There was one exercise that we all had to go through called the Gas Chamber.  The purpose was to trust and take care of our equipment.  There were 45 of us along the chamber wall with our equipment on.  Groups of 5 would step forward.  In front of each of us was a plate, and the instructor placed a tear gas caplet on it.  We were instructed to remove our equipment.

Most people had a bad reaction.  Some panicked, spit, vomited and most coughed. The gas burns the respiratory tract and the eyes.  It also irritates the skin for about 10 minutes after.

I knew going into this exercise that I was going to use my mind to tell my body to relax and stay focused on being impervious to the gas.  I had no doubt that I was going to sail through that exercise.  And, as a result, my mind, which is the software, told my body – the hardware – to relax, be calm and impervious to the gas.

I did not cough or shutter.  My eyes did tear a lot, but that was it.  My reaction elicited comments from my instructors who were a bit stunned at my reaction, as it was clearly abnormal.

The mind is powerful and what you tell it is manifested by the body.

How are you programming mind?  And, what will you do differently?

I slowed and asked him, “Does everyone in your company wear a necktie out in the field?”

The bug guy replied, “They’re supposed to.”

I followed, “So, why do you wear one?”

He smiled confidently, “Because I want to show up looking great!”

For the rest of my run I thought how powerful it is to show up feeling confident and “great,” and that my clients are getting lean, energized and focus for work.

And, if you want to be part of the team you can  join *Free* the Skinny Jeans Telesummit.

Gendarme Descent by Dru!

We all need footholds to get to the top. The key of Champions is that they have secured themselves with one or more granite footholds.

There are Sandy Footholds and Granite Footholds. They are different but both appear supportive at first glance.

Sandy Foothold

A Sandy Foothold is something that appears to be rock. But, instead of supporting you to the top, it gives way. These types of footholds can show up as quick fix weight loss gurus or the cautioning family member who doubts your ability, and fears that you may stumble.

Granite Foothold

I’ve discovered that winners have experienced Granite Footholds. These often come in the form of a coach, a teacher or mentor. They are the people that won’t let you waive the white flag. Instead they lovingly prod you, sometimes uncomfortably, to experience what was fully intended for your life.

Personally, I have had remarkable Granite Footholds. The earliest came from my Dad. He always told me, “You can do anything you’re big enough to do.”  Since that first utter to me, at about 7, I’ve bought into his encouragement by framing it into a question: “Am I big enough to….?” Using that question continues to be a very powerful internal dialogue.

Another early Granite Foothold was my lacrosse coach at Greenwich High School (CT), Ms. Renee Spellman. She was not the best coach from a skill perspective, but she put together a championship team by encouraging and pushing her players. She helped to secure my college scholarship and always held me to the highest standards. I’m grateful.

Finding Granite Footholds

To live each day to the fullest blessing then you will need to start finding a Granite Foothold. The secret is to remain conscious as to what a Granite Foothold should be for you.

As a personal trainer I’m a Granite Foothold for my clients. I push my clients farther than they would on their own. I help them move past what they think is possible.

Although you may not have a trainer, you may have someone that is already doing that for you. Acknowledge that person today in an email or phone call. You will be sure to grow that relationship.

If you’re looking for your Granite Foothold, consider that there is already a person you know who might be that for you but you’ve just not asked her.  I encourage you to take action.  Ask that person if she would be your Granite Foothold. Do that today.

Now, go be a champion!