The Dream Feeling
Location: Point A
Status: Ready for Change
Mood: Determined
Goal: Lean, Sexy and Strong
Dream Feeling: Undetermined
Your mission is to go from Point A, which is your current location, to lean, sexy and strong. Should you choose to accept this mission you will need to gain knowledge and understanding in two main areas.
The first area is fairly complex, but can be made simple when implemented in a step-by-step approach. The more your practice, the better your understanding will become. This area is fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle management.
The second area is one very few take the time to master. It takes discipline and understanding. It also takes diligence and an open mind. Master this area, and you master anything you want. Mastering this area means removing the only resistance you will ever face that has the power to stop you. I’m talking of course, about yourself.
Today we will focus on area #2.
The first step to understanding yourself and going from Point A to lean, sexy and strong is to determine your dream feeling. Knowing where you want to go is important. Knowing why you want to get there is crucial. Below, we will explore how to determine your dream feeling, and how to use this knowledge to help you master the second key area necessary for a successful mission.
The Dream Feeling
What is the dream feeling?
No matter what your fitness goal is, there is an emotional state, a feeling that you ultimately want to feel. Whether your goal is having abs, being 30 pounds lighter, or having a stronger bench press, these goals are not the end game for you.
The real end game is whatever feeling you think accomplishing these goals will produce. This feeling you’re after may not be something you’re consciously aware of, but be certain that this feeling is ultimately driving you towards your goals.
For example, having abs or being lighter might mean you will feel attractive or desirable. Having a strong bench press may make you feel powerful, and capable. These feelings, or more importantly, the feelings that you are after, are your true end goal. The dream feeling.
It’s possible it isn’t a feeling you’re after, but an identity. That identity could be that of an exerciser, a strong man or woman, an attractive or confident person.
Whether it’s a feeling or an identity, bringing this driving force up and into the light is extremely powerful in your mission from Point A to lean, sexy and strong.
Exercise: Ask yourself what your goal is, then ask yourself why. Peel back the layers until you you come to the center, which is your dream feeling or identity.
Why do this: Establishing your dream feeling consciously links this feeling to your goals. If you are convinced your end goal is to lose 25 lbs, and the going gets tough, that is an easy goal to throw in the trash because it doesn’t mean anything. If losing 25 lbs means you will feel unstoppable, powerful and you will identify yourself as an inspiration to others, then a couple rough patches during the process won’t shake you. You have a dream feeling and that is a much more powerful motivator than a few less pounds on your body.
How to Have the Dream Feeling
Accomplishing your goals is a great way to experience your dream feeling, but it’s possible to give yourself a taste of this feeling along the way. In fact, it is not only possible to do this, it’s also a pretty important aspect to your success.
How Did That Make Me Feel?
Have you ever kept a food or exercise log? It is a powerful way to maintain accountability and determine progress. Here is a quick way for you to super charge your food and exercise diary.
After every meal ask yourself, “How do I feel about that meal?” Ask the same question about how you feel when you go to the gym to workout.
When you eat something that lines up with your goals and dream feeling, you will feel great about it. Same goes for any time you make it to the gym and knock out a great session. Asking how you feel after you workout is a great way to solidify in your own mind that exercise means you feel something positive and in line with your end goal (whatever that specific feeling may be).
This is extremely powerful because without creating these associations, most people have negative feelings linked to the process of eating healthy food and exercise. The gym may feel like a pain in the ass, and eating healthy food may mean you don’t get to eat your usual comfort food of choice. When negative feelings are linked to the process, you have a very slim chance at long term success.
Acknowledging how you feel gives you a little taste of that dream feeling. It also rewires your brain to associate pleasure with the process, and pain with not following the process.
“I WAS VERY APPREHENSIVE ABOUT USING A FITNESS COACH THAT WAS ONLY ACCESSIBLE ONLINE. MITCH REALLY PUT THOSE FEARS TO REST. COACH MITCH IS VERY ENGAGING, HE’S CONSTANTLY CHECKING IN FOR PROGRESS, AND I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE HE’S JUST A TEXT AWAY IF I’M STRUGGLING WITH A PORTION OF MY WORKOUT. THE QUALITY I APPRECIATE MOST IS MITCH’S COMMITMENT TO EATING WHOLESOME, HIGH QUALITY FOODS. I’M A FIRM BELIEVER THAT FITNESS BEGINS AND ENDS WITH GOOD NUTRITION AND EATING HABITS, AND IT’S GREAT TO HAVE A FITNESS COACH THAT ALIGNS WITH THOSE PRINCIPALS.” -NEAL
CLICK HERE TO START YOU MISSION FROM POINT A TO LEAN, SEXY AND STRONG.
Own It
You have now established your dream feeling and learned how to give yourself a taste of that feeling while you move up the stairs towards your goal. You have also learned how to positively cement the habits that will get you there by changing the feelings your associate with those habits.
Now it’s time to grab the process of achieving your dream feeling by the horns. It’s time to own it.
‘I Know’ Lists
Around 6 years ago I was training to get as strong as I could in the three power lifts (squat, bench press and deadlift). I also had the pleasure of being a guinea pig for sports psychologist and behavior change genius Matt Simonovich while he was earning his masters degree.
Matt is the guy when it comes to maximizing performance, and when I say the guy that’s exactly what I mean. Lucky for me, he is also a great friend.
One of the most powerful techniques I learned from this experience is the ‘I know’ list. Here’s how it works.
On a piece of paper write out “I know I am…” three times. Then write out “I know I can…” three times. Then fill in all six spaces.
This establishes an unwavering confidence that you are and you can. These affirmations are especially powerful when you find yourself wanting to skip out on part of the process that will get you to your goal, or if you find yourself doubting your ability to even reach that goal.
Write these down, and look at them at least once per day. Don’t ever let yourself forget them.
“Act or Be Acted Upon” Stephen Covey
The second way to grab the process by the horns and own it is to be proactive.
Every situation you face in life, every fork in the road, every challenge or obstacle that comes your way, all have one common thread. You have the choice to either act or be acted upon. This means that everything you do is based off of a decision you make.
This is both daunting and powerful at the same time. On one hand, there goes the scapegoats. No more blaming parents, your environment, or any other outside forces. On the other hand, this places the power directly into your hands. This is a huge responsibility, but also a huge opportunity. Remember that, and use it wisely.
Exercise: Draw a big circle, either on a piece of paper or in your mind. Label that circle ‘The Circle of Concerns.’ This is where you put ALL your worries and concerns.
Next, draw a circle inside of that first circle and label it ‘The Circle of Influence.’ In this circle, place all the concerns from the original circle that you can directly influence with your actions.
You are now responsible for these concerns. This should come as good news since you have the ability to directly influence these concerns. As for the worries that are left in the original circle of concerns? Throw it in the trash and don’t waste another drop of precious energy on them.
Directing your energy and abilities to your circle of influence will have a dynamite effect on your ability to grab the process of achieving your goals by the horns and owning it.
Let’s Recap Shall We
First, you learned that it is not only diet and exercise that you must master in order to go from Point A to your goal. You also need to master yourself, your emotions and behaviors.
Next, you learned how to establish your dream feeling and link it to your goal. This will add a tsunami of driving force behind your tangible goals, and increase your chances of success.
You then learned how to rewire your brain to associate dream-like feelings to the process of achieving your goals.
Finally, you learned how to grab the process by the horns and make it your own by using ‘I Know’ lists, and redirecting your focus to the circle of influence.
You now understand your dream feeling, and you know how to use this knowledge to multiply our chances of succeeding.
If you feel you need more help in fitness and nutrition or with applying the process of success to your life, then I want to work with you, one on one. CLICK HERE and I will touch base with your shortly to start your transformation.
