Valuable to Valu-FULL!

You're probably looking at this title like "Whaaaat?" What is Pete talking about now? I must tell you before we define the title of this blog, that I've always been a man whos put a spin on words. My 1st personal training mobile studio, years ago in Indiana, was called "Body By The Book," Book (Haugabook), get it? My personal training studio in Michigan was named Exersthetic Evolution (Exersthetic = Exercise + Aesthetic). So this is nothing new.

Oxford dictionary defines the word Valuable as a thing that is of great worth. I don't know about you, but to me that definition seems so singular. I look at it as showing or adding value at one thing. That's cool but what if you could show value in EVERYTHING you do. You know being VALU-FULL! Wouldn't that be amazing? Yes Valu-full is another play on words that I've created, but it means the ability to always show value in every single action you do. What does that take? That takes consistent hard work; it takes working on a craft on days you don't feel like doing anything; it takes pushing the excuses aside, and recognizing the task at hand. It takes work, but it is 100% possible.

Here are ways to create the Valu-full you and conquer everything you touch:

1. Stop being negative: One of the easiest things to do is being negative. This world is filled with negativity and if you're not careful it could take hold of you. Speak positivity to yourself regardless of what the task is. Research shows that when you practice positive self talk it: motivates you to overcome obstacles, improve self-esteem, improve stress management, makes you feel more control of your life, reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.

2. Work hard on yourself: Everyone has a skill or skills. Something you are good if not great at. Why not work on something you're not so good at? Something you let sit dormant within you for so long? I'm a believer that you should always try and be better then the person you were yesterday. Even if it is by a millimeter in the right direction, daily.

3. Don't think singularly: Set the standard today that you will not be one dimensional. Like I stated earlier, everyone has a skill that they are good at. Why not develop 2 more new skills you could be good or great at. Self-development is the key.

4. Fake it until you make it: We've all heard this phrase before, but I truly believe it. Some people may have they're own modified interpretation of what this phrase means, but to me it means you initially imitate confidence, an optimistic mindset, and a positive attitude that you don't currently have until it becomes true in your real life. Once you achieve this, studies have shown there are positive psychological, mental, social, and health benefits that can be associated with it in your life.

5. Keep your promises: It sounds kind of simple, but doing this builds confidence and trust from others. You build confidence in yourself as well, and slowly lose the fear of doing or learning something new.

6. Take care of yourself physically: We all know eating right and exercise helps the body, well...physically, but how about the mental aspect? According to a 2014 report from Harvard Business Review https://hbr.org/2014/10/regular-exercise-is-part-of-your-job regular exercise: enhances creativity, prolongs mental stamina, sharpens your memory, and helps you become a faster learner.

You are a person of value! you are valuable in something(s). What if you could be valuable in everything you do? You know, Valu-FULL. Other then the ways I stated above, it starts with believing in yourself. It also need patience, a willingness to learn, and not being afraid to fail.