"Be fit to be useful"

Why should we do what it takes to be fit and healthy? To look good on the beach? To attract a mate? To win a competition? What is our reason to go out of our way and do what may not be fun at times?

In the book “Natural Born Heroes,” the incredible story of Greek resistance fighters on Crete in World War II is told masterfully by Christopher McDougal. One real-life character, George Sekondakis, explains it this way: “Be fit to be useful.” This is the best reason of all.

When we are fit, we make it through the day without running out of energy. We can carry things, we can move about – quickly if necessary. We can do all kinds of work, tasks and service. We can protect and defend when necessary, and we can enjoy a fuller life.

Be fit to be useful.

The hero's holy trinity

Mind. body, soul.

Skill strength, desire.

The root word of hero is heros, which means “strong enough for two”.  The hero can take care of him/herself and another.  The hero can work for, earn for, save, protect, and/or defend themselves and another (and another and another).  

Do you have the hero’s holy trinity – the skill?  The strength?  The desire?

Test Positive for Awesome!

Set goals. Have self-discipline. Finish what you started. Talk nice to yourself. Take care of your body. Be kind to others. 

It turns out that being an exceptional human being isn’t so difficult after all!

You are a hunter-gatherer

A baby born today is perfectly suited to be a hunter-gatherer in Ethiopia 10,000 years ago.

If the history of man were a 700-page book, and one page represented 200 years, for 696 pages we were hunter-gatherers, where nothing really changed from generation to generation. That’s what we are made for. Now we have modern life – internet, phones, communications and vehicles, etc. etc. – it’s nuts!

We need to be aware of what our instincts were created for, and how it’s different now. Many of those instincts are unnecessary now. However, we also need to be aware of how all this new technology is affecting us when we are not quite made for the new world we have created.

The pace of change has increased exponentially, but our humanity can’t change that fast.

Voluntary relationships

If I have my wife tied up in the basement, is it love?

Relationships must be voluntary. Relationships held together by any other means are not healthy or any fun.

Right?

If you listen to your body, you get in trouble

Eating, working out, desires, addictions…

To live a high-performance life in all areas, we can’t let our bodies tell us what to do.  Our higher minds must run the show.

Right?

Bold Introvert

We have confused boldness with being an extrovert.  But you can be a bold introvert.  I can tell you I am an introvert.  

Because you are an introvert, it doesn’t mean you have to be weak, submissive, keep your ideas to yourself, or let others take the lead all the time.  When it’s time to speak, speak.  When it’s time to stand up, stand up.  When it’s time to reach out, reach out.  

It may take a bit more courage than extroverts need, but you got it!  

Introverts – you can be bold!

You're here

If you were trying to get to Atlanta and didn’t realize you were already there, you’d keep walking and searching. 

Be it now.

Dog eat dog world

We’ve been told it’s a dog eat dog world.  But dogs don’t eat other dogs.  They work together in packs in cooperation. 

Human beings work great in packs too.  We need each other to survive and thrive. 

In our families, in our communities, in our companies, in the marketplace, and when countries trade with each other – it’s all cooperation to live fuller, better lives.

We don’t work to get ahead and “eat” anyone and see them fail; we cooperate so we are all better off.

Who benefits from what you are doing today?

You need more kindness – from you.

90% of the unkindness in the world is people being unkind to themselves.  If you want to make the world better, start being kinder to yourself.

Health, eating and sleep….

Self-esteem and self-talk…

What you believe about yourself….

Can you be nicer to you?