Do you Rock it like Apolo Ohno?

I like to think I’m a dedicated person...hard-working, driven, etc. But during this winter’s Olympic games (I wish they weren’t over so quickly!) I watched many stories --like one that featured US speed skater Apolo Ohno-- and I realize the level some people take their personal dedication.

Talk about someone with drive. When Ohno decided to make a 'go of it' again for the 2010 Olympics, he began a rigorous training regime-TWO HOURS-- FOUR TIMES A DAY-of the most intense, insane exercise you can imagine. In this story, Apolo was bounding up mountains that I would need full pulleys and ropes for, pushing it at the gym more than the ‘crazy guy’ you wonder about, and running/biking/skating his way to his absolute and total physical limit.

At one point in the story, they cut to an interview of him in which he said these profound words (paraphrased):
"Every day and with every work out, I finish by asking myself, 'Did I bring everything in me today? Did I push myself to my absolute max? It’s hard to say yes each time, but that is exactly what I strive for.'"

And so I ask, do you ROCK IT like Apolo? You don’t have to be a speed skater or a member of the bobsled team to get the sentiment behind his statement...The real question is:

What are YOU dedicated to? What is most important to you in your life and your health? And are your priorities in line with your desires?

I ask the above questions of my clients all the time. Typically I hear a laundry list of things people are dedicated to: work, family, providing financially, work (again), etc.

Interestingly, HEALTH is at the bottom of their list.

To put it another way, people SAY that they want to be healthy, but I see and hear that their actions, lifestyle (usually crazy and hectic, stressed and sleep-deprived), relationships, and food habits tell me the exact opposite of their desire to be healthy.

Okay, so I can’t make you bump your health to the top of your list, but in my opinion-if you really are most dedicated to your family, friends, work, etc. then your health should be NUMERO UNO!

Because without your health, you have nothing.

I have been really sick and tired and unhealthy before in my life. I was miserable, and truly was not ‘living' my life. Now I truly am a changed person because of the dedication (not to be confused with deprivation and restriction) I had to changing the food I put in my mouth. I have tons of energy, my skin is smooth and isn’t bloated or blotchy, my mind is clear, my moods are stable and I just feel great.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE.

Not to make things complicated, but it takes more than just changing your food. It also takes caring enough about YOURSELF to slow down. I’ll talk to you more about ‘stress chemistry’, and how it wreaks havoc on your body in another article, but I promise you this--you cannot and will not achieve your optimal health if you don’t start taking notice of the mind/body connection.

Before I go, I want to ask you one question that only you can answer: What is ONE THING you can start doing immediately for your health and your life that will show YOUR dedication to yourself?

DO THAT ONE THING STARTING RIGHT NOW. Do we have a deal?

Also, start thinking about what YOU want to be dedicated to in your life. I propose putting your health right up at the tippy-top. It’s worth it. YOU’RE worth it.

To Your Good Health,

Melissa Fox
Founder, St. Louis Health Coaching