January 1, 2009
Work on Yourself - In Order To Prosper
When you really understand the nature of how things get done, which entails the foundation of mental and physical fitness, the doors in your personal and professional life will open wide to prosperity.
How Things Work
Aside from normal weather patterns and natural disasters, most things that happen to us and for us occur because of some action that we take or fail to take. Even when things happen that are out of our initial control, our reactions and responses determine how things unfold both in the short and long run. And so, when it comes to improving our lives in any way we desire, there is a foundation of fitness that we need to build.
The Two Most Important Work Sites
The two greatest sources of energy that determine outcome are the work we do to improve our mind and spirit, and the work to improve our body health and fitness—Headwork and Bodywork. Pretty simple—not easy. Headwork, or personal growth, includes finding sources of information and inspiration, which are transformed into decisions and actions. You can’t have the fulfilling life that is possible for you if you don’t attend to self-improvement every day. Bodywork includes regular exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep. You can’t enjoy your life to the fullest, or have the energy to work your goals unless you are fit and healthy.
Our Ambiguous Society
The problem is, we live in a society that occasionally talks a good line on responsibility and a “just-do-it” attitude, but mostly tempts us with the kind of food, pills, and comfort that lead to sloth, procrastination, and irresponsibility.
Of those who do make an effort, some people work on either headwork or bodywork, and neglect the other. Or they work on both with inconsistency or low intensity.
We have people who devote themselves to their career, neglect their body and have lives of imbalance. Or those who are careful to exercise and treat their body well, but neglect growing their minds, spirit, and character. Those who neglect both usually lead a limited life—and sometimes don’t know that they are missing their greater potential.
The Irony of Invention
Science, imagination, and innovation have brought advances to the more affluent societies (especially ours) that bring us more time, more comfort, and more convenience. This is good, except for the downside. Creature comforts like rich food, TV, cars, calculators and computers tend to lull us into inactive brainwork and bodywork. Our society inundates us with things that make life simple and convenient. We are pleasure-prone and pill-happy. We want things fixed quickly and easily. The work ethic and toughness of American pioneers seem irrelevant, even intimidating.
Look Who Gets Rich
The real irony is that the folks who bring us convenient innovation and push-button ease are often the ones who are working hard themselves to invent and improve things, which often brings them rewards and satisfaction that many of us dream of and long for. People who invent and market tasty and unhealthy food are making many trips to the bank, as are the producers, directors, and writers of mindless television shows, and as are those who bring us pills and medicine to alleviate any pain and any discomfort.
Science and innovation are part—part—of what advances us and is a testament to what makes humanity great. But like any tool, they can be used well or used badly.
Accept No Substitute
Jim Rohn, personal growth expert, said “You can’t hire anyone to do your pushups for you.” In the year 2050, 3050, and 5050, people will have to work on their mental and physical fitness if they want to survive and thrive. Some of us may long for a heaven with all play and no work. But that might be boring. Heaven might be better conceived of as a place of unlimited dreams, harmonious interaction, and exciting projects that bring no-limit joy. Why not start here, on this planet.
Action Steps
Consider engaging in these practical steps to put yourself in a position to improve more things in your life, and more thoroughly:
1st Write up your personal manifesto (philosophy) of Brian Tracy’s guide: “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.” Read the draft to someone you trust, and improve on it.
2nd Take 15 minutes or less and list a few ways you can improve your Headwork and Bodywork regimen. Work out a way to incorporate these into your schedule, and monitor and update it each week.
3rd Get a personal and professional consultation on your plan, always seeking a way to improve and alter your plan as it fits your needs.