Don't Set Goals: Get In Shape First

“Doctor, doctor, my body doesn’t work!” “Have you fed it lately?” “Mechanic, mechanic, my car won’t run!” “Have you put fuel in its tank lately?” “Geek, geek, my computer won’t run!” “Have you plugged it in lately?”

Simple. If you haven’t fed “it” lately, “it”, whatever it is, won’t perform well. That includes you, the person who desires accomplishments and success. Success coaching starts here: plug in and turn on the juice. Take good care of yourself. Fuel up the tanks, all of them. You must be in good shape in all aspects, physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, etc. before you can learn new tricks. In fact, much of success coaching is leading people into better self care. Often they already know what to do to make the changes in life they want. They just didn’t have the energy and health to pull it off.

What keeps you from taking good care of yourself on a regular basis? Here are some possible reasons:

* As a child, not shown how. No modeling or instruction in self care.

* Grew up in an emotionally chaotic family.

* Believe there is such a thing as "selfishness" that should be avoided.

* Parented with shamed based and/or other abusive parenting styles.

* Currently, do not receive permission or validation for solid self care.

Net result for you now is that others are taken into account first and you focus on their needs. Your needs come last, if at all.

Feeling uncomfortable reading this, makes my point. To even think about putting self first and keeping self well juiced, in good shape with the energy flowing, can evoke feelings of guilt and selfishness.

Come on. You deserve a break. Fill yourself up, and get to work on your goals.

A licensed psychologist, Paul W. Anderson, Ph.D. has coached people in their careers, relationships and business aspirations for many years. He helps women believe in themselves and men use their emotional intelligence. He is experienced in working with family business snarls and people in personal chaos who need strategies that will turn their best into success. You may reach him at http://www.bulletproofcoach.com