What’s the most exciting thing you’ve got going on right now?
How can I help?
I opened an email from a friend this weekend to find these questions.
They impacted me. Got me to thinking.
Yes, even more than usual.
While I’ve got a ton going on, nothing “most exciting” sprang to mind.
This strikes me as an indicator that I’ve succumb to the trap of filling time versus fulfilling purpose.
Precisely what Dave Letterman means by, “Hopelessly lost but making damn good time.”
“Being ‘busy’ can be a substitute for results,
keeping you from noticing you’re spinning.”
Like the times when you’re training but not changing—you’re just going through the motions without focus and intensity—or a clear, compelling goal.
This time of year we’re particularly vulnerable to finding ourselves “running in place.”
Hence the reason why this is the perfect time to ask, “How can I help you?”
Rather than bring you anything new to ponder, this is your opportunity to lead.
You know there’s something in your life that you’re thinking of changing—some area where you could be “new and improved.”
What’s your next bigger, better, fitter, faster, smarter, wiser, more positive, abundant, balanced you?
How can I help you reach for your wildest dreams?
There’s almost no question too big small or too small….
Anything between “What’s your favorite color?” and
“Why does time slow as you near the speed of light?”
Want to drop a few or add a few?
Need more time, more energy or more motivation?
Ready to feel better, look better and start living a full strength life?
Aiming for 6-Pack Abs, a total Transformation or just wanting to make it through the holidays without digging a deeper hole?
Or just have a nagging question on training, nutrition or a particular supplement?
I’m here, I’m listening and I’m ready to help. Give it to me.
I may not get them all answered tomorrow but I’ll be taking some on in my “Strength LIVE” radio-cast this week.
More so, what you share will help guide my focus in the months and years ahead.
Go ahead and share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below:
Until Next week…
Stay Strong,
Shawn
Follow Me: /Twitter/shawn_phillips
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16. November 2009 at 4:49 pm
Don’t think too hard about it. There’s no right or wrong. Give it to me, all, unedited.
Thanks for your contribution!
Shawn
16. November 2009 at 6:26 pm
Shawn: 3 things: 1. I’ve got a great workout going now, and it’s designed by a trainer with a kineseology degree to help rehab a shoulder injury from many years ago that was never properly healed.
My question is, since I can’t do the same workout daily, do you recommend varying the weight routine frequently or stay with it and just increase weight as I get better? I don’t want to get into a rut, physically or mentally. Also, my trainer recommends an 8 minute cardio, where I’m going as hard as I can for one minute, then off, then hard…….through the 8 minutes. He says a 30-45 minute cardio is not a positive for building the muscles I need to build, and that I don’t really need much cardio at all. thoughts?
2. I’m good with your shakes for breakfast, but it’s damn hard to eat 6-8 small meals a day…….work lunches and the like make that difficult, as to family dinners. Any thoughts on how to better approach that?
3. Abs: should I do upper, lower and obliques? So basically 3 sets to get all the muscles. How often? Every day or just 3 days a week?
Thanks for your help.
16. November 2009 at 7:18 pm
Shawn, I am over the age of 40, and have been struggling with my weight. Is there some supplements that a women over 40 can take to help with the feeling of not being hungry or to help with the muscle gain?
16. November 2009 at 7:21 pm
this is a great reminder for me and I would think everyone about the true foundations of our existence. recently I have been fighting this question. As in I got stuck in the trap of “working to make a certain amount of money” instead of ” doing what I love and finding a way to convert it into a “LIVING” . In my case it was DAMN RIGHT SCARY to walk away from making money to creating a living. My core, my self confidence and self esteem I found is strongly tied with the amount of money I make…To face losing it all even if temporarily to follow my excitement as Shawn relates was like facing my worst nightmares. When The aftermath materialised though, not only did I start to actually look forward to starting a new day (as opposed to wishing I could stay asleep ) I am finding ( its not over by no means) that my ‘fear of loss’ was much worse to deal with than the losses themselves. Im talking losing everything here like family, kids, house, money some health etc.
Im excited about building it all back more to my core and to who I am than living with regrets and someone elses life.
16. November 2009 at 7:50 pm
Shawn,
I work out exclusivly by myself. I don’t really have any friends nearby to work out with and I cannot offord a personal trainer at this time. What would be your best advice on getting stronger and fitter on my own.
Thanks
16. November 2009 at 8:08 pm
I’ve heard from several sources that vitamins don’t get absorbed but pass right through the digestive system. Are there vitamins that can be taken trans-dermally in a spray?
16. November 2009 at 8:19 pm
What do you do when you feel like you’ve reached a dead end? Do you ever feel all hope is lost on an important idea or goal? What do you do to turn it around and make your dream real again?
16. November 2009 at 11:43 pm
Hi Shawn.
First I want to say thank you for your post. It got me to thinking but I keep drawing blanks about what really makes my time fulfilling lately.
You described it right, I find things just to fill my time lately. I’m 27, been out of work since June (after 9 years with the same company), still live at home and the little I do is just to break the cycle of depression and anxiety I feel. I already feel washed up.
I know the two major things I want in life, a transformation of my body and getting off of all medications I’m taking. I just don’t know how to get there? Unfortunately, the people I’m surrounded by don’t think either is possible for me. When I share this with some people, I received discouraging responses. How do I stop spinning my wheels and start to move forward, despite the distractions I have? What does it take to keep motivation for more than 72 hours? How can I put my foot down to distractions and have people actually listen to me?
Right now, I’m just in survival mode. I want to move to thriving, I need to move that direction. I’m reading your Strength for life book now and getting great encouragement from that, especially regarding nutrition.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. How do I listen to your radio show?
17. November 2009 at 2:31 am
Dear Shawn,
I am a fat guy who represents an untapped market, an entire community across America that hasn’t been exposed to, but sure could benefit from, Strength For Life. I’ve been thinking about getting ahold of your assistant and seeing if I could meet with you at your office for 15-30 minutes and show you some of the things I’m seeing. If any of what I show you makes sense then you can turn it over to your marketing department and it would help me further my community project. Thanks for asking how you could help, saves me from having to meet Lewis and Floorwax, Lance
17. November 2009 at 10:53 am
Hi, Shawn!
I have been following you since 2003 (when I first started to train seriously and I was looking for a suitable protein supplement and I read about you ‘endorsing’ Designer Whey protein) and read your articles from Muscle Media Magazine to Muscle Magazine to God know what!
So far I have been very well informed about weight training and nutrition from you and at the same time, I felt that the best thing that you gave us was the Absolution.
Then, I was thinking, what would your next “big thing” be and you came out with Strength for Life and Full Strength.
So far, I have “consumed” Strength for Life and I must say that you write a pretty good book about how to build ones body from the insides first and then the outside.
However, I have still yet to “consume” Full Strength and I have been reading and hearing raves reviews about your protein product.
I am still unclear why you are not shipping your premium protein outside the USA.
Please tell me how can a guy living in Singapore and Malaysia get a hold of your Full Strength?
Cheers!
Alief Hamdani
17. November 2009 at 12:43 pm
I’ve lost 30 lbs since March 09. I still want to lose 10 lbs more but have stalled out even though I continue to work out and diet. I’m considering using the FS shake to replace 1 or 2 meals a day. Is this recommended? What additional tips do you have?
17. November 2009 at 5:39 pm
I would like to know how someone can follow these plans with the way the economy is today? I know the supplements and vitamins help play a key role in achieving the goals in many of the plans that you speak of. But honestly have 5 boys to feed now. How can someone afford to obtain all the right things to follow a plan like that? What’s the alternative on a limited budget?
18. November 2009 at 7:59 am
Shawn,
I am 43-year-old woman who is probably about 60 pounds overweight. I have a stationary bike, elliptical, and Powertek weight-training system in my home, plus many of the supplements you recommend. However, I just cannot seem to get motivated to start living healthy. Is there a method you use to motivate people, starting with baby steps? Or should I just make a plan and jump right into it? How can I help my boyfriend get motivated as well? Please hurry-the holidays are coming fast! Thank you!
21. October 2010 at 9:57 pm
Thank you so much for your thoughts on Filling Time vs. Fulfilling Purpose | Shawn Phillips | Start Strong Monday , I totally agree with you. It is fantastic to see a fresh outlook on this and I look forward to more.