Find out what simple four-word question will keep you focused on your fitness (and life) journey.

As I was walked out of the gym after work on my way to a meeting, I was mentally wavering on whether to return later that day to do my workout.  I mentioned my mental battle to another trainer, who immediately started razzing me about being a role model, practicing what I preach, and dedication. 

He ended his “trainer” speech with a simple question.

A four-word question that since has been the source of thoughtful consideration.

“What are your goals?” he asked.

At first, I shrugged off the question.

“What are my goals?” I asked myself. 

After a few moments, I asked again.

“What are my goals?”

The answers to that simple four-word question were the motivation I needed to get by butt back to the gym later that day. 

To my surprise, the answers that put my rear in gear and back to the gym had very little, if anything, to do with my fitness goals. Rather, the answers were more about what kind of person I want to be.

Here’s what I figured out:

My goal is to be a person of integrity who doesn’t create excuses for why I don’t complete what I said I would or pursue what I said I wanted.

My goal is to be someone who can fight through discomfort, inconvenience, and activities I hate to do in order to achieve greater satisfaction. 

My goal is to feel the struggles that my clients/friends/family face when trying to live a healthy active lifestyle and conquering them.

From that moment on, my training philosophy (both for myself and for my clients) has hardened slightly. 

I hold people more accountable for taking the steps needed to achieve their dreams. 

I ask more difficult questions.  I never know when a question may ignite a spark in someone and provide the motivation he or she needs to improve (no matter how slight) his or her life. 

Had my trainer friend not asked me a difficult question, I would have continued on my ordinary day.  Now, I am aware of the joy and growth that comes from expecting more from me and achieving it. 

So, today, I ask you to ponder that simple four-word question, “What are my goals?”

Ask yourself when you eat.  It is said that we make over 200 food choices a day.  We decide what to eat, what to not eat, what drive through to pass up, what snack to pick up at the gas station.  What decisions will lead you to your goals?

Ask yourself when you are planning tomorrow.  Is tomorrow a day when you will exercise or get any activity?  How does that decision fit into your goals?

Ask yourself when you are feeling overwhelmed.  Are you advancing toward your overall goals in life, or are “opportunities” distracting you from your dreams and life goals.

This four-word question asked at just the right time can provide the clarity and vision you need to make the decisions necessary to create the life you want to live.

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