So we’re a few days into 2012 and I wanted to know if you have made any special New Year’s Resolutions?
While I’ve never understood the whole “New Years Resolution thing” this is traditionally the time of year we talk about change.
So what do you want to change?
Making a Shift in 2012
I love to write for many of the industry publications but most of my writings are about marketing, advertising, and strategy for the car business. Today I wanted to shift to something more important. Your health and success in 2012.
I am convinced that if you want to have the best of success in 2012 in your business it will have to start with a commitment to exercise and eat better in 2012. A few years ago I made a commitment to change my lifestyle so I am talking from some experience. After a couple of years of success it is time to lead others to a better life in the years ahead.
A few years ago you could find me either in my office, on a plane/airport, or in meetings for 15+ hours a day building my business and basically ignoring my health. I believed that I did not have time to exercise or eat better. I was convinced that diving into my career was the best thing I could do with my time.
In the afternoon my energy levels crashed and I often felt the need to take a nap during the day. I didn’t know then how important that day really was for my personal life or my business.
Now in the best shape of my life I thought it was time to challenge my friends in the industry to rethink how they are taking care of their bodies, and, consequently, their minds.
Investing One Hour Per Day
The end result of this change was not less time for work but actually more! I had more energy, focus, and a new vision for my business.
If I had not change my life I would NOT have been able to keep the pace of my growing business. Additionally, increased energy has given me the opportunity to expand what I do and how much I am able to give back with writing, charity work, counsulting, and helping to develop new products in the automotive space. If you have been following our group’s rapid growth in some of the automotive publications over the last few years you know what I mean.
Do you have dreams, goals, and desires that may or may not be realized yet? If you are truly looking to achieve greatest in your life, you have to invest in yourself first. Let me repeat: Invest in yourself! Say it with me now!
Set goals for everything. Fitness included! WRITE THEM DOWN PLEASE. Sounds basic, but how many people actually write down their goals? So you wrote them down, now what? Specifically identify everything you need to do to get there. Attack and don’t stop until you’re there.
I take one hour most days for myself in the gym, running, or lifting weights. It has been the best investment I have made in my first 27 years of living. This investment has enabled me to serve my family, friends, and co-workers with more passion, energy, and creativity.
Do You Feel Like Sh*t?
I can’t tell you how many people I meet as I travel that are lethargic, overweight, exhausted, and some even admit to feeling like sh*t on a regular basis. Right now I have 9 stores that I do consulting work for. Almost all of it is done on the phone and through webinars. It’s amazing the feedback that I get from other dealers, GM’s, and Managers as to how tired they are and how they can barely get through the week or day.
Many of these friends are just not taking care of their bodies yet they wonder why they can’t “keep up” with life. They wonder why they haven’t moved to the “next level” of success.
Do you realize that with exercise and the proper fuel (food), we can think clearer, radiate more positive energy, and engage life with power. Limping through each day is not the trademark of a winner.
Are you just getting through the day?
Tired of feeling tired? Unhappy with your current energy levels? Need to get started on that “big” idea? How about investing in a personal makeover in 2012. Are you ready?
Getting Started?
Start by making a commitment to read a book a month in 2012. That will start to shift your mental state.
A personal favorite that I’ve been recommending for years: Jack Welch’s “Winning.”
Then make a commitment to move your body each day. Invest an hour of each day for yourself. In the automotive industry we tend to have jobs that place us behind a desk or standing in a limited area with little movement. Whether it’s before or after work invest in yourself.
Getting The Right Motivation
Is investing in your mental and physical health in 2012 that important? After a few years of change I would have to firmly say YES.
Ask anyone who has lost their health or their ability to have a clear mind if they regret not taking care of themselves. Don’t live a life of regrets. Make the change now. Don’t take anything with respect to your health for granted. Be completely thankful and appreciate everything you have every day. It’s the first thing I think about each day I wake up.
And if you already invest in your health, bravo! Share your turn around story or how your investment has paid you back over time. Cheers to a best ever 2012!
Chris Irwin
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