belief of "Swim is my worst event and I can't keep up with these great athletes" to "I am committed to improving my swim, making it my primary training focus and giving 100% effort on race day." Without swimming any extra in training, I immediately improved my competitive performance.

3) Choose a Positive Attitude: Lance Armstrong told me that when he was diagnosed with cancer he had "no choice but to remain positive." If Lance can do this with a life of death situation, we can certainly do this with something that is fun and games - like an athletic goal. When you encounter negativity towards a workout or a race, understand that your motivation is impure. Choose a positive attitude to return to your center of balance and happiness. Waking up, having breakfast with your loved ones, driving in traffic, waiting in line, bouncing checks - these are all gifts. Don't waste the gift of daily with a negative attitude about anything. It is always possible to choose a positive attitude.