Value Components

       We have previously discussed our foundational values in our series of articles on The Four Anchors. As a continuation of that theme let’s review our value components to help us further explore what is important to us.

Value Components

      Last week I was at a conference for lawyers in Los Angeles. The  last evening  after the conference was over was a time for five of us to get  together for dinner. We sat at a nice outdoor café overlooking an oceanside village. I believe we had a Catholic, a Presbyterian, two Jews, and me, a Moravian. It was an interesting collection of very successful lawyers.

       This group had individuals came from various places around the country. It was interesting that the conversation turned to a discussion on religion and spiritual-based values for decision making in running a business. The power of these spiritual-based principles and high-achieving individuals was a tremendous reinforcement for me.

      During our discussion, we identified quality, loyalty, character, and integrity, and excellence as foundational principles from which all other or future successes derive. Certainly this list is not exhaustive, and perhaps in some ways may be redundant.

      The principles we discussed were similar to what we observe in quality athletes and in our Lewis and Daggett team on a daily basis. We believe this foundation makes us better, more productive, and produces better results. These principles are certainly worthy of our further consideration and review.

       Quality is not only doing things well but also doing the right thing. People always respect quality, and a reputation for quality bodes well for long-term success.

       Loyalty is a commitment.  It is a commitment to people and organizations that are important to us. Loyalty transcends time and is always there. Loyalty is always important to us through tough times, and when times are good. Loyalty is always there and reveals itself most strongly when it is most needed.

       Character is what defines ourselves deep down and from which we are made. Character is revealed in how we act and respond in times of stress or pressure.

       Integrity is building a reputation for trust and reliability. It slowly builds over time and must always be protected. It is very powerful, yet very fragile.

       Striving for excellence is a combination and the culmination of the other traits we have discussed. It makes us always want to improve, evolve, innovate, and inspire.  Perfection may never be reached, but excellence can always be pursued.

        These foundational principles are the building blocks for success personally and in our organizations. Surrounding ourselves with people that share these principles makes us all be better.

Succeed with values,

David

Someone Else’s Shoes

       How often do we walk in someone else’s shoes? Perhaps we should try it a little more often, and learn a little something along the way. Let’s take a further look at this concept.

Someone Else's Shoes

      The concept of walking in someone else’s shoes is not new. I was reminded during this past week when our daughter’s reading assignment included a book that referenced the Cheyenne Native American proverb “Don’t judge your neighbor until you’ve walked two moons in his moccasins.” This takes commitment since two moons refers to two lunar cycles which is approximately 59 days.

        Walking in others’ shoes gives us a better understanding of other people. That is why people who do charitable work, public service, and service for others tend to have a better understanding of those around them. Research shows that people who serve others – walk in their shoes – reap the bonus of more fulfilling and satisfying lives.

       Spending time in others’ shoes gives us perspective. Perspective is the ability to see things from other points of view. It can help us at work ( the professional anchor), with our spouses and kids ( the family anchor), in our faith ( the spiritual anchor), and probably as athletes too (the physical anchor).

       As athletes we probably don’t spend as much time in someone else’s shoes as we ought. We tend to be extremely focused on our own training, our own schedule, and our own results. Of course we have to train, but if we also weave in time to walk in the shoes of others we can become better people in the process.

       Cindy and I walked in each other’s shoe a couple of weeks ago when she ran her very first race. She was the athlete and I was the support crew. Including training it was approximately “two moons.” It was quite a switch in roles and we both did fairly well. Perhaps a bit surprisingly we really enjoyed the opportunity to switch roles and we plan to do more of it – literally and metaphorically – in other aspects of our lives. Certainly our mutual respect was essential in the success of this reversal.

        Walking in the shoes of others gives us a better perspective and understanding of other points view. Moreover, it is the good and right thing to do. Our development as individuals will certainly prosper when we try walking in someone else’s shoes.

Trying different shoes,

David

***Ironman Everyday Hero Article and T.V. Excerpt Video are now up***

No Competition

      How tough is the competition? From racing we probably think it is pretty tough. However, the lessons we learn from athletic competition can lead to success in other life pursuits.

No Competition!

       Perhaps this entire blog site is devoted to this one big issue – what do we learn through athletics that makes and enhances all aspects of our lives? For this post, let’s just focus on competition, and how much competition there really is in our daily pursuits. This is a metaphor that literally and directly helps us in all other aspects of life.

       First, we need clarity of vision. What goals do we want to accomplish? We can have a vision for what we want to accomplish spiritually, professionally, socially, and physically. This is what gives us our direction and motivation. We need to spend a good deal of time defining and clarifying our vision in every important aspect of life. We need to see it, feel it, and believe it.

        Next, we need to have solid strategies that help us move toward our goals. The strategies are the methods that we use as we move toward the vision that we have already clarified. Our strategies need to reflect and support our values, as well as challenging us to reach our goals. We need a solid set of well defined strategies for each major goal we want to accomplish in life.

      Lastly, and most importantly, we need excellent execution to make it happen. When we look and observe, perhaps the most common denominator in successful individuals and organizations is consistent execution over an extended period of time.

       The beauty of this is that most folks simply are not willing to do it. They do not have the perseverance or desire to do the work necessary on an ongoing basis. They are not willing to pay the price it takes to effectively execute the strategies. When it gets down to execution, there is no competition.

       For example, I am often asked “How do you do it” referring to triathlons. To me, the answer seems easy and obvious – I have trained virtually every day for 27 plus years. It is as simple as that. Note that the vision has been modified from being more competitive-based to one based on  a lifestyle of health and fitness for my family and me.

       A very interesting statistic is that 90 percent of all people who pay to go to a self help program or seminar never do one single thing they learned after leaving. They want to hear the vision, but they simply are not willing to follow through with execution. Our willingness, desire, and training to execute is what separates us from the competition in life.

        All of this is good news for us because all we have to do is keep on going in order to beat the competition. Keep putting one foot in front of the other just like out on the racecourse. If we do, in the race of life, there is very little competition. This is how and where we will succeed.

Ready for the competition,

David　

*** Ironman Everyday Hero article and T.V. excerpt Video are now up***

Mutual Respect

      How do we make it all work? We all are busy. We all have responsibilities, obstacles, and frustrations, yet we somehow seem to make everything work. Perhaps it all starts with an environment of mutual respect.

Mutual Respect

       We previously discussed similar principles in Training With family and summarized many of the practical concepts in Total Integration. When there is a true relationship of mutual respect, we all reach higher levels, and have greater feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction. The applies to athletics and all aspects of life.

      Each of us has a special story to tell of these type relationships. When there is truly a relationship of mutual respect, it is understood and does not even have to be articulated. Certainly I have to look no further than my lovely bride Cindy to see a perfect example of a relationship with mutual respect. Of course, she is my leader and mentor in that relationship.

      Character, morals, values, beliefs, and religious views may be connecting factors for mutual respect in our personal and business lives. Mutually respectful relationships can make all aspects of our life better. There is a natural generosity to these relationships which makes us want to encourage others, and see them successful and prosperous.

      Relationships of mutual respect create win-win situations. Success is revealed, whether personally, with family, in business, or any other relationship, when both or all parties look for opportunities to succeed and prosper together. These result in collaborative relationships for the betterment of the whole where no person or party keeps individual score.

      We have all been in situations where respect seems to be a one-way street. Many talented people sometimes do not understand the importance of mutual respect in resulting successes, while others sometimes try to use the relationship without plans to reciprocate. When that happens, skepticism and cynicism set in and make us jaded so that it becomes difficult to trust the relationship.

      Mutually beneficial personal and business relationships are built on long-term respect for each party. As a lawyer, I see many situations where everyone is looking out for the short-term. However, decisions and actions based on mutual respect almost always have a positive and beneficial impact on the future, and the future of the relationship.

       Relationships built on mutual respect give us more energy, and catapults our strengths and assets to higher levels which in turn maximize the results for all parties involved. A synergy occurs in mutually respectful personal and business relationships. This synergy is a solid foundation upon which to build any relationship or organization. Further, this framework of mutual respect will allow a family, business, or organization to stand the test of time, and whether the ups and downs of unexpected changes, issues, or challenges.

       When we develop relationships that are mutually beneficial and based on trust, we can then sustain them through tough times, and enhance them during good times. Being collegial and collaborative can have an immediate positive impact on all aspects of our personal and business lives. Just like any investment, the more you contribute, the greater and more rewarding your return is likely to be.

Respectfully,　

David

Giant Steps

      What giant steps do you take? Giant steps really come in all shapes and sizes. Giant steps are when we reach out to achieve a goal that is beyond what we have previously accomplished. Cindy took a giant step this past weekend.

A Giant Step!

       Cindy has been in very good physical condition for many, many years. First as a dancer and later as an aerobics and yoga teacher, fitness has always been important to her.  Since having our three children she has continued to stay in good shape through power walking, aerobics, yoga, hiking, and a variety of other fitness and family activities. However, until 12 weeks ago she had never run in her life, at all.

      Twelve weeks ago Cindy decided she would participate in the No Boundaries program through the local Fleet Feet store. She immediately enjoyed the camaraderie of a group of other people who had set a goal to accomplish something they had never done before.

     Cindy and the entire No Boundaries group committed, sacrificed, and then on race day performed. It was so exciting to see their excitement and watch and enjoy their accomplishment. Giant steps are different for each of us. Giant steps occur anytime we go beyond what we have done before.

     We all have giant steps to take. They can be taken professionally, socially, physically, and spiritually (aka The Four Anchors). One of the great secrets in life is to surround ourselves with others who are willing to take, as well as support, giant steps. These giant steps encourage and motivate us to be perpetually better and perpetually go beyond what we have previously accomplished.

      Cindy has long been the giant step example for our family. We all had a great time watching her train for and accomplish this step. Great job sweetie!

Taking and encouraging giant steps,

David

True Champions

      How do you define a champion? For me a champion means more than just winning. This weekend at the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championships we had a display of true champions. 

Chrissie Playing with the Kids - A True Champion

       For me, champions have to do more than just win. They have to display admirable and enduring qualities such as integrity, character, and leadership. These qualities transform winners into true champions for all of us.

       The Ironman treated us to true champions. Chrissie Wellington and Craig Alexander are great examples for all of us. In addition to the enjoyment of watching them race and display their athletic talents, they also inspire us in the way they do it.

      Chrissie Wellington has undoubtedly become one of the best Ironman triathletes in the history of the sport. The course record at the world championships added just one more jewel to her amazing crown of successes. More importantly, she continues to display the endearing qualities that she shared with us when we first met her. She always presents that joyous smile, which when combined with her care and concern for others is what makes her a champion.

      Alexander, or Crowie as he is known, is a tremendous example of a family man. He clearly cares for and spends time with his wife and two small children. Crowie is quiet and confident, yet always humble. Then, on race day he displays the results of his dedication and hard work. We have only met Crowie briefly a couple of times, but he always shows those same qualities of honor and respect.

       We are fortunate to again have Ironman winners who we can also call champions. Congratulations Chrissie and Crowie, and thank you for the gifts you share with all of us.

Supporting true champions,

David

Team Appreciation

       Teamwork is part of success in sports, and in all aspects of life. Through teamwork we learn many of the values that we carry through all of our pursuits in life. Teamwork is essential in maximizing the various aspects of our Four Anchors.

      I am proud of our team at Lewis & Daggett. This past week we held our annual Employee Appreciation Week, which includes some extra fun, a few surprises, and ended with a Saturday cookout for everyone and their families – well over 100 people!

2009 L & D Volleyball Champs

        One of the traditions that has developed over the last several years is the annual volleyball tournament. The winning team is pictured above. The event is fun for those who play, and the spectators as well.  It is fun enjoying the friendly competition, the fellowship, and enjoying each others’ families.

        We have a great collection of people on our L & D Team. They are hardworking and have a commitment to excellence. They bring individual and unique talents together moving toward the common and collective good to best serve our clients

        When speaking of teamwork we refer to a number of different areas including collective work effort, collective intelligence, collective integrity, and collective results. We believe that one of the areas in which we excel is the combining of  our talents to be better in these areas than any of us could be alone.

        We are proud of how our team comes together to help our clients. Whether they are injured in an auto accident, hurt at work, or suffer from a disability, our team comes together with our best pieces in an effort to best serve our clients. We believe that the collective contributions from the members of our Team makes us all better, makes us better at what we do, and makes us better able to serve.

        Teamwork encompasses all of the things we do together as a team to make the office work and flow efficiently. This includes case work, client services, and general office workings and responsibilities. It is simply amazing all of the little things that get done around the office by, what I believe, is the best administrative support staff around.

         Lastly, we have a passion for our work and have fun doing it. We work hard and admittedly have some tough days, but we are always on the same team, working together, and trying to do our best.  We trust this commitment to each other becomes evident in our work and serving our clients.

        We need to have and appreciate our team in all aspects of life.

Appreciating my team,

David

Building Blocks

      How often do you play with building blocks? Athletic performance, as well as performance in life, is in many ways similar to playing with building blocks. We need a proper foundation – building blocks – in order to establish and sustain levels of success and performance.

Building Blocks

       We all know that one of the secrets of building blocks is to start with a strong foundation. A strong foundation is critical as we work toward success in all aspects of our lives. These building blocks are the foundation for a more productive and satisfying life. The building block process applies to each of our four anchors - the physical, spiritual, professional, and family aspects of life.

      Physically and athletically our building blocks include nutrition, strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. We take these blocks and wrap them all into a training plan. This becomes our foundation for future performance and success.

      The key with the building blocks is to make sure they are in place, and kept strong. This foundation can only be built with diligence and hard work. Consistency and repetition over an extended period of time seem to be universal elements, building blocks, that apply to each aspect of our lives.

      Carefully and diligently putting our building blocks in place can produce a strong foundation for future and continuing successes. And, like playing with blocks it can be a lot of fun – just be sure to keep a strong foundation so they don’t fall. 

Building with my blocks,

David

Angels

     Do you believe in angels? I think I have always believed in angels, and hoped at the possibility that they really exist. Now, I know there are angels!  This past weekend angels revealed themselves to me at the Angels Race Triathlon.

An Angel - Beth Groover

      The Angels Race was started after a young lady named Brittany Groover tragically died in a car accident in 2002. The Angels Race and Angels Foundation was founded with a two-fold mission. First, create opportunities for individuals to honor angels who have touched their lives. And, second, to encourage people to be angels in the lives of others.

       After I crossed the finish line, I returned with two of my children to continue to cheer in the finishers. I was moved by a volunteer who was working about 50 yards from the finish line. She passionately and whole heartedly directed and cheered for each and every finisher that came by.  Like so many special volunteers I have crossed paths with over the years, she touched my heart before we even met.

      During a slight break in the action we struck up a conversation. She introduced herself to me as Beth Groover, the mother of Brittany. She looked at me with both a sparkle and a tear in her eyes simply saying “It is great to see something positive come of something so tragic.”

      Touching people through sports provides a tangible avenue of connection. Many people use this race to make a positive difference in their own lives. The stories ranged from families who had lost young children, to the very last finisher whose goal is to lose 100 pounds in 12 months. They are all special.  You never know when there may be opportunities to make a positive difference.

       Over the years I have had many emotions and feelings come from races. I have raced everything from small local events to the World Championships in Hawaii, and many of the same thoughts and feelings repeat themselves. One of the most amazing aspects of these events is that every athlete involved is a winner. Every participant from the one crossing the finish line first to the one crossing it last is treated as a winner. I honestly do not know of any other sort of events where this is the case.

      The Angels Race had so many different stories. Under the leadership of local triathlete Mick Gunter and his beautiful family, the race was orchestrated and executed very well. It was inspiring and moving watching all the different families and their motivations, some of which were by life changing events. It seemed everyone had a reason for participating.

      It’s the same way in life. We need to help and recognize each other for their efforts, and for what they have done and been through. We all need to find and thank our angels, as well as being angels to others. Somehow that crazy sport of triathlon continues to be a living metaphor from which we all can continue to learn and be inspired.

Be Someone’s Angel,

David

Decision Map

      What framework do you use for your daily decision-making? We make many, many decisions everyday. Cumulatively these decisions have a significant impact on the direction and quality of our lives.

Pre-race Decisions

      Decisions aren’t always easy. However, if we get in a habit of consistently making good decisions, we are more likely to have successful outcomes. Some decisions are intuitive, and some people can make intuitively positive decisions. Unfortunately, we all see folks who are victims of their bad decisions, or get caught in a bad decision. Don’t leave decision making to happenstance!

      A disciplined process for making decisions will make it more likely that the decisions are positive. Recently during a long run with one of the lawyers on our Lewis & Daggett team we discussed a positive decision-making process. Simply put, in all decisions we need to run them through a filter of whether the outcome is likely to be negative, neutral, or positive. If decisions are likely to be neutral or better, that is the direction we should go. On the other hand, if the decision is likely to be neutral or worse, then we don’t do it. Although this sounds simple enough, we need to make it a habit on an ongoing basis in order to have consistently positive outcomes.

      Once we understand this process for decision making, then we run the process of neutral or better, or, neutral or worse through the framework of our four anchors. In essence what we have done is taken a decision-making process and applied it to the aspects in life that are most important to us, the four anchors.

        This process of decision-making has an inherent bonus. The bonus is that once we start using it regularly in the everyday decisions of our lives, we are then able to apply this framework and process to multiple anchors at the same time. If our basic daily decision-making positively enhances multiple anchors on an ongoing basis we can’t help but be successful in directing a life full of fulfillment and satisfaction.

       Basic everyday decision-making is critical for our success in life. Cumulatively, all these little decisions are what add up to what we are and who we are. So, make sure all of your decisions are pointing in a positive direction.

Positively toward the next decision,

David

Success

      How do you measure success? Success is an intangible objective that is very hard to quantify. As we discussed last week, winning does not necessarily equal success, and we can be successful without actually winning.

Success!

       Perhaps the best definition of success is a life filled with fulfillment and satisfaction. This is best found when we balance our four anchors. If we are able to optimize our spiritual, professional, family, and physical aspects we will achieve balance resulting in fulfillment and satisfaction.

      A recent story about an Ironman acquaintance is very instructive in discussing success. He retired from Ironman racing feeling he can no longer perform at the highest levels, or “win,” due to nagging injuries. Although he is just an amateur athlete, we discussed several years ago that his injuries were predictable due to being out of balance. His apparent short-term successes through athletic achievement put him out of balance with his other aspects and responsibilities in life. As we see often with professional athletes, this formula simply does not work in life.

       The lesson, which we can witness over and over, is that winning does not equal success. On the other hand, this does not mean to become content or complacent. To the contrary, pursuing betterment and excellence in each of the anchors is necessary to obtain fulfillment and satisfaction. However, we can’t overbalance one aspect in our zest to win. It simply does not work.

       In Indicators for Success, we identified methods of pursuing and guiding the success of our young people. For us, diligently pursuing excellence in each of our anchors while refraining from neglecting any of the anchors is the surest path to success.

       We may not be able to secularly measure success.   It will always continue to be intangible and attempt to elude us. We do know that although success is not tangible, when we are in balance we know it and feel it.

Winning success,

David

Winning

       How important is winning? Of course, in athletics, and our business pursuits we strive to do well or to win. However, sometimes perhaps we put too much importance on “winning.”

 

       Interestingly, winning does not necessarily equate with success. Conversely, success can be obtained without having a win. Many of us, myself certainly included, can place high importance on actual wins. In reality, it is the work, commitment, and striving for excellence that is ultimately more important than a “win.”

       A few of us around the office last week were discussing winning and its importance. Certainly, at Lewis & Daggett we value winning just like any other business. The conversation regarding winning made me think a little deeper about the topic.

       Once again, an athletic metaphor taught me a lesson. I remember very clearly, now a number of years ago, when I spent several years feverishly pursuing qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman. This is the world championship of triathlons, the Super Bowl, and I wanted to win a chance to compete there. Finally, after several seasons and many attempts I finally won a qualifying slot. Interestingly though, other than getting to compete in the race that win really did not change much in my life.

      Fast forward a few months and at my first Hawaii Ironman that I trained so diligently for, I had a difficult time and it is still my slowest of my now 18 Ironman completions. Again, interestingly, that day of under performance likewise did not have a significant change on my life as a whole, although for a short period of time I put great significance on the less than stellar result.

          The lesson in these examples that was instructive for me is that although we want to pursue betterment and excellence, ultimately winning or losing may not be as significant as we make it in our own minds. Those who truly care about and for us, who love us, who support us through thick and thin, really do not care whether we win or lose for the sake of victory itself. Rather, they are simply happy for us when they see us happy, and are compassionate for us when we feel down. However, the fact of winning or losing doesn’t make them like us, or care for us, or love us more or less either way. They only care because we care, and they care for us.

       So, we need to remember that while we always want to pursue our best, that ultimately winning does not necessarily equate with success. Next week will talk further about success. In the meantime, let’s not over emphasize winning.

Chasing the next win,

David.

The Eye Of The Storm

       How do you respond when you get caught in a storm? This weekend during my long bike ride I got caught in a fairly severe storm. It made me think, metaphorically, about the various responses we can have when we are caught in the storms of life.

The Eye of the Storm

         Fortunately for me, I had quite a greeting committee, as shown above, when I arrived back home. Perhaps that is the best lesson from this experience – design and construct your life in such a way (The Four Anchors)in which you always know you have a welcome awaiting regardless of the storms we face.

      When faced with a storm, first, we have the option of stopping. Depending on the circumstances, stopping during a storm may be the best thing to do. We need to carefully examine the circumstances we are faced with and decide whether we need to stop, or pursue further action.

      Next, we can ask for, and be prepared to accept, help along the way. Many times there is help waiting for us when we face difficult circumstances. However, we need to be humble enough and cognizant enough to ask for and accept help when it is presented. Although I did not accept it, I am extremely thankful for the motorist who pulled up beside me about 20　miles from home to ask if I would like a ride. Since I was at the front end of the storm, and trying to outrun it, I proceeded to Option three.

       The third option is to fight through the storms of life. Many times, there is nothing we can do except keep on going, no matter what life throws at us. We have previously discussed perseverance, and this characteristic of fighting through difficult periods of time is one of the best indicators for success we can exhibit. On the other hand, in our zest to persevere, we need to be careful not to be imprudent along the way.

      I made it through the storm this weekend. I’m sure that we all have several storms that we will have to evaluate as we continue to navigate our way through life. Prudent, experienced, and character-based evaluation of the circumstances prevented will help us navigate any storms thrown our direction.

Always fighting the storm,

David

Total Integration

      We aren’t quite finished with the Four Anchors just yet! Remember that the goal is achieving balance for a life of fulfillment and satisfaction. I believe that this is best achieved by integrating the anchors as much as possible.

Total Integration

      Our friend and Ironman triathlete, Dr. Joseph Maroon, in his book The Longevity Factor, calls the four anchors a four-square life. He suggests that keeping the four sides approximately equal is the best recipe for a healthy lifestyle.

      I think most people have the four basic anchors in their life – their family life, spiritual life, professional life, and the physical aspect of their life. Where many folks get into trouble is when they pursue these aspects of life separately instead of integrating them. When you make the integration a way of life, it makes the critical element of balance much easier to achieve.

       We have previously discussed techniques for integration in Ironman Blueprint, Marathon Blueprint, and Training With Family. Integration can be easy if we look for daily opportunities to combine the various aspects of our lives. Further, the process of an integrated lifestyle can be a powerful positive influence on our families, children, colleagues, and others around us.

       Integration is more than just combining – it is making the inclusion of multiple anchors part of life. Like biking or running to or from a family event. Or, running with a colleague to work on a business issue. How about using business knowledge to assist at church on an issue that includes families, or volunteering at church for your children’s event. Once integration becomes part of our daily lives the opportunities to implement become easier to find.

       When integration becomes a habit it also adds to effectiveness and efficiency. Others around us will constantly wonder how we do so much and get so much done. Integration takes opportunities to make concurrent, as opposed to consecutive, use of our time and responsibilities. We are literally doing two, or more, things at a time that contribute to integration and the resulting balance.

      This integration applies not just to us and our families, but also friends, church acquaintances, co-workers, and employees. It enhances the quality of life for us and for those around us.

Pursuing Total Integration,

David

The Physical Anchor

     Our fourth and last in our series on the four anchors is the physical anchor. The physical anchor focuses on our physical health and well-being.

The Physical Anchor

      For the Ironman athlete in particular we need to remember that the goal is to balance our four anchors. Ironman training may actually be out of balance although we have previously discussed how to weave Ironman training into the other four anchors. Next week, we will further explore how to integrate the anchors.

      The main objective of the physical anchor is to develop a healthy and fitness lifestyle for you and your family. Physical activities need to be fun and enjoyable in order to make them part of our daily routine.

      Talk to any older person you know and you will find that they uniformly value their health above almost all else. Money and possessions don’t even get included in the conversation. Promoting a healthy lifestyle for your children and family is one of the best guarantees of success and happiness through life

      Positive physical health affects virtually every aspect of life in a positive manner. Even a small amount of daily exercise can be tremendously beneficial. In addition to making us feel better and giving us more energy, positive physical health correlates very directly to positive mental health. .

      Several of the aspects of the physical anchor include diet (nutrition) and exercise. Dr. Joe Maroon in his book The Longevity Factor identifies aerobic development, strengthening, flexibility, and balance as physical aspects for positive physical health. Accordingly, our physical efforts should be directed at developing these areas.

      Just like the other anchors, the physical anchor is always a work in progress. Moderation and consistency over time is the best method for keeping the physical anchor strong and secure. The trick is to learn how individually we can integrate our physical aspect into our daily lives on an ongoing basis.

      The growing rate of obesity in our society, particularly child obesity, is strong evidence that in the hustle and bustle of modern society our physical health gets largely ignored. Accordingly, if we do not consciously work to include physical activity in our daily lives we by default ignore this vital aspect.

     Our positive physical health and fitness can also positively affect the other aspects of our lives. Good health enhances our family and social relationships, professional achievements, and our spiritual connection.

To your health,

David

The Family Anchor

       Our third and possibly most important of the four anchors is the family anchor. According to numerous studies, including a study out of Yale University, a good family life contributes more to positive satisfaction and fulfillment than anything else.

The Family Anchor

      For most of us, family is our basic social structure. However, realizing that family is defined differently for different people, in his book The Longevity Factor, Dr. Maroon expands the family anchor to family/social.

        A strong family and social structure allows us to fully enjoy our humanity and is the foundation of our humanity. For a life of fulfillment and satisfaction it takes our circle of others to fully see a reflection of ourselves.

        Our most basic emotional need includes self worth. Self worth comes from family and friends. The evidence is quite strong that the self worth that comes from family and friends is more important than money and possessions.

       In Sunday school class this weekend a close friend shared with me a rather famous quote that hangs in his aunt’s house. The quote “Live well. Love much. Laugh often.” is what we get when we focus on family and friends.

      We must focus on and nurture our family and social relationships. They make us better, happier, more satisfied, and even faster. Just like in athletics this aspect of our lives takes continual conditioning and training.

     For busy, motivated Iron-individuals balance can be difficult to achieve. However, when we focus on family first balance is more likely to result and lead us toward a very rich life.

Family first,

David.