Tag Archives: commitment

You make the friggin’ time!

Posted on April 15, 2013 | Leave a comment

image (1)It passes by the same no matter what we do.  Eating, watching tv, being busy, being lazy.  Whatever you do, time passes the same way. Sometimes it passes too slow or too quickly.  It can be invested or wasted.  Time can be on your side or it can be against you.

Most successful people take action on what they have learned FAST!  They make decisions quickly and decisively, weighing all the information they have at hand and committing.image (3)

I’m talking about right away.

Not next week.

Not when “xyz” happens.

But NOW.

Things are happening NOW, not later.  If you wait for later than you will always be putting things off until timing is just right.  Well, it is very rarely something that is ever ‘just right’.  Time just happens. It passes by.

No time? Not enough time? YOU MAKE THE FRIGGIN’ TIME or you make the excuses…your choice.

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So that thing (whatever it might be), such as  that commitment to working out and eating healthy you were “going” to start, do it NOW.

All these things you were “going” to do need to get DONE. You need to stop talking about them and get after them!

So commit to yourself that this week you’ll put in work on things you have been putting off. Back up the commitment to yourself by telling someone else your action plan to.  Someone that will help hold you accountable to the investment you will be making in time for yourself.  Time to take care of yourself.

Deal?

Action loves speed.   Remember, speed kills the competition!  How fast are you? Don’t tell me, SHOW me!

Let’s go, make this the best week ever!  TIme to GET GOING! image (5)
Everyone has 24 hours in a day…what cuts us apart is how we use that 24 hours. Time is a gift, use it wisely before it runs out.

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Why you need an Olympic mentality for fitness.

Posted on August 8, 2012 | 2 Comments

Only the best compete here

Like so many people right now, I am glued to the Olympics.  My children have been subjected to the only thing on the TV is one sport or another.  My husband is in heaven since it means no reality shows on either.

I really love everything about the Olympics.  Athlete’s have to be at their best every time they show up.  They can’t take a minute off.  They can’t lose focus for a moment.  Everything about the last several years of their lives, if not their entire lives, has been in preparation for the moment on the Olympic stage.

Besides the sports, I also love watching the filler stories about the athlete’s themselves.  Their training, their diet, their commitment.  In Canada, we get all the coverage live (sorry NBC watcher’s) and they have had a doctor that explains what happens during an event in terms of the muscles, blood flow, lungs and how the incredible exertion of energy for the sports like rowing, cycling and running impact the body.  It’s really neat.

You don’t get these unless you have…

We can learn a lot from our Olympic athlete’s.

Goal setting

Every athlete has a goal.  It may be a personal best, a set qualifying time, or a podium finish. They set them, write them down, live them and don’t let anyone tell them they can’t do it.

Focus

Athletes’ keep their eyes on their goal in preparation and their focus is laser sharp during their event.  They don’t hear the crowds, negative people or get distracted by outside influence.  (Look no further than the men’s 100m and no one flinched when a bottle bounced on the ground just behind them while they were waiting in the blocks.)

Determination

The only thing that deters an athlete is a better one, but even then, they go out there knowing that on any given day, someone can fall, stumble or rise to the top.

Commitment

You won’t see an Olympian taking a day off of training because it’s too hot or too cold.  They won’t complain about not being able to see the latest movie or stay up to date with their favourite TV show.  They won’t be eating crap because they have a craving.  They are committed to being their best and they know that they have to be committed to everything that will help them get to their goal.

Desire

We all have a desire to be great in our own way and our own vocation.  The difference between most of us and the people who accomplish their goals is their desire.  But, all the desire in the world won’t mean anything unless you put commitment, determination, focus and goals where they belong…on the top of the podium.

You might not have the natural ability to be an Olympian or maybe you are just a little to old to be at the top of your athletic game, but when it comes to your fitness, you sure can have all the attributes above to achieve your potential.

Size, weight, strength or endurance are your goals to be had. Set them, focus there and don’t let anything or anyone deter you from reaching your goals.

Put yourself in the best position to achieve your own Olympic glory.

Position yourself to win.

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Commitment. It’s a full time requirement to a better life.

Posted on July 30, 2012 | 2 Comments

It’s Monday, the beginning of a fresh new week and with that the potential of what you can accomplish is limitless and you have so much control over that!!
During the summer months, so many people eat and drink with reckless abandon. That reckless abandon adds up, weekend after weekend. You might not be recording every missed workout but your body sure does. You probably turn a blind eye to your choices and try to ignore it but your body holds on to every lasting moment just to remind you about what you did.

I know it is hard to find time to exercise, I know that work is crazy, I know that the kids schedule is busy….but I also know that if you don’t stop and regroup you will be battling this weight issue forever. If you continue to make excuses and not find the time for your health that you will always be upset with how you look and feel. Guaranteed.

Compared to everything else you have been through, eating right and exercising is easy.


I promise that if you get yourself back on the health and fitness wagon you will get an instant boost of happiness and self-confidence. The time for changes in your life need to start now….these are necessary changes and changes that you can do, you just have to be willing to do them.

“It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you are not”
Who are you? When people refer to you, what do they say?
I remember that I had an aunt who would always say “Carrie, you have a nice face and have a good head on your shoulders but it is surrounded by all of that fat”  Harsh, but it was the truth.

As a mom, I want to be healthy and I want to live a long life. I want my kids to grow up with a healthy body image and I never, ever, EVER want them to have to suffer/struggle with the pain of being overweight like I was. I am a role model to them in more ways than just what all parents should be. I want them to understand that yes, you have to carve some time out of your day to take care of yourself, even if there is laundry to do.

You can wish all you want for a fit body, but you know that you can wish until the cows come home.  You actually have to work for it. You work for the body that you have…..if you are eating what you want, and drinking alcohol.  It shows and you know it.
Have a healthy and happy day. Be amazing and be strong!

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You win with you

Posted on May 1, 2012 | 1 Comment


I do not totally support any Gatorade product but I say, “Well done on a great motivational commercial!!”

Look beyond the product placement and make sure you are hearing and seeing the real message.

It’s up to you…

  1. How hard you work will dictate your results…truth!
  2. What you put into your workouts is what you get out of them…truth!

Your results are all about you.  You DO win from within.  There are no gadgets, no technologies, no pretty clothes or any amount of Gatorade that will get you to your goal.  It is always your drive, your desire and your commitment.

You win with you.

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Boot Camp is BETTER!

Posted on February 2, 2012 | 8 Comments

Boot Camp IS better!!

A bold statement.  A true statement.  Don’t worry I can back up those statements too.   For those of you know that know me, I am not the wishy-washy type. So, when I say boot camp is better, I mean it, I believe it and I can prove it.  Here’s why.

At boot camp we move from our feet to fingers.  By move, I mean we MOVE our ENTIRE bodies, every single muscle. We push, we pull, we lift, we get up, we bend/stretch, we run stairs.

What kind of moves are those? ALL FUNCTIONAL REAL LIFE MOVEMENTS.  They are the moves that mimic real life activities.  Things you actually do!  We make those movements more challenging with the use of body weight and resistance.

Boot camp better because we have accountability.  You don’t show up, you get an email from yours truly!  You have group support.  Other boot campers support and encourage you…we’re a team, a kind of family.
(The gym knows and actually hopes you don’t show up.  I want you to show up.  We want you to show up.  I make sure that you do! )

Simmer down all of you yogi’s and gym goers.   Sitting on a bike peddling away, going nowhere fast doesn’t do it for me.  To each their own.

An ABC news report revealed that standard cardio equipment caloric readings are not accurate.  “Liar, liar elliptical on fire” was the biggest offender with a false reading of 42%.  42% over-estimate of calories burned!  Yikes!! You just got burned! Your calories, not so much.

So you think that you just burned 500 calories pushing away on that elliptical, bike or treadmill and you really didn’t #fail.

We burn 800-1000 calories at boot camp.  We move feet to fingers!

I am proud of you boot campers.  I am proud of how hard you work.  This blog post is to give you a virtual hi-5!!!  I am proud of your dedication, commitment and energy!

Here is a shout out to some of our 7 Day Slim *stars*.  These are INCREDIBLE 7 DAY results! 7 DAYS people.  Who else wants results like this?

  • Kelly  8 3/4 inches lost
  • Rhoda 5 inches lost
  • Lori 9 inches lost
  • Bridie 5.5 inches lost
  • Sara 10 inches lost
  • Maureen 9 inches lost
  • Lisa 4.5 inches lost
  • Diane 7 inches lost
  • Jess 5.5 inches lost

So proud of everyone that shows up to boot camp each and every night!!!  You are awesome!

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My 2012 Predictions

Posted on January 10, 2012 | 3 Comments

I PREDICT that if you reach into your pocket on any day in 2012 and pull out a card or piece of paper with all your realistic body and fitness goals written on it in precise detail, the odds are in your favor of you’ll achieve every one of those goals before the end of the year.

I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on your goals and how you are going to achieve them, all day long, you will reach your goals so fast in 2012, it will make your head spin. #truth

I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on health woes and body fat problems and if you think about what you don’t want, all day long, your problems will get worse than ever this year.

I PREDICT that if you can tell me all the reasons why achieving your health and fitness goals are important to you, you will be motivated from within to stick with them when the going gets tough.

I PREDICT that at times, the going is going to get tough. But you need to tough it out.

I PREDICT that the way you see yourself in your mind’s eye today will be an exact reflection of what you see in the mirror at the end of the year.

I PREDICT that if you have a setback that seems to get in the way of you reaching your health and fitness goals and you tell yourself “this is temporary; this too shall pass”, then it won’t set you back and it will pass. Don’t be a victim to excuses.

I PREDICT that if you believe the way your body looks today is out of your control and you feel helpless or powerless to change, you won’t even make much of an effort this year.

I PREDICT that if you accept complete responsibility for the way your body looks today and you believe that you have the power to change, that you will take action and keep taking action, even through the tough times.

I PREDICT that if you’re unhappy with your physical condition and you say, “it’s not my fault” or you blame it on genetics, hormones or age, then your body will look pretty much the same at the end of 2012 as it did on New Year’s day.

I PREDICT that the more you seek “miracle pills” or “quick fixes,” the more likely you are to be a failure a year from now.  That’s the cold hard truth.

I PREDICT that you will be tempted by many quick fixes in 2012. You’re smarter than that–don’t fall for it.

I PREDICT that if you hang out with losers (not weight) and negative people (food pushers) this year, you will become just like them.

I PREDICT that if you hang out with winners (boot campers) and positive people this year, you will become just like them.

I PREDICT that you will run into more negative people and losers this year than positive people and winners. Choose wisely who you want to be like. There is a reason there are more negative people…it’s easy.

I PREDICT that if you recruit just one friend or support partner that stands behind you and the lifestyle changes you want to make in 2012, you will double your chances for success. If you surround yourself with numerous support buddies, you will become unstoppable.

So how does your future look this year? It’s totally up to you!! Just know that I am here to help.

The past is the past and you can’t change it, but by changing your thoughts, attitudes and ACTION in the present moment, the future is yours to create.

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Your mistakes should be your motivation, never your excuses.

Posted on November 22, 2011 | 2 Comments

You can’t hope away the extra pounds.  Simple enough sentence but really think about it this:

“If you want to see change, you have to make the change happen.”

We all get off track from time to time and the reality is life happens. You don’t give up, you don’t throw in the towel and you don’t make excuses.

As one wise boot camper said to me, “Those times when you don’t feel like showing up; when you are busy, stressed, over scheduled, that’s when you do show up”

Know the difference between a set back and failure.

Set Back: You slipped up, lost focus, got busy, caved in, got lazy

Failure: You decided your health wasn’t worth the effort.

You can recover from set backs pretty easy.  As long as you don’t suffer set backs too often and your commitment on your goal is always your prime focus.

When you feel like quitting or not showing up you need to remember the reason why you started.  Your goal, whatever it is, has to be from your heart.  Your, “I want it so bad!” motivator.

I am here to motivate you, but you have to actually want to see change.

The excuses get old and tired.  There has to come a point where you just stop making excuses.  I guarantee you that there is someone out there that is busier than you, stressed more than you, over-scheduled more that you and they still manage to eat healthy and exercise.

So what’s stopping you???? That’s right, your answer should be NOTHING!!

I read a great quote and I think this needs to stay with everyone

“Dead last is greater than did not finish which trumps did not start”

Recognizing the things that you do wrong is a great step to fixing your mindset.  You have to be honest with yourself. Your mistakes should be part of your motivation to succeed, not your excuses when you measure your failure.

Hockey practices, swimming lessons, tough day at work, shopping, tired, hungry.  Guess what.  So many people think those reasons for not eating healthy and not exercising are justifiable because you got to “take part” or be there.  Good, you should be there, but what about the television, talk on the phone, surf Facebook time.  Pass on that stuff, because it’s not what the people who are hitting their goals are doing.  And when those people look back, they won’t be saying, “I wish I would have spent more time updating my status, or watching TV.” Nope, they’re looking in the mirror and saying, “It was so worth it!!”

Your mistakes should be your motivation, never your excuses.

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Kim Kardashian’s marriage could have been saved with Boot Camp

Posted on November 8, 2011 | 17 Comments

Big news last week was that Kim Kardashian filed for divorce. I really can’t say I was surprised, but I was shocked.  Shocked that everyone was talking about it.  Honestly, who cares?!

It took her longer to plan her wedding than her 72 day marriage lasted….yikes!

Actually, it made me think about how this relates to weight loss and fitness.  Seriously, there is a connection, stay with me here.

Everyday people start a weight loss or fitness program, but don’t ever really give it a full commitment.  A bump in the road, a little challenge, a temptation and in goes the towel!  You might be one of those people…..hmmmmmm??!

We have had a lot of people come to boot camp and not give it a full commitment.  Is it tough?  YES, it can be.  Is it worth it?  Hellz yeah it’s worth it!!

Weight loss is like a relationship.  It takes, and requires, focus, patience, sacrifice, dedication, passion and love.  Yes, I said love.

You have to actually love yourself enough to make the commitment.

You also have to love your exercise program. Hang on before you scoff.  I know y’all might not love boot camp, but you love the feeling, you love the group support, you may even love (but probably only like) my lame jokes.  You love the energy you feel after you have completed a tough workout.  If you don’t love your program you are going to break up, dissolve the plan and file it under irreconcilable differences.

So how do you fall in love with your exercise and nutrition program?

YOU WORK ON IT.  

YOU COMMIT TO IT.

YOU NURTURE IT.

Make adjustments daily. Focus on being better, not perfect, just better. Better = stronger, fitter, happier, committed!

Kim should have taken our commitment lessons to help her marriage.

Boot Camp Chili

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ pounds ground white turkey meat or extra lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 14 ½-ounce can kidney beans, drained/rinsed
  • 1 14 ½-ounce can black beans, drained/rinsed
  • 1 14 ½-ounce can pinto beans, drained/rinsed
  • 1 29-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 29-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 2-4 tablespoons chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper, cayenne, or chili pepper flakes to taste
  • *if you prefer a five alarm chili add extra cayenne, chili pepper flakes or Tabasco (get creative with the flavours!!)

Directions:

  1. Cook and stir the onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil over medium-high heat until softened, about 6 minutes.
  2. Add the ground meat and garlic. Cook the turkey until it’s just done, taking care not to over cook.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 20 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Let me know how you like it.

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Failure is not an option!

Posted on July 27, 2011 | 5 Comments

“Failure is not an option.” – U.S. Navy Seals      (I have the shirt)

What if you lived by those words?  Could you live by those words?

What if you took that kind of oath to live by? “Failure is not an option!”

How would your life be different?

What standard would you set for yourself?

What would you commit to doing if you knew that failure was not an option on any level?

Here is one of the greatest secrets of all…

You must expect more from yourself than anyone else could ever expect of you. The higher your personal standards the greater your life will become.

Don’t ever settle for a life of mediocrity.  Don’t ever do something, “just good enough.”  Don’t ever be satisfied with just being average.

What would you say to your children if they came through the front door and shouted, “Mom , Dad…I’ve decided that I’m happy just getting by and being average.  I feel good just the way I am.”

Maybe it’s the Tiger Mom in me, but I would be saying, ”Oh no you’re not.  You’re going to work your butt off and do the best the can and don’t ever settle for less than that.”

I’m sure many people would have a similar reaction.  But many of those same people will also accept that kind of mentality for their own situations.

Take 100% responsibility for your success. Never accept just getting by for yourself.  Never accept average for yourself.  Never choose to settle when you can succeed with all your desires and goals.

Did you know that women who exercise regularly have a 20% less chance of developing breast cancer, a 30% less chance of suffering from heart disease, and a whopping 50% less chance of developing diabetes.

Men, this one is for you…50 percent of male deaths are due to chronic disease caused by a lack of physical exercise?

If you ask me, those are some compelling reasons to be more active, be more committed and a little more demanding of yourself.

So, tell me what you would do differently to achieve your goals?  What are the reasons (aka excuses) that keep you from giving it your all? Let me know.

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