The nexus between mental and physical health have been a subject of researched from time immemorial, the product of which is a mountain of evidence in support of how superb physical health leads to flourishing mental health. The contra positive is also TRUE in that poor mental health is a high risk factor for chronic physical conditions. Similarly, it can be posited that people with chronic physical conditions are at risk of developing poor mental health.

In point of fact, we are physical beings “living” in our “mental worlds.” What we do and become are a function of the works of our mental faculties.

These words, however, are easier said, becoming what they simply state is not as easy.
In order to embrace and accommodate high-paced mental activities, it is imperative that your physical fitness tags along, otherwise your brains will increasingly feel entrapped within a listless body, shackled to mediocrity. All these must be, and must work in perfect synchrony so as to press us to the limits of our aspirations, if not beyond.

NOTHING GREAT COMES EASY. It has been said, if you MUST eat a frog, look for (start with) a fat, and a juicy one.

Whereas EASY is NOT what we are discussing here, the HARD things that I urge we focus on aren’t particularly enjoyable, easy or fun to do.

So, how do we make this journey both FUN and ENJOYABLE so that we can all get “there” where we can enjoy the fruits of our labor? How about a fresh and positive mindset that seems to turn the mountains of life into flat grounds, to enable us effortlessly breeze through the business of life? What of that god /goddess-like body we wish for that makes for great physical and mental health, if pumps into us the confidence like that of barrel chested, 8-foot tall monster, or that kinda “good” arrogance that comes with the possession of an American passport?

Here’s to you my Change Manifesto and Motivational Toolkit:
Question 1: How many men does it take to change a light bulb?
Be READY, and intentional. Clearly define what you’d like to undertake, and how to get there. Then just do it!
I don’t just stumble into the wild, or a gym, or a dusty field, then start to mull over ideas about what took me there? I PLAN, make mental notes, write reminders, and follow through what I plan to do, together with ways to measure outcomes as well. Psychologists call this ” implementation intentions.”

Question 2: Workouts, even taxing mental activities are HARD, even painful, NO?
We all need some kind of motivation. Find it in the “people power”: the accountability partners, reliable trainer etc.
I find mine from deep within me. Beyond being highly self-motivated, I numb the noise of wailing/screaming muscles, and the drowning sweat by accompanying my workouts and studies with PUMPING MUSIC. And boy, these ear pods are simply EXCELLENT.

Question 3: Who said we must only focus on the “benefits” to be inspired to get to desirous outcomes?
Prof. Leona Tam, a Hong Kong born professor, an Associate Professor at Old Dominion University, Virginia, at the time of her research on how different motivations’ orientations influence outcomes, disagrees with known FACTS begotten from years of research.

Interesting findings suggest that, we are more likely to arrive at our objectives when we focus on the potential dangers, or harm associated with our (in)actions, (Departure Regulatory Orientation) when chasing goals, as opposed to focusing on the benefits (Approach Regulatory Orientation) accrued from our (in)action as we aim towards the same goals, or objectives/outcomes in life.

So, next time you’re hitting the gym, perhaps constantly have the image of a person whose “figure” you totally don’t like, wouldn’t wish to look like, or perhaps focus on the lifestyle diseases and mental illness(es) you’d never wish caught up with you if you didn’t sharpen your mental and physical health, and workout like you are being chased by monsters!

Here’s to you my personal Rewards for you in the below trivia:

1. Which 3 exercises do you think I did this morning?
   Cash Prize: 1k for the 1st 2 persons that answer right.
2. What genre of music accompanied my workout TODAY?
   Prize: I’ll help coin a workout regime FOR free for the 1st 3 that get it right.
3. After the workout, I did something that would otherwise be absolutely boring to me in any normal day. But it was fun too since I’d eaten the “big frog” when my day started at the break of dawn.
   What was it?

Mega Prize: 1st 2 correct answers will earn you the right to train with me in this secret location, discuss your fitness journey, get expert advice and I’ll be your ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER through this journey.
How about that?

Please feel free to hit me up if you have any queries, asks, comments.
The Bigger The Better , The Biggest The Best