No matter how healthy or fit we feel we have become, at some level we are affected by our past conditioning and how we think. I was not born a sports-mad kid. In fact, I was the complete opposite. At 10 years old, I was a very overweight little girl. I felt complete embarrassment. I felt immense shame. I felt like a defect.

My health and fitness did not start to flourish until I began modeling my mentality after truly fit and healthy people. This was something I discovered more deeply while completing my master’s in sports psychology. It also helped me to see the lives of my clients and colleagues change dramatically by changing their thoughts. Everything begins in the mind.

Five Mindsets for the Healthy

Mindset #1: People who are healthy believe that they have complete control over their destiny, rather than being predetermined.

The healthy do not allow physical limitations to prevent them from reaching their divine destiny. Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs. His life was not easy. He has overcome adversity and his life is now filled with joy and purpose. At 30 years old, Nick has a wife and they travel the world, speaking to the masses with inspiring messages of hope and accomplishment. He realized that we all need love and hope and that he was in a unique position to share that with people. He said, “Dream big, my friend, and don’t give up.” We all make mistakes, but none of us are mistakes.” How can the world elevate from your presence? You did indeed arrive for a divine purpose.

Mindset #2: Healthy people put their metabolism to work instead of trading off their health for time.

The healthy metabolism investor has educated themselves on quality nutrition and a sound workout program that works for them. Their metabolism starts to pay off long-term when they master the art of consistency. Their metabolism and hormonal system are working efficiently so they can burn fat more effectively during workouts or at rest.

Mindset #3: Healthy people have a positive influence on their family members and friends, and they bring them along on the journey.

One of my most inspiring clients, ‘Mark’, had spent years on a downhill addictive path of drugs and alcoholism, & jail time. He could have easily thrown the rest of his life away. He hired me to rebuild his body and life. Mark dedicated his entire life to quality nutrition, workouts, and a better life. Mark became a strong, muscular man and lost 5% of his body fat. I helped him achieve his personal training certification. Today, Mark is sober and continues to help his family, friends, and community by his fitness example and training and has inspired many.

Mindset #4: Healthy people focus on opportunities instead of obstacles.

Sports psychologists use mental skills training to help enhance athletes’ performance. One aspect of this training entails looking at the bright side of a situation. This is positive psychology. According to Seligman, ‘seeing obstacles instead of opportunities doesn’t just affect behavior; it also reaches down to the cellular level and makes the immune system more passive. When faced with a challenge, healthy people are more likely to stick to their exercise program and not abandon it altogether. Practicing a daily positive attitude is a source of inner strength and overall health.

Mindset #5 – Healthy people perceive fear differently and learn to overcome it.

Pema Chodron stated, “If fear is not understood, you will never be fearless.” Healthy people are able to recognize fear and move forward regardless of it. They understand that fear is a natural reaction to learning more about the truth or achieving higher goals.

Stefanie Basso

NSCA Certified Trainer, NCSF Sport Nutrition Specialist BA Exercise Science, MS Sport Psychology

Ph.D. Holistic Nutrition San Diego, CA 92122

Email: [email protected], www.steffitness.com

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