Purpose

“You will one day die; get over it and get living.”

I’m just gonna let that one sit there for a minute.

This statement is the ultimate reality-check.  Processing this reality and the conclusions you draw from it is one of the most important exercises a person can do in their life.

I’m writing a series of blogs about the BLGs (Basic Lifestyle Guidelines) from OPEX Fitness.  These are principles that help lay the ground for good behaviors and habits that lead to a healthier lifestyle.  This healthy lifestyle can then be a foundation that you build better nourishment and exercise habits on top of.  The concept was explained in Monday’s blog and elaborated on in Tuesday’s, if you want a refresher.

PURPOSE

When I first began having this conversation with my clients, it was eye opening.  Many people had never confronted this reality, or had not tied this into their daily life and the exercise or nutrition goals they were chasing.

I was even challenged on it by some people who asked me, “What’s your purpose?  Is being a personal trainer in a health club the thing you’re living for?”  Their challenges helped me to develop a vision, advance my skills, and refine my coaching model.  Eventually, I set out to be self-employed and economically independent.

“You will one day die.”  The consequences of this statement are many.  No matter what your belief system is, we know that the body itself will eventually decline and fail.  Then it will go into the ground or be burnt to ashes.  This means you have a limited time to do what you have to do.  So, what is it that you have to do?

“Get over it and get living.”  This means you make your peace with death.  Figure out how to do that.  Everyone does it differently.  It also means you endeavor to do the most with the time that you do have.

• How do you not just survive, but thrive?
• What do you have that fills your life with meaning?
• What kind of daily habits can you build that will give you longevity, and make that time pleasant and enjoyable?

I don’t have the answers for you.  This is your own soul-searching, frantically journaling, deeply introspective moment.  All I can promise you is that it will be valuable to ask and answer these questions, and it will help you live a healthier life.