Taking Action is the Key to Accomplishing your Dreams! Final Draft

Cheers! Take a breath, have a cold drink, some fresh fruit, and celebrate you! " Afterall, don't you deserve it? This journal is about taking action on the things you want in life and following your heart on the things you are truly born to do. So I ask you,
"When was the last time you took action on something you really wanted for you?"
Why are we so afraid to take action and stick with something? By taking action it allows us to be more self-confident and see the outcomes of our efforts. If we strive to do what we can to inspire others, we will be inspired and our life will feel more complete and fulfilled. Usually we let others dictate our goals and dreams and this allows their views to get in the way of what we are really meant to do. People around us closest to us need to realize that we have to give ourselves the chance to validate our decisions and then we look to the ones closest to us to accept us for our accomplishments.

Then why is it so hard and why don't we believe in ourselves enough to take chances? Why do we give up so easily instead of sticking with something until we are really good at it and continue to improve?
True happiness is about following your heart and living out your goals and dreams so that you will be a happier more fulfilled person.
So what is this inner voice that drives us? Why is it stronger in some than in others? Would we be happier with ourselves and those we love if we did listen to our hearts? The one person who inspired me to take chances and do what I love was my Nan. She would say "Hunny, just do what you love and you will be great at it." "When it doesn't seem like work than you are doing what you were born to do. When if feels like drudgery, then it is time to make a change."

Then why live your life wondering and just take a chance! The only thing you have to lose is the chance you don't take. So go for it and forget what others say, if you can picture yourself being happy doing it than do it. Don't wait. Life is way too short. I have experienced listening to my heart and taking action on things that I never thought I would achieve, but I took the chance and tried because I could always see myself doing it like it was already a part of me and I just had to live it to prove to myself it could really be real.

This very special accomplishment happened ten years ago when I wanted nothing more than to be a really great fitness instructor. I could see myself motivating others and creating a fun and dynamic class that people would enjoy every week. Only I could change my life on a new path to make a positive difference in others' lives. Even my husband doubted me, he didn't think it was possible. But once I received my first certification, I rehearsed my routine in my kitchen and never gave up. Then I set up an audition at the gym not knowing anyone. I was convinced when I was in that studio that this was where I belonged and I could be great at it. The years went by and after rehearsing and adding two more certifications to my fitness endeavors and learning and training with others, I became really good and could see myself helping people on a one on one basis. Now I have my own small business and am one of the top trainers at my gym. In addition, I have been able to teach Kids Yoga at my school and bring kids fitness in a new direction to help the students at our school. I never thought all of this would have been possible ten years ago, but because I never gave up and continued to do what I enjoyed it never was work, just something I was born to do.


We need to ask ourselves are we willing to learn from others and stay committed to learning in order to be the best we can be? All of my years of experience have added a wealth of knowledge to my skills. This has given me the confidence to be a very skilled personal trainer. What I have noticed is that when you give part of yourself to others there is a quiet calm of peace and serenity that soothes your soul and it is a by product of following your own heart.

My experiences as a personal trainer have been truly amazing. I have touched the lives of 13 year olds to 69 year olds. It is one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever done and I wouldn't trade it for the world. You are influencing the lives of people to become healthier and live longer every day. They are working hard to make you proud and improve themselves to feel better about themselves and you are working hard for them on their routines, material and revisions. By expecting more and praising them when they do well and reaffirming their techniques when they can be better at something. What I have found is that most people are amazed at what they can do when someone shows them. Many never thought they were capable of many techniques until they proved it to themselves and I coached them. It is a very empowering experience. Half the job of a trainer is psychological and the other half is physical. When you listen to them you build a lasting connection. People love to feel good about themselves and have someone praise them and believe in them. They love it when they achieve things they never thought were possible.

People ask me all the time what is the one common denominator you see in people that they are lacking. I tell them it is dehydration. People don't drink enough water for their bodies. Most problems that people have health related, is partly due to a very simple solution. Water! People need to drink half their body weight in water DAILY! Many don't know this and they wonder why they can't lose weight. Just drink up! Your body systems will love you and give you lots of energy back.

Each day is a day closer to achieving my short term & long term goals. What we need to do is recognize that we are awesome and things can get done as long as we put all of our energies into it. So why do we put things off so long? Why don't we take action on the things that mean the most to us? By setting small manageable goals instead of looking at the big oppressive picture in front of us, take small steps towards your goal and spread it out over days, weeks, and months. More than likely, you will get there. I tell my clients every day, "Every small step is a win!"

An example of a long-term goal was enrolling in a Master's program. I was motivated to look into it because my mom has one and my brother. I always wanted one and never thought it would be possible to achieve. Also, after talking with many teachers who are now ready to retire, they told me how they wish they could turn back the clock and do what I was planning on doing to get a Masters. This accelerated my ambition and proved to me that now was the time and that I couldn't wait. So I decided to take a few months to research various schools that would fit in to my already maxed schedule and UNE was the one. From the beginning it has been a great experience and by taking really small steps towards my goal I am getting there with only three classes left.

I wrote a poem to sum up what has motivated me to fulfill my dreams. Maybe it can help you to fulfill some of yours.

Happiness:

You know you love it.
Why not do it?
You are born to do this
Then why be afraid?
Believe in yourself
Take a chance
Why delay
Take action today!
One small step
Be inquisitive
Learn from yourself
Don't stop learning!
Take charge
See your goal evolve
A dream that was once a thought
Now a reality

At last, a path to happiness...............

If there is something you want out of life than work on a plan to go get it. It is so easy to say just do it, but it is wiser to say talk it out, plan it out, connect with your goal so you are sure it is what you really want, then GO FOR IT! By believing in yourself and taking action on the things you want to accomplish, big or small your goals & dreams will come true................Really!

Taking Action is the Key to Accomplishing your Dreams! Part 2

Each day is a day closer to achieving my short term and long term goals. What we need to do is recognize that we are awesome and things can get done as long as we put all of our energies into it.
So why do we put things off so long? Why don't we take action on the things that mean the most to us? What if we set small manageable goals instead of looking at the big oppressive picture in front of us? If we take small steps towards it and spread it out over a few days, weeks, or months, more than likely, we will get there. Every small step is a win!
I think people would be happier if they were accomplishing things they didn't think were possible. Just this past week my son and I accomplished moving my grandmother's solid mahogany hutch into our dining room. We cleaned it, dusted it, painted on the finish again and decorated it beautifully. It has totally changed the tone of our dining room now. This is an example of a small house project that I normally never have time to do during the school year and finally feel a sense of accomplishment for this sentimental project of restoration where I brought her hutch back to life. Now we can enjoy it for years to come.
Another example was when everyone doubted that I could walk into a place and get hired because I believed in myself, I proved everyone wrong. I have never been happier being a personal trainer. It is something I could always envision myself doing and it is personally the most rewarding job I have ever done. Just like teaching, you are training and teaching people to make fitness a lifelong commitment. It is identical to how we as teachers inspire children to be lifelong learners. Granted I have studied, applied myself and maintained my commitment to being better every day. By never giving up on myself or those who I help, has inspired me to be the best that I can be in the field that I have chosen and to continue to work hard. The most important thing. is a good bit of advice from my Nan. She said, "Hunny, just do what you love and you will be great at it." So I did and I love it! When it doesn't seem like work at all that means you were born to do it. When it feels like drudgery, it is time to make a change. You can't fake your way through life. Then you aren't being genuine.

Why don't we take chances more often? What have we got to lose? Isn't it worth just trying?
Write down three things that you would like to do in the next year or get started on. By setting small goals more than likely you will get at least one of them accomplished or off the ground.
Look at Lance Armstrong, everyone doubted him that he could enter the Tour de France for an 8th time and four years older. Look at the results! He is unstoppable and the only one who never stopped believing in him was himself.

For me I always wanted a Masters degree and never thought it would be possible. But after diligent research, here I am only three classes away from completing it. This is one of those things that makes you really proud of yourself that you achieved and something your family and friends are blown away by. Once again if it is something you want, than go get it.
By believing in yourself and taking action on the things you want to accomplish your dreams will come true...............................Really!

Taking Action is the Key to Accomplishing your Dreams!

Before you go to bed, ask yourself did I do everything today that I wanted to do? It's ok if I didn't get everything done because even if I made a small impact, I am moving in a forward direction, and I am making progress.
Each day is a day closer to achieving my short term and long term goals. What we need to do is recognize that we are awesome and things can get done as long as we put all of our energies into it.
So why do we put things off so long? Why don't we take action on the things that mean the most to us? What if we set small manageable goals instead of looking at the big oppressive picture in front of us? If we take small steps towards it and spread it out over a few days, weeks, or months, more than likely, we will get there. Every small step is a win!
I think people would be happier if they were accomplishing things they didn't think were possible. For example, when everyone doubted that I could walk into a place and get hired because I believed in myself, I proved everyone wrong. I have never been happier being a personal trainer. It is personally the most rewarding job I have ever done. Just like teaching, you are training and teaching people to make fitness a lifelong commitment. It is identical to how we as teachers inspire children to be lifelong learners. Granted I have studied, applied myself and maintained my commitment to being better every day. By never giving up on myself or those who I help, has inspired me to be the best that I can be in the field that I have chosen. The most important thing. is a good bit of advice from my Nan. She said, "Hunny, just do what you love and you will be great at it." So I did and I love it! When it doesn't seem like work at all that means you were born to do it. When it feels like drudgery, it is time to make a change. You can't fake your way through life. Then you aren't being genuine.

Why don't we take chances more often? What have we got to lose? Isn't it worth just trying?
Write down three things that you would like to do in the next year or get started on. By setting small goals more than likely you will get at least one of them accomplished or off the ground.
Look at Lance Armstrong, everyone doubted him that he could enter the Tour de France for an 8th time and four years older. Look at the results! He is unstoppable and the only one who never stopped believing in him was himself.

For me I always wanted a Masters degree and never thought it would be possible. But after diligent research, here I am only three classes away from completing it. This is one of those things that makes you really proud of yourself that you achieved and something your family and friends are blown away by. Once again if it is something you want, than go get it.
By believing in yourself and taking action on the things you want to accomplish your dreams will come true...............................Really!

My experiences as a Trainer

My experiences as a personal trainer have been truly amazing. I have touched the lives of 13 yr. olds to 69 yr. olds. It is one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever done and I wouldn't trade it for the world. You are influencing the lives of people to become healthier and live longer every day. They are working hard to make you proud and improve themselves to feel better about themselves and you are working hard for them on their routines, material and revisions. Always expecting more and praising them when they do well and reaffiming their techniques when they can be better at something.
Adults are like kids, every time I give them something they struggle with they want more of it. They don't like defeat and they keep trying to prove that they can do it. It is truly facinating when you teach all day and then have adults to train at night. They love it.
I especially love when my clients are excited to have their numbers updated and they can't wait to see how they've done. This measures their weight, Body Mass Index and % of Body Fat. They love to see progress and I keep track of it monthly. It is quite a thrill for both of us.
The biggest flaw I see in all age groups is that our society is extremely dehydrated. People don't realize they need to drink half of their body weight in water daily to keep all of their systems running smoothly. This way they will have more energy, and lose weight faster.
Lack of sun in New England influences the stress level of many of my clients along with anxiety eating. It is a vicious cycle. People that live in sunnier climates are more balanced. You can imagine what this rain has done to many this summer. I have been very busy. I almost brought in dark chocolate for everyone to boost their moods and endorphin levels. But I didn't have to.
Half the job of a personal trainer is psychological the other half is physical. When you can relate to them and they can relate to you, you build a lasting connection. In short, people love to feel good about themselves and have someone listen to them and praise them. They love to achieve things they never thought were possible and know that someone believes in them.
I love helping others and never want to stop.

Taking Action Revision 1

A great example of me taking action is persuing this Masters program. Often people talk about getting a Masters and how great it would be and what it would do for their career, but it isn't often when you actually meet someone who actually does and finishes. I have only known a few to do it.
I surprised my mom last Mother's Day with my acceptance letter that I would be starting this. I wanted to surprise her and it was a big surprise indeed! Little did she know that I had been researching schools for 4 months.
I was so excited to tell everyone and I did. Now, I only have three classes left. Just last week, I saw a friend at the gym and I told him how far I was in the program, he couldn't believe it. He said to me, "gosh Bonnie, I remember when you told me you were just starting it. I can't believe you actually stuck with it and did it." "You know, he said, so many people I know say they are going to do things and they never do them. It is so nice to know that you set a goal and took action on achieving it." "Taking action is the key to accomplishing your dreams!"

Follow your heart: Revision 1

After taking some time to reflect on the words of advice given to me, I am inspired to write more expanding my thoughts, ideas, and real world experiences. It definitely makes a difference when you step back and have events happen in your world to enhance your own writing.
I chose the theme of following your heart because I come in contact with so many people that haven't. They never seem truly happy. The other reason is because I have listened to my heart and made some choices that I thought would never come true. I didn't want to live my life wondering like my Nan.
One of my biggest achievements was about 10 years ago when I knew I wanted to instruct aerobics classes. I could see myself doing it and it became a self-fulfilling prophecy over time. I believed in myself and knew I was the only one that could do this and no one would do this for me. Only I could change my life on a new path to make a positive difference in others' lives. Why do we feeling a calling sometimes? Is it God's way of saying "you are born to do this?" "People need you!" It is up to us to listen to this voice and take action. When we don't we are not truly fulfilling all that we can be.
I traveled by myself and studied so that I could start this new endeavor. Once I received my first certification, I rehearsed my routine in my kitchen and once I felt ready to audition, I went into a gym, not knowing anyone and set up an interview and audition. I was convinced I could do this and be great at it. I think the fitness directors could see this in me as well.
After ten years and teaching numerous classes and achieving three certifications, I am one of the top trainers at my gym. I have my own small business and it is growing rapidly. I have also been able to teach at my school Kids Yoga. I have thirty two students that have joined this growing trend in keeping kids healthy. Teachers seek me out all the time to put fitness programs together for them.
So, like the butterfly and Lance Armstrong if we ignore our inner voice will we really be able to soar to new heights? After four years, he hasn't given up when everyone was in disbelief that he could do it. Now look at the Tour de France, he really is proving his critics wrong.
What is this inner voice that drives us? Why is it stronger in some and not in others? Would we be happier with ourselves if we did listen. I know we would. Why live life wondering? Why not take chances? The only thing you have to lose is the chance you don't take. So go for it and forget about what others say. You know what you really can see yourself doing. So do it!