Josh Bowen: In the Spirit of Indominable Will

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indominable will.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Personal fitness is like life; you need discipline to be successful, it requires strength and will and no matter how much it hurts or you want to quit, you must keep going. We can learn much from Gandhi; a believer in inner peace and happiness, as well as the quest to always better yourself.

This weekend I found a picture (see right) that listed Gandhi’s “10 Fundamentals to Changing the World.” These are really just steps to changing yourself, ultimately improving and making a better YOU.

Now lets take this list and apply it to fitness:

1. Change yourself- your habits dictate your outcomes. In order to get the result you want you MUST change something that is preventing you from attaining it. What is it? And are you willing to change it?

2. You are in control- there is not much we are in control of in life, however what we are in control of is; our attitude and how we perceive the world. Always remember nothing is stronger than self, it can beat anything.

3. Forgive and let go- this is a life quality. We spend way too much time mad at people and some of us use it as ammo for our fitness goals. Do not try to improve your body out of spite to your ex-boyfriend. This motivation only lasts for so long. Forgive, move on and grow.

4. Without action you are not going anywhere- reality is most people are scared to take the necessary steps to improve their selves. However, you can hope, wish and pray to have the body of your dreams but without hard work, nothing is possible. Actions speak louder than words.

5. Take care of this moment- We age everyday and we are not promised tomorrow. Take care of the precious moments we have, try something new and be better for it. Life is short, enjoy it while you have it.

6. Everyone is human- including me and you. We all make mistakes and we all make bad choices. As long as we learn from them they are not mistakes, just learning experiences.

7. Persist- persistence is a virtue but which all people should possess. If you want something be persistant about it, do not let it go. Get your rear end into the gym and make things happen.

8. See the good in people and help them- the ability to motivate is a special gift and a gift that must be replicated. See people for the good in them instead of the bad, you will appreciate people more this way. Plus, you never know who you will run into that might just change your life.

9. Be congruent, be authentic, be your true self- fitness has made me become the person I am today. Without it I do not believe I would be the person I am today and I sure as hell would not had reached my full potential. Find yourself through fitness. It will teach you to be; disciplined,  strong, and persistant.

10. Continue to grow and evolve- To me, this is the most important. If you are not getting better you are getting worse. Do not settle for anything in life. Make the attempt to know all and be all. Grow yourself through fitness and constantly challenge yourself. This will change your life for the better.

From time to time I am asked the question about why I want to motivate everyone. I simply answer the question by stating because I have been motivated and nothing feels better than to feel like you are making a difference. Fitness imitates life, just as art does always for the better.

Have an outstanding day.