Do you ever get frustrated? Do you ever lose your patience? Are there people or situations in your life that occasionally drive you nuts? If you answered “yes” to any of the above, I empathize with you.
I’m a very positive person. Partly, it’s my “makeup” and partly it’s my choice. People sometimes ask if I ever get mad. Of course I get mad. We all get mad from time to time. The real question is… Do we learn anything from the experience? Anger expends a lot of energy. Is there ever a benefit?
Just the other day I got so frustrated about something at home I lost my patience. Completely. It doesn’t happen often, but this was one of those times. I learned something however, and wanted to share it with you.
The “event” occurred about 8 PM. For all you parents out there, it was bedtime for the kids in our house. There are three kids and only two parents. Do I need to say more?
I just didn’t have the reserves I normally do. Needless to say, I went for a walk around 9 PM to blow off steam. I call this a “Gratitude Walk.” I thanked God for Melanie, my wife; I thanked God we’re not out-numbered by a larger margin; and I thanked God I can actually get outside and get my mind right. Eventually, I thanked God our children are strong and healthy and able to create such chaos.
Twenty-eight minutes and a whopping 113 burned calories later, on my Gratitude Walk, I got thinking about the contrast of Investment vs. Expense. You see, I really wanted to hit a boxing bag, but we don’t have one at the house. I thought to myself, “Why don’t I invest in one?”
The rational side of me said, “I own a gym five minutes from home. It’s an unnecessary expense.” But the other part of me said, “What good does that do for me right now?”
So I spent some time thinking about the difference between an expense and an investment. This is what an “investment” is to me:
Any product, program, or service that will ultimately enhance the quality of your physical and mental energy, and the quality of your thinking. One that directly relates to an overall improvement in your well-being.
Next time you’re thinking you can’t afford something, stop a second and ask yourself if it’s an investment in your well-being.
These are some examples of investments:
And a boxing bag for those late nights when you need to blow off some steam!
So to end my story, I came home and journaled a bit. And I made a commitment to invest in a boxing bag. I may not need it very often, but when I do, it sure is going to be great for my soul!
Check out the opening video below. It includes a few other ideas for investing in yourself and your well-being. Because sometimes an investment looks a lot like a good cardio session or healthy choices at a meal, or some added variety in your fitness routine. Sometimes, the best investment is no expense at all. Get serious about you. Get serious about your future. The time is now!
watch?v=jS84ibsYVZs&feature=channel_video_title
Peace and love,
Todd
Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS, is an internationally recognized performance coach, personal trainer and massage therapist who motivates, educates and inspires people worldwide. He is the owner of Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, CA, where his wonderful team of 35 focuses on personal training, massage therapy, Pilates, yoga, sports performance training and nutrition to help transform the bodies, minds and spirits of a broad clientele. Todd trains dozens of NFL and MLB athletes, including 2010 Super Bowl XLIV Champion and MVP Drew Brees. He is the head of the Under Armour Performance Training Council, serves on the Gatorade G-Fit Team, and is a featured presenter on the Perform Better educational circuit. He is a two-time Trainer of the Year (IDEA & ACE). Additionally, Todd provides motivational talks and programs to companies and conferences worldwide.
Men’s Health recently named his gym, Fitness Quest 10, one of the Top 10 Gyms in the US. Todd has appeared on 60 Minutes, ESPN, NFL Network and has been featured in Sports Illustrated, USA Today, Business Week, Prevention, ESPN the Magazine, Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Men’s Journal, Stack Magazine, Self, Shape, Fitness, the NY Times and Washington Post. Todd has authored 35 DVDs on strength and conditioning, functional fitness, massage/bodywork and business/personal growth.
His new book, The IMPACT! Body Plan debuted in September 2010 and is a 10 Week program designed to create world-class fitness and life performance. You can sign up for Todd’s FREE award-winning Ezine newsletter, the TD TIMES, at www.FitnessQuest10.com or www.ToddDurkin.com.
Welcome to Todddurkin.com, where you’ll find everything you need to achieve your coaching, speaking, fitness, and wellness goals. Todd Durkin is a world-renowned trainer, coach, and motivational speaker, committed to helping you unleash your inner champion. From his bestselling books and online courses, to his high-energy live events and personal coaching services, Todd Durkin offers a wealth of resources to help you transform your body, mind, and spirit. Discover his innovative training techniques, nutrition plans, and powerful mindset strategies, and get ready to take your performance to the next level. Explore Todddurkin.com today and start your journey to a better you.
