I was recently writing up some information on how your state of mind is a critical factor in weight loss efforts, but despite the extreme focus that is sometimes required of a good weight loss plan, having a proper state of mind is not unique to physical fitness endeavors – not by a long shot.
In fact, it is often the case that when we are properly motivated to accomplish some task, that we will work incredibly hard to make sure that it gets done. We’ll put in overtime, we’ll live without sleep, we’ll even work for free sometimes if that’s what it takes to meet a goal that we are motivated about!
Here is where our state of mind starts to fail us, however. Seth Godin posted an entry on his blog entitled To [or] For, in which he talks about how it is often the case that business owners sometimes seem to go out of their way to make things difficult for their customers. It has been my experience that this usually has something to do with their bottom line.
As a small business owner myself, Seth’s post struck me because in both physical fitness endeavors as well as business endeavors, I have seen examples (myself and others) of people firing out of the gate in order to accomplish their goal, but then running out of steam at some point and only taking half steps after that.
Why do we do that? Usually it is because we aren’t properly motivated to continue. Our state of mind is one of complacency, rather than having a white-hot desire to succeed.
In the case of a weight loss effort, we are usually very motivated in the beginning, but as we realize how much work goes into a consistent, long-term fitness program, we start backing off on the intensity, and before we know it, our plans for a “dream” body have gone right out the window.
In the case of business ventures, the same thing can happen. We get involved in some type of venture in order make money or to provide a needed service, but then the reality of actually RUNNING a business venture sets in, and suddenly our customers are the ones who get the short end of the stick because we are “too busy” to deal with their needs.
Rocket Science Moment of the Day: Whether you are trying to trim the fat or build a business, you can NEVER get complacent!
If you want long-term fitness success, if you want to run a stable and profitable business, or if you even just want to keep a harmonious life at home, the effort never stops.
I don’t mean to imply that you have to work at a 110% intensity level at every single thing in your life from now until the day you leave this existence. Quite to the contrary, in fact.
You should most definitely take plenty of time for yourself to enjoy the fruits of your labors. Whether that be wearing a teeny-weeny bikini at the beach, taking a much needed break from your business ventures, or taking some time off from your family obligations, not only should you do so, but you should do so completely guilt-free!
However, you earn those guilt-free pleasures by getting the job done in the first place.
Don’t take half steps in your life, because if you do, you’ll only have half a life! Do everything that you do with a gusto like your very life depends on whether or not you get it done right.
Then, when it comes time to enjoy the rewards that you have earned from those efforts, enjoy those rewards with the same fervor!