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Transform your life, one choice at a time
Transform your team, one person at a time

 "Nowhere is the gap wider between what we know and what we do."
Dr. Edward Creagan, editor of the book, Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging.

Your Wellness Vision: A Tool For Making You Healthy, Happy and Whole

Early one Monday morning, my mother broke an oath she made to herself thirty-four years earlier. She walked into a fitness club and signed up to take an exercise class. During her senior year of high school, she made a promise to herself that once she shed the gym uniform, she would never again make herself climb into workout wear.

However, here she was, choosing to begin an exercise program. No one was more surprised than I was as she came into MY class!

Irene, my mom, had a vision for herself: a Wellness Vision. She wanted to be healthy and active as a grandmother in the years to come. She knew if she wanted to take better care of herself, she needed to get moving. She realized she did not have to do what she did in high school. She could start exercising with someone whom she would enjoy and in a class she felt she could successfully finish. Mom innately understood the saying, "Not fun, not done." That is one of the key attitudes to getting active and staying active for the rest of your life. You need to choose to participate in something you enjoy. And you can begin at any age. Men and women in their eighties and nineties have shown positive outcomes after beginning an exercise program. Your restrictions are determined by your personal health history and pre-existing conditions. While past challenges may alter the activities you engage in today, they do not preclude you from trying new things.

What is a Wellness Vision? And do you have one? I'll bet you do, it just hasn't been articulated yet. A Wellness Vision is a clarifying statement about your health and well-being that can include the outcomes you want for your health, the motivators you have for pursuing healthy habits and acknowledging obstacles that you intend to overcome.

Taking time to create a Wellness Vision allows you to be honest, direct and intentional about your objectives and reasons for wanting to become more disciplined in your daily habits. Wellness is both an attitude and a choice; a choice to be proactive about the quality of your life. Having a Wellness Vision enables you to be strategic in your approach to incorporating exercise consistently into your life. Most importantly, a Wellness Vision impacts your whole life; all of who you are and how you live!

Virtually every client I have worked with has recognized the importance of developing a consistent exercise program. Yet, eight out of ten struggle to do so. Because we know something is healthy or smart, does not guarantee we do it. As Dr. Edward Creagan, editor of the book, Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging, said, "Nowhere is the gap wider between what we know and what we do."

The missing link for most people is the lack of a defined Wellness Vision and a plan to incorporate the required behaviors and attitudes into their daily living. People have visions for their lives that often include professional, as well as, personal goals. Organizations have visions for their businesses or associations. Why shouldn't you have a Wellness Vision for your overall health and well being? Without one, next year you may be making the same New Year's resolutions you made a few months ago. Goals and dreams rarely fail due to a lack of commitment or enthusiasm. They fail because an individual's activities and effort lack clarity, consistency and congruence with their busy lives.

Exercise is a key ingredient in a Wellness Vision. God has designed our bodies in such a way that they renew, recharge and become stronger, not weaker, when used. So often, people say, "I'm just too tired to exercise." Guess what…exercise is exactly what they need! You can start slowly, you can start small-just start!

Any dream worth pursuing takes energy, tenacity, discipline and fortitude. Without your health, none of these are possible. Billions of dollars are spent each year on strategic plans, corporate mergers, acquisitions, change initiatives, new products and new business ventures, many to be sabotaged by the ill health, fatigue and burnout experienced by individuals and employees who have neglected their health. Families' lives are altered forever by the ill health of those they love. While there are many factors we cannot impact or influence, exercise for ourselves is not one of them. You can get and stay active, especially when it's tied to a Wellness Vision.

Most people don't exercise because they love to exercise; they love the results of exercise. There are a number of ways to get that result; look to find one that works for you. A smart place to begin is by creating a Wellness Vision and designing the steps to bring it to life.

Here is an example of a Wellness Vision written by a working mother: "To honor my priorities by spending fewer weekend and evening hours working, so that I will become physically fit, will lose 40 pounds, and will have more quality time with my family." Notice how clear this statement is about what she wants. She mentions her desired outcomes and motivators. In her daily, weekly and monthly planning, she can quickly evaluate what her obstacles will be (time, others' expectations, energy). She can then design a workable strategy incorporating her own work/life challenges. She may want to work out six days a week, yet may deliberately choose four exercise days and make a commitment to be "active" on a daily basis. In other words, anytime she can walk, she does. Instead of asking kids to run for things, she becomes her own "go-for."

Exercise is a core element of most people's Wellness Vision. The reason is simple: exercise makes a positive difference in every area of life. You may already be convinced of this. Intention is not the problem, execution is. One of the possible solutions to closing the gap between intention and execution is to write a Wellness Vision that incorporates a multi-level approach to your exercise program.

A multi-level approach implies that you decide for yourself what short- and long-term benefits there are for you to exercise. The lists can be extensive and we've covered those in past issues of The Ship-to-Shore. If you're looking for ideas or reminders of short- and long-term benefits exercise can give you, ask friends what theirs are; ask the personal training and group instructor staff for ideas and take the time to reflect on the ones that matter most to you. By intentionally designing and pursuing your own Wellness Vision this year, you can achieve great results that will increase your energy, impact and bring joy to each and every day.

Mom has given up aerobic classes, however, she continues to walk the treadmill thirty minutes three times a week. As a result, her heart rate, blood pressure and weight have stayed just where she likes. And, she remains proud of her efforts and I remain proud of her! Make someone proud of you-get and stay active one day at a time using a Wellness Vision as your guide.

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< Click here to print this form >

Create Your Own Wellness Vision


Name: _________________________________



My Wellness Vision is: describe how you (would like to) see yourself in time. Paint such a clear picture of who you are and how you will be, it's as clear as a painting on your wall. This is a statement of your objectives for your life with health as a key contributor to your success.



My motivator(s) for being/doing/achieving this vision is:



The obstacle(s) that could/will get in the way of this vision is/are:

 

My strategies to overcome these hassles/challenges/obstacles are:
(Include tools, resources, people, boundaries you need to set with and for yourself and others.)

 

One more question to consider: If I don't pursue this vision for myself what price will/could I pay in the future?

 

Fill this out, make copies and put them anywhere that will remind you of your Wellness mission, vision and goals as you go about your day. Remember: your choices today will either bring you closer or further from your goals. Where will your decisions bring you today?

 

< Click here to print this form >

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Diet Books-Sorting through the fictional, factual & fanatical
And the WINNER is; The South Beach Diet by Arthur Agatston

I am frequently asked for suggestions on diets and diet books. I am not a dietitian, so please hear my recommendation with that caveat. I am, however, just like you, trying to eat smart, eat well and live a busy life that does not need diet scales, powders, pills, blenders and supplements at every turn. I do take vitamins and there are supplements that can be supportive of a healthy diet. My encouragement for clients is to know your body and be willing to make adjustments for your own needs while being able to eat food that is readily available. If you don't tolerate dairy products, than it's possible soy products may work well for you. Soy lattes are great!

Due to the recent frenzy of diet books being promoted, I decided to take some time to evaluate what is current and what is helpful for you to know. I have reservations suggesting any one source, however, many of you say you would like "some structure." My suggestion for that would be The South Beach Diet by Arthur Agatston. The diet regimen recommended in this book has been called a "healthier version of the Atkins plan." One of the reasons it works is because people start to pay attention to what they eat and when. And, they cut down on the processed, non-nutritive foods that leave weight on and take energy away. What works with diets like this (and Atkins) is that they suggest ridding your body and diet of processed foods and sugars. (Where's the "news" in that?)

Life is complicated enough. It comes back to the comment I've used for years: If we ate to fuel our bodies first, not fix our emotional stresses, we'd be in a lot better shape. So eat to fuel, not to fix and enjoy better health and energy overall!

An interesting and helpful synopsis of many current diet books and approaches can be found at: http://www.cspinet.org/new/200401131.html

While the Center for Science in the Public Interest may have biases, they have done the most consistent and professional job of reporting and clarifying the nutrition information most of us need.

*** New Program for 2004 ***

 Energize Your Office and Team, Starting with Yourself
Six Ways to Overcome Self-Sabotage, Stress and Fatigue, Balance Work and Life, and BE The Leader You Are Meant to Be

You need to be sharp, focused and energized on a daily basis. Your energy, enthusiasm and creativity impact and influence your office, your clients and prospects. If you are stressed, overwhelmed and fatigued, your office, team and production results will suffer. Three things you say to yourself sabotage your success, health and work relationships. Join us to learn six habits that will revitalize you and your team. If you or your office need to be injected with renewed energy and reduced stress, come and join us.

"I Choose To …" How to Live with Joy, Energy and Impact

Discovering your gifts, talents and purpose in life is the first part to living with intention and impact. The next step involves creating the lifestyle that will give you the energy and capacity to make it happen for the rest of your life, not just today.

Join seasoned personal and corporate coach, Kate Larsen, PCC, in this half-day, one-day or series on what it takes to find your purpose in life, your passion for life and how to live it day to day. Being healthy physically is one of the keys to success, however, Kate will share five other areas that will help you achieve real and long-lasting success.

If you have found yourself falling back into past habits that you've wanted to change, you will benefit from learning why you don't sustain the change and what you can do about it. Learn four simple steps you need to pay attention to create sustainable new habits.

Learn how to use five coaching skills to experience success in every area of your life.

Topics that will be covered:

This series will be interactive, engaging, personal and fun. Kate's clients will also tell you, it's powerful. Join us if you want to see those dreams and goals come true this year or if you're stuck and want support to get into action.

Read this letter received in January describing the victories and challenges of a participant in the "I Choose To…" program conducted last year for this woman's organization.

Hi, Kate,

Here are my victories that were sparked into being when you were here last year:

Joined Northwest Club last March. Working out 4-5 times a week for 30 minutes before work. This is now a firm part of my life! I would like to increase the time per workout but right now that would mean either getting up earlier (I get up at 5 and I don't want to get up any earlier) or staying later at work (and I want to be home after school with my kids). So this is the best I can do right now and that's ok.

Joined Weight Watchers in October. This is a struggle for me but I am trying to make better food choices/portion control and be happy about it. I didn't lose weight with the workout alone, and I knew I was overeating. I have lost 17 pounds so far. My goal is to be in my "range" by my 40th birthday which is in February 2005. This is doable. I have to keep reminding myself that this is lifelong change. Slow is ok. So are cookies…in moderation.

Your session also made me realize that there are many areas of my life that are going really well that other people struggle with. My issues are really not so overwhelming compared to what other people may be dealing with. That helped to take the pressure off. My biggest issue just happens to show on the outside.

The one slogan I have made my own is, "Fake it till you make it." Another idea I keep coming back to is: It's all about choices. And to focus on the consequences of the choice and not so much whether it's "good" or "bad". And lastly, journaling. I am doing this as I study the Bible. It really helps me think and stay on the path.

Thanks again for your lessons, Kate. It was very valuable for me!

Carole Reycraft
Marketing Manager
Help/Systems, Inc.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Larsen, PCC, of Winning LifeStyles, Inc., works with people who want to simplify their lives and take charge of their health. Kate works with organizations that want their people to do more with less stress and be at their best. Kate works one-on-one with individuals and conducts presentations and workshops throughout the US, Canada and Mexico.

Winning LifeStyles, Inc. has a lineup of training and educational materials designed to help individuals look better and feel better. Programs are designed to help busy professionals, entrepreneurs and motivated individuals create and maintain the lifestyle/workstyle that fuels their passion and purpose in life. Kate creates a win/win relationship with her clients. The bonus is her ability to speak and train before large or small groups. She has been an active member of the National Speakers Association since 1989. She is a certified personal trainer and an experienced group exercise instructor for over 19 years. She also walks her talk; literally, conducting walking clinics nationally.

Clients turn to Kate for information, guidance, motivation, skill-building tools and relationship improvement. Her focus is to help clients live congruently with their values, to be their best, to make choices that enhance their relationships and health, to create a "do-able" lifestyle plan that is designed for continued success. Kate is a successful entrepreneur, consultant, international speaker, addictions counselor, author, fitness instructor, wife and mother.

Touching the world at large

"One of my greatest goals is to make a positive difference in the lives of people everywhere and anywhere I have the privilege of being invited-TV, radio, the Internet, newspapers and magazines allow me to do that in a way I could never imagine. How fun is that!"

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Let them know they can sign up for their own subscription on the first page of my web site. You and I want to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Sharing this is message is a great place to start. Thanks for your support! I appreciate YOU!

 Your Coaching Guarantee; Individualized, focused direction, attention and support enhance your ability to take charge of your life and health. Kate guarantees that your coaching partnership has impact for you, guaranteed. If you do not find your coaching partnership with her beneficial, you will be refunded for your sessions. You can't lose and you sure can gain! Give Kate or Elaine a call and find out how to get started today. Stop saying "I wish..." and start saying, "I am...!"

Feel free to call Kate or Elaine to discuss your program needs or e-mail any questions you might have. She would be happy to respond. Your event or meeting is important to us.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Kate Larsen, PCC
Tel: 952-943-1430
Fax: 952-941-3521
E-mail: Kate@katelarsen.com

==============COPYRIGHT AND REPRINTS==================

Reprint permission is granted when the following credit appears: "© Kate Larsen, PCC, 2004. Reprinted with permission from 'Kate Larsen's Maximum Performance Resource, 2004' a monthly internet newsletter. For your own personal subscription, go to www.katelarsen.com"

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