Every once in a while we all need to stand back and observe our own behaviour, the different aspects of us that make us what we are.  If you think you can, you can.  That's because our belief system acts as a framework for our behaviour and how you behave and what you get is based on what you believe.

This can be a really powerful tool that impacts our everyday lives.  As in the area of our health and wellness, a matter of increasing concern in today's environment.

Most of us today, have become aware of the need to include some element of fitness and exercise into our schedules.  In most cases however, this is a forced, grudging inclusion on the recommendation of one's doctor or the need, prompted by the image in the mirror, that nudges you to go about getting some exercise. 

Why do we view any exercise or fitness program as a chore or a punishment?
 
As a result, even before you embark on any such program you have set yourself up for, at the very least, boredom and drudgery or worse, failure.  Movement and exercise can make you and your body feel terrific! Not only does exercise help boost your mood; it also stimulates your muscles, making you feel more alive and connected to your body.

Finding the right reasons to exercise is important.  Unrealistic expectations or short-term goals will not result in long-term success.  Wanting to lose weight for an event or deciding to exercise for a three month period is in itself a limiting goal.  Simply trying a new physical activity for fun rather than to lose weight can be exhilarating. 

Shift the focus from the stress and expectations of weight-loss and seeing the much sought after results. Just revelling in the activity and thinking of it as time devoted to you, to de-stress and enjoy, can lead to more satisfying results. 

Regular

After all, if you are going to engage in regular physical activity and exercise, getting fitter and slimmer will be natural consequences of that program.  What's important is to find the right reasons for wanting to do it, to derive maximum benefits not just for the body but for the mind too.  After all, who says you can't have fun while working out?

Looking at the positives that result from adopting wellness and fitness oriented lifestyles makes it necessary for us to develop a way of thinking that will lead you to believe you can behave differently.  Just because you may have failed in the past, doesn't mean that it will happen again.

If you really want to change your lifestyle or lose those extra kilos or run that marathon or be able to play your favourite sport again, know that if you truly believe that you can do it, then you will find a way to make it happen.  Belief is the fuel of ambition. 

Perhaps one of the greatest examples of this was the belief that running a mile under four minutes was humanly impossible. 

A feat tried innumerable times only to be met with failure.  However, Roger Banister decided that this daunting physical barrier could be overcome. After he achieved this amazing record, people then believed that it was now possible and in 18 months, after the first record, 45 more runners were able to achieve the same.

The fact is if you always do what you have always done, then you'll always get what you've always got.  If you believe that you are going to be able to do it, then you pay attention and heed signals that reinforce that belief. 

If you believe that you are not going to be able to make it, then at the first sign of difficulty in achieving your objective you are ready to abandon and give up. 

Keep in mind that YOU deserve a healthy, happy and fit life and that belief will make it a reality.

The author is a certified fitness instructor and can be contacted at 25529366, 9880121418