One of the most powerful questions I ask myself is a very simple one: “What next?” This basic question has transformed my attitude, my focus, my confidence and my body.
Recently I’ve had several clients tell me how they wish things were or how they think things should be.
Clients routinely focus on challenges coming up next weekend or next month.
Focusing on the past and worrying about the future aren’t necessary. Both approaches take you out of the only place you have power: the present.
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Try asking yourself this question the next time you find yourself stressing about the future or beating yourself up over the past (even if the past you’re upset about was 5 minutes ago).
What’s next? What now? What’s the next best choice I can make?
That’s where I’m constantly redirecting my attention – the only place I can affect change – my very next choice.
How can I make my next choice my best choice?
Today’s workout made me a little nervous. I don’t like to run. My knee is very sensitive to overuse injuries. Running a mile isn’t my idea of a good time and running a mile with 35 pounds across my shoulders in between a 2K row is a whole different level.
But you know what? I did it.
I did it without complaining. I did it without stopping. I did it without negativity.
I did it by focusing only on the next step. Not on the fact that I was gassed after 1/4 mile or by thinking about how much more there was to go…I just kept asking myself, “Do you have one more step in you?” Of course I do.
“Skid Row”
Teams of 2:
Row 2k
1 Mile Wreckbag Run (this is a weighted sandbag. Mine was 35 lbs)
Row 2k
Though you switch back & forth every 250m on the row, both teammates run the full mile.
When I do things that scare me or when I push through workouts when I want to stop, I step into a new level of confidence, belief and ability. It’s a pretty amazing thing. But, you don’t get there by accident. You don’t get there easily. You get there by pushing yourself. By asking, “what’s next?”
On the food front:
After my workout I had….you guessed it! My cabbage salad bowl. It included raw red & green cabbage, 2 eggs, a tablespoon of Primal Kitchen Chipotle Lime Mayo, 2 slices of bacon and some avocado.
Speaking of the Primal Kitchen mayo, here’s an email I just got from a client about it today…
I go through a jar about every other week so I’m pumped to be getting it for just over $7 on Thrive Market when I had been paying $10 at Whole Foods or over $13 on Amazon!!
In October 2019, our relationship with Thrive Market changed. They decided to put their marketing dollars in avenues outside of podcasting but we still think they’re a good choice if you’re looking to save money on health & personal care products.
I got some more work done before hopping in the car for a couple of hours. No snacking in the car, just a can of La Croix seltzer (peach pear flavor).
I worked from a coffee shop for a few hours and had an Americano.
I walked down to the grocery store to get a salad & some macadamia nuts for lunch.
I went out to dinner & ordered a steak with a salad. Nothing fancy. Super simple – a fat loss friendly menu option you can find at almost any sit down restaurant. Simplicity for the win!
Remember: turn off the thought faucet and simply ask yourself, “What’s next? What is the next best choice I can make?”