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The P90X Workout - The Mental & Physical Challenge Of A Lifetime

2010-03-11T06:05:00Z

Hey Everyone!

I trust you are all doing awesome so far in 2010 and making the most of every single moment you are alive!!!

Most of you understand me pretty well by now and know I've constantly challenged myself to always better myself in some way - everyday right? Well, comfort zones are more like cages and I decided my workouts for the last many years have become WAYYYY too comfortable. I do some of this...some of that....push hard sometimes...go easy others...skip a few days....you get the picture.

Well, I decided that enough was enough! At the ripe young age of 41 I've decided to start an exercise program that will really push me way beyond both my mental and physical limits. The workout is awkwardly called "P90X" - when it should be called "You Are Seriously Going To Hurt!"

In a nutshell, you purchase just a few pieces of relatively inexpensive equipment and watch the dvd's in the comfort of your own home. The workouts are about 1hr long - six consecutive days a week. God did say Sunday is for rest right? Well, I'm going to need it! The concept is "muscle confusion" and let me tell you already - they are confused! My brain tells my leg to get up and the leg doesn't remember how

Using core body weight, some dumbbells, and resistance bands, you workout nearly non-stop for that hour! 30 second breaks to guzzle some water and catch your breath (yeah right) and you're on to the next beating (I mean exercise).

I'm doing this and sharing the exciting journey for a few reasons: (1) To push myself mentally and physically like I've never before (2) To prove that overcoming the most difficult challenges in life is truly mind over matter. This is a huge time commitment, huge physical commitment, and eating commitment at a time when I'm already pressed to the walls with so many other very important projects in my life.

I'm being super honest with myself because I know the negative chatter in my head (the words/talk we use) will constantly try to pursuade me to give up or skip here and there. I WILL beat that banter with a BIG "F-NO" stick! I can see the finish line now (3months prior) and I feel and look tremendous!! I'm sooo damm proud of myself that I get a reward I've been wanting for a long time, but never got! I really deserve it now - don't I?

Yes...it will suck...hurt....it will get in my way...but ya know what? I can and will press on no matter what (unless my knee or my shoulder, or my elbow pops like a coiled up spring).

I will share this journey with you as part of my posts here so you can see I follow my own advice - and that I'm just like all of you. Trying to become better, healthier, happier, all the while the world takes its stabs at me - throwing "life" my way.

As of today, I've completed three of the six workouts for Phase I. Last night, the program called "Plyometrics", was by far, the hardest I've ever pushed myself phyiscally in one hour (I'll refrain from the many jokes I could place here). The only equipment I used were my legs. In one hour, I burned nearly 1,000 calories! Wholly Sh*T! OUCH! But, I'm SOOO incredibly proud of myself that I did this after an 1hr 1/2 drive home, an exhausting day at work, and being sick. Mind over matter my friends.

I really really hope you find YOUR power in this experience I'm sharing with you. To know, to believe, to commit to doing whatever it is you truly want to accomplish in life. To press on when the pain is unbearable...to know that it will be alright and you will survive

Until the next time, please ALWAYS believe that just when you think you can't anymore...you damm well CAN!

All my best,

Christopher

Consequences

2010-02-16T04:09:00Z

I bet when you read the title of this week’s post you thought to yourself “Crap – I hate those things!” The word just sounds like a spanking waiting to happen doesn’t it?

Often, in my coaching experience, I repeatedly hear the following statements:

"If I knew it would end like this, I would have never done it at all"

"I really wish I could go back and start all over again"

"Well, I guess now I have to pay the price for what I've done"

“Dammit – I did it AGAIN!”

From early on in our development we learn about the power of consequences. How many remember the first time you touched the glowing flame ‘cuz ya thought it was pretty? Consequences are there to help shape our attitude and behavior about the decisions we make. Also known as “conditioning.”

As children, if we continually misbehave there is a consequence from our parents

At school, if we don't get good grades there’s consequences from our teachers and parents.

As we become more mature, if we do something that is not in line with expectations of our mates or our friends there are consequences

With our jobs, if we don't perform there are consequences

Some of us, are very impulsive people, that don't have patience for himming and hawing about a decision we want to make. On the flip side, some of us will spend years weighing the countless pros and cons before even making a decision. Also known as "analysis paralysis." And lastly, there are some of us who burry our heads in the sand, completely ignoring the question altogether, hoping it will resolve itself. I hear you laughing!

Drinking and driving
Cheating
Overeating
Being lazy
Fighting
Smoking

Let me ask you: Has ANYTHING good ever come from any of the above besides being the content for every episode of COPS?

We HAVE to take a moment and ask ourselves the painfully honest question:

“By doing this right now, will I REALLY achieve the ultimate results I’m looking for to be successful and happy?”

If your gut automatically answers “no” – then IMMEDIATELY change your environment! You have to snap your conscious mind into reality and walk away from the temptation! You do this enough times, it WILL become habit. On the flipside, if you answered “yes” – ask yourself if you’re lying J

If you’re having trouble associating negative consequences in your decision making process, please write me back and I’ll help get you on the right track!

All my best,

Christopher

The INCREDIBLE Power Of Words

2010-02-03T03:50:00Z

Words - just letters lined up next to each other...so simple...yet so incredibly powerful...destructive…inspiring…and so on.

CLARIFICATION: Words, in and of themselves, do NOT have meaning. WE assign the meaning based on our experiences.

So, I’ve been discussing over the last few weeks the conditioning processes we've gone through in life. As a result of this conditioning, we’ve made agreements about ourselves and the world based on the positive and constructive (notice I didn’t say “negative”) experiences we’ve had. Needless to say, words play an instrumental role in our happiness and success wouldn’t you agree? Simply put, one word can have a completely different meaning to five people depending on their conditioning with that particular word.

“Always” & “Never” Generalizations kill confidence & relationships!

“Maybe”, “Might”, “Someday” Provides too much of an out…I mean excuses!

“Won’t” & “Can’t” Don’t sabotage before you even start!

“Problems” Try “opportunities” – much more positive

“Hope” & “Wish” Means you aren’t truly serious about doing the work

Plain and simple, these words are excuses for not doing what you really want to do!

How many times has someone said to you “You always….” or “You never…” when, in reality, those absolutes were not the case? I bet you got ticked off right? However, some people become conditioned to believe and accept just that. “I guess I’ll always be a failure” or “I guess I’ll never amount to anything” and so on. WE MUST BREAK THIS CONDITIONING!!!

Sadly, the words we use internally, the ones that nobody ever hears, can be the most devastating. Over time, our subconscious becomes programmed to believe the statements to be true. In a nutshell, WE poison our own success and happiness L

I could go on and on about this subject and will….in my book “Change Your Attitude – Change Your Life”

For now, this week’s "life work" assignment is to REALLY listen to the words you say during the next week (both internally and externally). Then, I want you to write them down and e-mail me and I’ll help you with the reprogramming process. It's all up to you whether or not you choose to do this exercise, but I guarantee if you do, and you pay attention, your life WILL progressively change for the better!

Until next time, all my best for your happiness and success!

Christopher

PS: I almost forgot – an amazing word you can begin using RIGHT now is “perhaps” because it immediately opens up the possibilities for success. Rather than saying “I’ll never be able to play piano” try “perhaps if I take lessons and really give it my best I’ll be able to.”

Give it a shot – I bet you’ll notice an immediate difference

Change Your Conditioning NOW!

2010-01-26T03:48:00Z

Hey Everyone!

So last week we were talking about the conditioning process that we’ve all gone through in our lives. These are the agreements we've made as a result of being around people who had significant impacts on our fragile minds.

The "Lifework” assignment last week asked you to list out all of the negative comments you remember growing up. Let me just say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to those who reached out to let me know this is exactly what you needed right now.

Because I believe we’re all in this together, I will share with you some of the statements I remember growing up:

         "Would you just shut up?"
         "I really wish you weren't so stupid!"
         "Can't you get anything right???"
         "Just do what I tell you!"

So what masterminds have contributed to the negative crap we’ve been toting around?

Family (just because they’re there and they can)
Teachers (report cards, feedback on assignments, favoritism)
Friends (peer pressure, misery loves company, to feel superior)
Society (magazines, news, commercials, “experts”)

So why in the hell do we let the conditioning effect us? Simply put, we crave acceptance and positive recognition by all of the above people. Seriously, this is a main reason why gangs are so popular with kids. You see, the acceptance they don't get from their family they DO get from being a part of a gang. Sad isn’t it?

In any situation, we have the choice to either accept the situation for what it is or decide to change it. If you do neither, then you only have yourself to blame for your crappy situation. So, I ask you, are you ready to change the conditioning that is preventing you from achieving your dreams?

Disclaimer: changing life-long beliefs will not be easy nor will it happen overnight. It takes courage, commitment, consistency, and patience. However, if you are truly sick and tired of living your life based on what other people said what you were capable of doing, then, this will truly be the beginning of your new life. Welcome!

For me, I decided I wasn't willing to let ANYONE tell ME how I was going to turn out! I made the decision to do WHATEVER it took to make my life what I wanted it to be. I used to say “success is the best revenge!”, but as I've become more mature, I don't really like the word "revenge" as much as I used to. I just believe we deserve to be successful and happy and what better way to do it than to show those who programmed us that it can be done “Neener…neener…neeeeenerrrr!!!”

Here are just some of the actions I took:
Read as much information on changing attitudes, outstanding relationships, goal achievement, organizational and time management skills.
Researched the successful people who I respected and admired and found out what were the keys to their success and began to model that behavior
Surrounded myself with as much motivational information I could stand (books, tapes, videos, inspirational quotes)
Surrounded myself with positive & successful people – we’re like the five people were around most!
Wrote down my vision for success and looked at it several times a day
Wrote down goals I wanted to accomplish everyday and started doing them
Asked for help
Wrote A LOT in my journal to express my hurt, anger, and frustrations buried deep inside of me
Learned about the power of visualization! It taught me that by seeing what I wanted to be so vividly in my mind it could reprogram my subconscious to achieve that vision

Here’s what you can start doing right now:
1) Create a mission statement describing your new attitude and philosophy about life
a) Read it out loud when you wake up and before you go to sleep every night
b) Share it with those around you know will support and believe in you

2) Read autobiographies of successful people whom you admire

3) Get and read these books SEVERAL times:

         “How To Win Friends And Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
         “The Four Agreements" by Miguel Ruiz
         "Tuesdays With Morrie" by Mitch Albom
         “Awaken The Giant Within" by Tony Robbins
         "Think And Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill "
         "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch
         “Man’s Search For Meaning” Viktor Frankyl

To build on this discussion of changing our conditioning, next week we'll talk about the words we use which definitely shapes our beliefs, attitudes, and outcomes.

Always remember: life is a journey, not a destination! Love like you've never been hurt, laugh like there's no tomorrow, and dance like no one is watching!

All my best for your happiness and success,

Christopher

PS: If you are super serious, I’m taking on just a few more coaching clients and guarantee we can change your conditioning together!

How Did I End Up Like This?

2010-01-20T06:23:00Z

How Did I End Up Like This?

What’s going on my friends??? I have to tell ya, I truly expect 2010 to be an OUTSTANDING year for all of us! I REALL REALLY do!

First off, I MUST thank all our new subscribers here and extended sincere appreciation for my friends who’ve been here all through 2009! You're ALL awesome!

So let's get into it shall we? We’ve all been on our own journey thus far in life and the sum of our experiences make us who we are today agreed? I honestly believe EVERYTHING happens for a reason. Sure, we may not like the crappy situation at the time, but upon reflection, after we survived, we have truly grown. Pushing past what you believe to be your end is where real growth happens. Work a muscle and it gets stronger!

With that, I want to talk about the conditioning process we’ve all gone through as part of our journey to get to where we are today. Miguel Ruiz, in his book "The Four Agreements" talks about the agreements we made with ourselves as part of being who we are today. Now, this is a long topic, but I will try my best to keep it concise so it doesn't go on forever

We pop into this world kicking and screaming and immediately what do we get? Yes, attention and lots of it! We quickly discover when we cry in octaves that only dogs can hear that somebody is right there trying to calm us the heck down! Whether it’s making us giggle, giving us food, or softly singing to make us feel safe and secure right? People just can’t get enough of us during that first 6months or so. But somewhere the newness wears off doesn’t it?

The next stage in journey is when we become a toddler. This is where we’re able to get ourselves around and into some fun…uh I mean trouble. With that, we got introduced to this little word that would be repeated LOUD and often - the word "NO!" Shrieks of "NO, don't do that!" or "NO, don't touch that" or my favorite “NO, get that out of your nose!” However, when we were sitting there being good little toddlers playing with our blocks did we hear “YES, what a good little boy/girl playing so nice and quietly!” Correct me if I’m wrong, but we probably received more negative reinforcement than we did positive right? So what did WE do wrong? We went from all sorts of loving and caring to being a pain for our parents. The conditioning process is already in full swing my friends.

So what’s going on in our minds? Rejection, disappointment, punishment, loss of love, fear? Honestly, I thought my name was “stupid” because that's what my mom called me more than my real name. Then, do some of us learn manipulation? If I cry louder, harder, and longer, will I get what I want? Do some people carry that with them into adulthood???

The point I’m trying to make is we are conditioned all along the path to becoming responsible or irresponsible adults – we’ve made conscious or unconscious agreements with what we learned. For many, we’re programmed with limiting beliefs that we continue to make true in our lives today. Why? Because that’s what we believe to be true. Ever wonder why at the circus the elephants don’t go running mad like Sarah Palin at an intellectuals retreat? Because, as little babies, they are tethered to a rope, they try to leave, but can’t…they aren’t strong enough. So they give up. So, they carry that with them their whole life – believing they can’t break free. Just like us. They have been conditioned

Over the next week or so, think about this and how it may apply to your life. Write down all the negative statements that still ring in your head from your youth and even the ones you might be hearing today. In the next article, we’ll continue on how we change this crappy programming. To begin unlocking the adversity chains and begin to Achieve Your Dreams!!!

Have a super week and as always, ALL my best to your happiness and success!

Christopher

New Year's Resolutions - Cheers To YOUR Future

2010-01-11T01:24:00Z

Happy New Year my fellow Dream Achievers and welcome to the rest of your exciting life here in 2010!!!

We’ve heard it said a bazillion times, "Out with the old and in with the new" and there’s no better time than NOW to apply it. Heck, it’s a brand new decade and the proverbial slate is as clean as a Thanksgiving dinner plate after Sparky was through with it!

Now, I’m going bet, many of you decided no matter what, this WILL BE the year you’re going to make your resolutions become realities right? Most likely, you’re sick and tired of always thinking and talking and never really going all the way with your plans. On the other hand, some of you won't make resolutions at all. Why? Because It’s safer if you don’t put it out there then you don’t have to try and potentially get disappointed (again). Well my friends, Captain Motivator is here to help you achieve your 2010 goals!

In case you can’t tell, my enthusiasm for 2010 is like a redneck at the Nascar races with free beer! Right this very minute (if you are ready it on Sunday evening), I’m planning the blogs to write for "Achieve Your Dreams” this year and my question to you is this:

What in your life is currently causing you the most aggravation? If you could wave a magic wand and say “Abra cad bra – make this go away” – what would that be? For me, it would be my bills and belly LOL!

From this day forward, I strongly encourage you to really think about your attitude, especially when you are focusing on the negative more than the positive. Take a moment, think about what’s positive about the situation or what could be worse (and trust me – it can ALWAYS be worse). For some, you’ll wake up tomorrow and say “Crap, I wish I didn’t have to go to work today” while others will say “Crap, another week of being unemployed and trying to find a job” Consider this: If you woke up and said “I’m so thankful for my job, I may not like it much, but it’s taking care of me” how much better do you think your attitude and day will turn out? Try it for 10days and if not satisfied, quit doing it J Repetition is the mother of invention. You may not believe this, but I was VERY negative once upon a time.

As always, I’m here whenever you need me…kind of like motivational 911! Whether it’s a inspirational boost or a straight kick in the ass, I’m here with suggestions. And, if I don’t have any, I’ll simply ask YOU the questions to get answers buried deep inside of you.

Master Motivators - Helping people overcome their self-created adversity!

Before I go, I'd like to ask one small favor of you. One of my burning passions is to really take Master Motivators to the next success level in my life. As you know, the very best way to grow business is by word-of-mouth from existing customers. With that, would you please send my link to this group to your friends and suggest they join? Pretty please with sugar on top? Thank you!

So, don’t forget to get back to me with what’s messing up your plans for happiness so to I can make these weekly blogs as impactful and helpful to all of you as I possibly can J

“You are only limited by the parameters of your own mind” – Christopher Rausch

All my BEST for your happiness and success,

Christopher

The Gift Of Giving

2009-12-17T04:45:00Z

Hey Everyone!

They say Christmas is the time for giving right? Well, this country, the greatest in the world has undoubtedly suffered alot this year agreed?

There are countless families who have out-of-work parents who are just struggling with what bills to pay much less buy a tree and presents.

PLEASE - if you have what you "need" give to local charities in your your neighborhood. Food, presents, your time - make a difference in the lives of people who won't have a Christmas. Who won't have a tree, presents, or a glimmer of hope that tomorrow will be any better than today.

We as Americans, need to stand up and give to everyone in need. There is so much "wealth" around us, but the sharing is what often is missing. I've heard so much "I just don't know what to get so and so."

I'm envious of other countries sometimes because they band together SOOOO strongly to help each other. Let's show the world we will do the same. Maybe one less present for each person and donate that to someone who desperately needs it. Imagine - of the millions of people around this great country built on freedom does that? WOW! It could literally change everyone in a day!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading and considering this. PLEASE pass this along to those you love. We never know, at least I didn't, what might happen to US tomorrow, and wouldn't it be outstanding to have them help us?

All my best for your happiness and success,

Christopher

Procrastination Part 6 - Excuses

2009-12-08T03:38:00Z

Well, well, my friends, it’s been awhile, but I’m back and ready to talk about the little devil that sits on our shoulders called “Mr. (or Misses) Excuses”

Welcome to my new friends and a big HELLO! to my oldest and dearest pals here at Achieve Your Dreams

What is it about being complacent that offers up so many darn excuses? It’s because excuses are easy to come up with right? Here are just a few I hear in my coaching sessions. See if these sound familiar to YOU:

“Oh…I’ll get to that later…”
“Well, once this and that is done, THEN I’ll tackle this really important thing”
“Dang…if only...”
“I wish I…”
“Now just isn’t a good time”
“I just don’t know how to get started”
“I just don’t have enough time”
“I’ve just got too much going on right now”

You get the idea right? Listen, I’m completely guilty of saying these to myself on many occasions. The kicker is they are, for the most part, B.S. So, why do we fall back on the comfort of excuses? Because like I said before, they are easy and no one really checks on them! Could you imagine if people called us on them?

Quit lying to yourself! When I talk with my clients we often boil it down to being afraid. Yes, afraid of one or all of the following:

- Failing
- Succeeding
- Judgment from others

Also, it could also be a few of these:
Lack of knowledge
Uncertainty of the goal and what it will ultimately produce

FEAR= False Expectations Appearing Real and most fears are NEVER realized!

Life isn’t about playing it safe friends. It’s about doing the best and most you can each and every day to live your life to the fullest you can possibly imagine. YOUR life isn’t a dress rehearsal. When I talk with older people about goals and what they’ve done with their life I overwhelmingly hear “If I knew then what I know now, I would do so much differently.” Do you want to be one of those people?

Stop making excuses and start taking action! We all have the same thing when we wake up each day. And that’s 24hrs! I realize there are a lot of things to do everyday with our responsibilities, but imagine waking up ½ hour early each day and dedicating that time to taking one more small bite out of the big goals in your life? Guess what? Those hours add up and before you know it – BAM! Goal accomplished. I have a saying that I take from Bon Jovi and that’s “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”

Listen to the words you tell yourself because if you believe them to be true – guess what? You will make them true because we hate being wrong right?

After you read this, if you have a particular situation you need coaching on, send me a message and I’ll help you out. Then, you tell 100 people about the experience Agreed?

Alright, stop making excuses and start taking action RIGHT NOW! Get a pen and paper and write down what you want to accomplish. Then, make small achievable goals you can attack realistically 

Until the next time, live YOUR life with everything you have each and every moment of each and every day!

All my best for your happiness and success!

Christopher

Procrastination Part 5 - Complacency

2009-11-03T06:07:00Z

Welcome back guys and gals to the station that rocks the nation – “Achieve Your Dreams.” I’m “DJ Master Motivator” spinning the motivational, inspirational, and educational hits that shake, rattle, and roll your world!

So, let’s continue our look at procrastination with emphasis on complacency. The dictionary definition of complacency is: “self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.”

Now, the first part doesn’t sound that bad (well...depending on how you take it), but the second half is a bit scary isn’t it? It sounds like you are about to step on a roadside bomb. You see, when we’re being complacent, we’re drowning ourselves in all the short-term gratification crap we can handle. Why? To fool ourselves into believing we are truly happy. It’s called “short-term” for a reason L

Whoever said “ignorance is bliss” was full of B.S.! Listen, you are a part of “Achieve Your Dreams” for a reason right? Everyday we get the amazing gift of waking up and breathing. Do NOT waste a moment of this precious time you have here.

I’d like to share with you two MAJOR goals I have in life:

Stay out of the hospital
Don’t die with any regrets

Now, don’t get me wrong, I have more goals than Letterman has interns, but that is beside the point. If we focus our passion on the two main goals above, how awesome would life be? We have absolutely no idea when our number will get called. Could be today, tomorrow, or many years down the road. The point is, get up and decide to work your ass off each day to create the life you deserve a reality. Do NOT wait until tomorrow! Stop all the wishing and hoping and take immediate ACTION!

Here are some suggestions to get started RIGHT now:

Write your goals down on paper
Take one action every single day to accomplish that very goal
Reward yourself when you do
Reach out to your network and ask them to help you
Develop and maintain a passion that will never die
Share your dreams with a friend and hold each other accountable

“The minute you settle for less than you deserve you get even less than you settled for” - Maureen Dowd

Next week we’ll talk about excuses and why they are always procrastinations best friend. But for now, concentrate on eliminating complacency from your daily life.

All my best for your happiness and success,

Christopher

Procrastination Part 4 - ANXIETY

2009-10-25T23:23:00Z

Welcome back ladies and gentlemen to the greatest show on Earth – YOUR LIFE!

Okay, I’m going to sound like a broken record, but I can’t even begin to thank you all for the incredible feedback I get from these blogs! All I can say is PLEASE pay it forward. When you do pay it forward share your experiences with me. Deal?

Alright, so far in our quest to stomp out procrastination, we have talked about laziness and fear. Now, we’re going to talk a little bit about anxiety. That feeling when your heart starts racing, your mind starts to go bonkers, palms get sweaty, and you don’t blink for minutes on end. Ever get that feeling? Well, congratulations – you are HUMAN!

We procrastinate partially because we know we are going to have to do something that is outside of our comfort zone. Oh yes…our comfort zone…safe, warm, fun, and fully stocked with DENIAL. Think about it. Anytime you have really made progress in life is when you went out of your comfort zone and succeeded.

For me, I don’t like to be anxious one bit! Instead, I choose to confront it head on! The sooner I deal with it – the sooner I can watch reruns of the Jeffersons in my footy jammy’s.

I can hear you now “so Christopher, how is the best way to deal with my anxiety?” Glad you asked. Here are some things I do:

- Rate the goal 1 to 10. If it’s over a 7, then I go for it. If not, scrap it.
- Bullet point what I’m anxious about
- Write potential alternatives I can use to help manage those situations
- Write what is the worst things that can happen (it’s usually not that bad)
- Exercise regularly
     o Helps keep blood pressure down
     o Increases oxygen to your brain (gives better clarity)
     o Helps promote better sleep
     o Keeps you fit and confident
- Talk with a trusted friend
- Drink Jack Daniels
- Talk with people who have accomplished similar goals
- Write in my journal everyday

If something is THAT important to you then you MUST go for it TODAY!!! Every successful person living their dreams had to harness that anxiety, get over their fear, and quit being lazy.

Next week, we’ll talk about complacency! As always, my door is open if you like to chat!

All my best for your happiness and success!

Christopher

Procrastination Part 3 - FEAR

2009-10-08T03:45:00Z

Hey Everyone!

Hope you are all enjoying life and the possibilities it offers you every single moment you breathe!!!

So, we are continuing on with our talk on PROCRASTINATION and this week we focus on FEAR! BOO! I’d like to share a quote with you that I find truly inspiring:

"We can't fear the past. Fear is a future thing. And since the future is all in our heads, fear must be a head thing." - Tom Payne

So what is fear?

F alse
E xpectations
A ppearing
R eal

And from what I’ve read, 95% of all fears are NEVER realized! So, what does that mean? We scare ourselves silly into not doing what we want based on our own mind! Ridiculous!

So you might be asking “What does this have to do with procrastination Chris?” Well, we might be afraid of:

- Failing
- Disappointing others
- Disappointing ourselves
- Making mistakes
- What others might think of us

And most of all – in my experience coaching people – we are really afraid of truly succeeding. Can you imagine that? We want something, yet we sabotage it before it’s even achieved. That is sad and I can admit I have done that to myself on many occasions. Had I not been afraid to succeed, Master Motivators would have been created 5 years earlier. But, I came up with all sorts of “reasons” which I call B.S. for why it wasn’t the right time. Some of the b.s. I came up with was:

- I’ll wait until….
- I’m not sure…
- I need more information…
- Can I do this?
- What about my day job?
- What about my personal time?
- I have no idea how to get started
- Nah…there are already so many people already doing it
- I don’t have enough money
- What makes me different than what’s out there?
- What if I fail?
- What will my friends think?
- Am I kidding myself?

You get the idea. Have these excuses ever popped into your head when thinking about pursuing YOUR dreams?

Well, I started Master Motivators on the couch Super Bowl Sunday last year. I went for it! In less than two years I’m already successful! Better yet – everyday I grow more energized and excited about what’s next. Yes, I’m still afraid of things, but tomorrow is going to happen no matter what I do so why not do what I love?

I could go on and one, but really, we deserve to be happy and achieve our dreams. Don’t let some stupid emotion that never really materializes hold you back. How sad? Do you want regrets when your time is up?

I use a quote everyday that I will share with you here: “Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday – was it worth it?”

Think about that – really let it sink in...

Until next time, thank you for the awesome feedback these postings are doing for your life. You are all magnificant!!

All my best for your happiness and success,

Christopher

Procrastination Part 2 - Laziness

2009-09-22T03:33:00Z

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to a brand new week of your life!

Come on in and sit for a spell while I cook up some tender lickin' information about laziness (what am I from the South now?).

For those who wrote me last week, thank you for the positive feedback regarding my post about the evil hobbit that sits on our shoulder who yells at us "nooooo...you can do it tomorrow" called PROCRASTINATION.

This week, we'll focus on some of the reasons why we are lazy. Now, I don't know about you, but sometimes it's great to be lazy right? I mean, get up, forgo the toothbrush, and sit on the couch watching the Mr. Belvedere weekend marathon. Nowhere to go...no one to impress....ahhhhh the life

What I'm saying is we all need to take a break from the rat race we call life and relax. However, this life is NOT a dress rehearsal which means the camera is rolling all the time.

Now, I'll share with you how most of the sentences from my coaching clients usually start when they are sharing why they aren't going after their dreams:

a) "l'll get to that later"
b) "Someday I will..."
c) "When such and such is...."
d) "I'm just not ready to..."
e) "I'm waiting on...."
f) "If only...."
g) "Maybe when..."
h) "As soon as I'm finished with..."
i) "I don't know why I..."
j) "If people would just cooperate with me then..."
k) "I'll start fresh on New Years day"
m) "I don't have the time..."
n) "I don't know how to get started..."
o) "Oh...so and so will think I'm..."

You get the idea. Again, these are excuses and in my humble opinion excuses are a defense mechanism. When we begin to feel the slightest bit vulnerable, they are triggered in our sub-conscious as an effort to protect us. With that, what are we protecting ourselves from? Hurt, pain, embarrassment, failure, judgment....Oh yeah...it's protecting our precious EGO!

Here it is in it's simplest form:

If we don't take a chance, to risk for which that matters to us, then we won't have the opportunity to get hurt. As a result, we stay right where its safe and familiar. We kid ourselves with the excuses above. And after awhile we truly begin to believe this negative self-talk in our brains. With so many nasty people out in the world, why in the heck would we lie to OURSELVES??? Prevent ourselves from experiencing all that life has to offer in the VERY short time we are here???

HOMEWORK: Listen to the words you say both externally and internally as you go through this week. When you feel an excuse coming up for air - DROWN the little (insert your favorite word here) and say something different. Really think about why you are giving yourself an out.

Next week, we'll talk about one if the MAJOR factors holding many of us back from achieving our dreams...F.E.A.R.!!!

Same bat time...same bat channel.....

All my best for your happiness and success,

Christopher

My Professional Bio

2009-09-21T02:34:00Z

Hi Everyone,

I've received several inquires about my bio and the seminar presentations I offer. I'm attempting to attach that here in my Blog. Please offer your feedback so I can make it the best it can be!

Many thanks,

Christopher

PLEASE HOVER YOUR MOUSE RIGHT BELOW THIS (THE LINK WON'T SHOW UNLESS YOU DO)

My Professional Bio/Seminar Flyer

Procrastination

2009-09-09T05:42:00Z

Hello Fellow Dream Achievers!!

So, let me ask ya: Are you standing by, letting life just happen, or are you taking control of your attitude and ability to choose your direction? Well my friends, if you are reading this post, then are you taking one more step to achieving your dreams

Alright, let's get this party started by talking about something that is near and NOT so dear to all of us.....PROCRASTINATION!

If I had a dollar for every time I talked with someone and heard one of the following statements:

"Christopher, I know what I want, but for some reason I just don't seem to go after it"

"I gave up on making goals because they never got done"

"I know...I know.....I'll get to it someday"

"If I knew then what I know now...I would do everything differently"

"There's just not enough hours in the day"

"If I knew what I wanted, then I would know what to do"

Are these statements ringing in your ears as though you said them yourself recently? Well folks, I know you will find this hard to believe, but I too suffer from procrastination from time to time. Wanna know my definition for it?

Procrastination: The ability to convinces ourselves that what's really important in our lives takes a backseat to the other b.s. we chose to place before it.

Let's identify some of what creates the evil monster - procrastination:

1. Laziness
2. Fear
3. Anxiety
4. Complacency
5. Excuses
6. Blame

Now, this is a HUGE subject so I'm going to break it down into a few weekly postings so you get the full advantage of what I'm trying to share with you as a fellow sufferer.

1. Laziness is when we realize we haven't done anything on our checklist and pick the remote up anyway.

2. Fear is the voice in your head that shouts "Are you crazy? Are you really thinking about doing that??? Are you outta your mind? "Pick that remote back up!"

3. Anxiety is fear's little partner that hears his voice and decides to crank up the sweat, adrenaline, heavy breathing, light-headedness, dry mouth etc. Why? Because they are lovers and if one isn't happy neither is the other!

4. Complacency is your internal mother saying "oh honey...please be careful...I wouldn't want you to get hurt!" "It's safer to stay inside where it's warm and comfy"

5. Excuses are best friends with laziness because when you try to get off the couch, Mr. Excuses says "wait...I've got one for ya..." and is a man of his word and always delivers the goods if you open the door!

6. Blame is the suitcase of dirty clothes you took on vacation but were too lazy to get off the couch to put in the washer because you used the excuse you would do it later when energy demand would be lower. Now, your fear and anxiety of what will happen when you open the case keeps you from what? Dealing with the mess and stink from not doing what you needed to do before!

See where I'm going with this? If not, please stay tuned for the next installment of the new smash hit comedy "I'm mad at myself for telling myself that I would take care of it tomorrow"

In the next few postings, I promise to break each of these down. Then, I will explain why we do what we do and ways to overcome this affliction so many of us struggle with. Meanwhile, I strongly encourage you (yes...that means you have to put the remote down) to sit down and write out on a piece of paper why you think YOU are a procrastinator.

All my best for your happiness and success!

Christopher

PS: If you have particular situations you are dealing with - send them to me and I'll use them as examples in the next few articles.

PPS: THANK YOU again for your strong words of appreciation for what Master Motivators is doing and has done for you. PLEASE, spread the word because we are just getting started!!

Sharing Successes

2009-09-03T22:48:00Z

Hey Everyone!

Today, for Christopher Rausch, for Master Motivators, my dream took a big step forward toward success. The small tasks I've been chipping away at for the last year have now resulted in being interviewed on the radio! I just had the incredible opportunity to share my passion with 20k people!

Had I not started, had I not believed in my passion, sacraficed the time, dedicated myself, this wouldn't have happened. And, the sad thing is I procrastinated my passion for 5 years!!! I was waiting until the time was right, but I have to tell you - the time is NOW!!!

Check the interview out here at

www.powertalkradio.biz

and let me know what you think! Then, let's all post our successes here and share - create and sustain the consistent enthusiasm for really living our lives.

Life is a journey - NOT a destination!

Question: are you LIVING or...are you simply existing?

All my best for YOUR happiness and success!

Christopher

The Diagnosis

2009-08-21T04:09:00Z

The Diagnosis

What’s Up Crazy People???

I'd like to welcome our new subscribers to my blog and say THANK YOU for the outstanding feedback! You ROCK!

Alright, let's get down to it shall we? I have something to tell you that will BLOW your mind! Ready? Truth be told, our stomachs are about the size of our fist. I'm not kidding! Make a fist and look at it! So…why in the hell are we gorging on plates of food that clearly represent two fists AND a knee? I read in a fortune cookie once that it takes 1/2 hour for our tummy's to tell our brain "hey stupid - step away from the plate - I'm going to explode!" Here’s what traditionally happens: We mow down everything in sight only to spend the next two hours saying over and over again "man...I ate too much...I'm soooo stuffed!" Sound familiar?

In many of my previous postings, I talk about ways to successfully set and achieve goals by reshaping our attitude. However, one of the most important factors to really having ultimate success and happiness in life is being healthy with our body as well as our mind. Time to stop the moaning and groaning - get off that couch and relinquish control of the remote! My goal is to give you easy motivation and tools that you can begin using RIGHT NOW! How about that for a dollar? Wait, I don't charge for this advice - Dangit!

Let the diagnosis begin by asking yourself this question:

“Am I eating healthy and exercising enough to help ensure I will see my kids grow up, to see them graduate, to see them get married, to see them have children of their own?”

Then ask yourself these questions: “Am I setting the example for my kids to follow as they grow up?” “Do I FEEL energized everyday?” Like I could take on the world?” And lastly, “do I deserve to live as long as I can so I can see and do everything in my dreams?”

Earlier this year, I posted an article titled "Success Is…" and I encourage you to read it (again if you already did). We are going to apply that principle here. Taking control of your health doesn't have be a lot of work. As a matter of fact, I'll bet that with a pair of shoes and a heart rate monitor, you can achieve any weight loss goal out you set your mind to! Here is the formula I want ingrained in your mind:

Less calories in + more calories out = weight loss

KAPOW! There ya have it! It really is that easy.

There is absolutely no excuse why you can't walk just a little more each week, do just a few more pushups each time, do a few more deep knee bends, a little extra housework, a little extra yard work, park a little farther away, take the stairs, and for God sakes - minimize your portions!!! Try this for one week: Take a bite, put down the fork, take a drink of water, wait, then repeat. There are so many alternatives to the fatty foods we eat, which are a minimal compromise in taste and size, but will GREATLY contribute to living longer, healthier, and happier.

I could go on and on, but my point is this: You HAVE to take care of yourself before you can REALLY take care of those you love. You have to set the example for those who need it the most - your kids and family! The true fact is there is no real sacrifice when you think of it. Would you rather stay unhealthy only to discover later you have heart disease and have to exercise anyway??? AND pay for expensive medication for the rest of your life? Or, to do one more repetition each time, to take one less bite each time, to walk just a little farther each time? What is going to be YOUR diagnosis?

As I always say - the CHOICES are YOURS! No one else's!!! Any questions?

Look To Where You Want To Go

2009-07-29T05:18:00Z

Hello everyone and welcome to our new subscribers!

As a motorcycle rider, I was taught a VERY important lesson early on in my training. That, you MUST look and focus to where you want to go while riding. This life-saving rule is especially important when you are rounding big curves along the highway.

On the highway of life, we face those rounding big curves all the time don't we? My lesson this week is this: If you are looking at the edge, afraid of what will happen if you don't lean and make the turn, then you might just go over. However, if you focus, look to see what is coming around the corner, and take action to make the turn, you might just find exciting opportunities waiting for you.

If you want success - go look for it! Do NOT look at what you don't have!

If you want a new person in your life - go look for it! Do NOT look at all the negatives!

If you desire a different body - GO GET IT! Don't look at how hard it will be!

Getting my driift people? You get more of what you focus most on.

So, make a list of three areas you want to change your focus on. Then, decide in your heart you are REALLY ready and willing to commit to them. Keep this list where you can see it all the time. In your car, in the bathroom, your underwear drawer - where ever

All my best until next time,

Christopher

PS: Quick funny story - As a kid I remember riding my skateboard down a big hill, going faster and faster, the wind in my hair, adrenaline in my blood. Then, I noticed a big tree, a beautiful big tree, wow what a tree....don't remember much after that

Comfort Zones

2009-07-14T05:16:00Z

Comfort Zones

So, this weekend I was thinking about our dear wonderful friend the comfort zone. You know, the comfy place on the couch in our minds. The place we always go back to because it's what? Comfortable, safe, familiar, and always there. What fun is that? Where is the adventure? The excitement? Is life a journey or a destination? I'm positive my life would have turned out much different if I hadn't taken chances, risked my current situation for a better one, and sacrificed my little piece of comfort in exchange for what I really wanted and deserved. Seriously, if you want more out of life, you have to take chances!!! If you are disappointed because you keep getting the same things over and over again - then you need to do something different! NOW!

I'll bet the friends and family you know and love, who stay in their comfort zones, are the same ones that are also saying to themselves "If I knew then what I know now..." Or "if I had to do it all over again I would do such and such...." OR, is that "what if" chatter coming from inside you? I have but two major goals in life (1) stay out of the hospital and (2) to leave this world without any regrets. To live life without regrets is a tall order, but one I won't compromise on. That means, challenging myself to step out and do new things. Meet new people. Ask new questions, but more importantly, listen for the answers.

Friends, I strongly encourage you to take small incremental steps to developing the courage to try new things. Yes, you will feel panicky, scared, and you'll probably not succeed with every attempt. However, you WILL become confident in knowing that you WILL survive!!!! The excitement and confidence will become abundant. You WILL progress toward the life you really want and deserve.

So, comfort zone people - you have your mission! Take a pen and a piece of paper or a can of spray paint and write down one thing (just one) that you would love to try but haven't. Then, write down the worst thing that could happen to you. After that, ask yourself this question: "Can I survive and grow from the experience?" If the answer you come up with is "no" - please write me personally and I'll help you change that "no" to a "hell yes!"

"Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday - was it worth it?" - Dale Carnegie

As always, I'm here for you as you walk your path in life to Achieve Your Dreams!

All my best,

Christopher

PS: If you are serious, PLEASE do not wait until later to do this exercise. Do it now - start tomorrow - don't wait.

No Matter...

2009-07-01T16:25:00Z

Hi everyone!

This wil be a short and straight to the point post this week.

I've been thinking alot about the passing of Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, and even Billy Mays this past week. Then it hit me!

No matter how much money you have...
No matter how popular you are....
No matter how beautiful you are...
No matter...

If you don't have your health - does all of that "stuff" REALLY matter? My answer is and emphatic NO!!! As a result, I REALLY appreciate everyday I have my health and NEVER take it for granted.

I challenge you to do this: Imagine what your problems you are worrying about today would mean if tomorrow you were:

- Told you have cancer and had 6 weeks to live
- Woke up blind
- Woke up paralyzed
- Had a major heart attack
- Lost your significant other

You get the idea. I can bet, and feel free to take me up on this, that your problems would become a spot on the head of a pin in comparison!!

So, if you have your health today, take that and confront those problems head on! Step out of your comfort zone and make life happen! As you can see with Michael, Farrah, and thousands of others who die unexpectedly everyday, tomorrow carries no guarantees!

All my best to you and your families!

Christopher

When It's Not Working

2009-05-28T05:09:00Z

Greetings Everyone and welcome to this addition of “It’s YOUR Life!” I’ll still be your host, the enthusiastic and sometimes very witty Christopher Rausch.

Before I begin, a sincere THANK YOU to all who have joined our group, to all who have brought me into their lives to make a difference, and to all who let me know that this is really impacting your life. The most common reply I hear after these postings goes like this “Wow Christopher – that really hit me and at the time I need it the most, Thank you..” This is why I’m here ladies and gentlemen!

Alrighty, on with the show

Just a few months ago, I sat alone and reflected on my progress with the goals I set to achieve early in 2009. As I reviewed my progress, I began feeling this disappointment gap between what I planned to have checked off and what was actually accomplished. In that moment of reality, I knew I had to change stuff up and PRONTO! The path I’m on is WAY to important to give up without a fight!

You see, we have a tendency to daydream these vivid fantasy pictures in our mind of what our final achievement will look like. Then, unfortunately very often, we close in on the target date and come to the realization we’re off-track. Our once beloved pictures of excitement and elation turn cloudy and dark. Disappointment and frustration dig in and we simply give up. Oh, we try and turn ourselves around, but the negative self-talk launches a vicious sabotage assault on our confidence receptors. With all of these overpower feelings happening all at once, we throw in the towel and retreat to our comfortable couches where it’s safe. Problems averted right? WRONG!!!!

Listen, if achieving your life-long dreams were easy, then you wouldn’t truly ever appreciate the value of experiencing the joy and happiness. I’m here to tell ya, that becoming successful and maintaining it, takes a lot of hard work, sacrifice, commitment, belief, and most importantly – PASSION!

DO NOT give up on yourself because you are off target – redefine the target to be more realistic, break the goal down into smaller chunks, and get a plan in writing. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have redefined goals and moved out completion dates, but I can tell you, it has and still is - all worth it!!!

My friends, you have two choices
1. Work hard, learn lessons, give it 110%, and achieve your dreams
2. Sit back, complain, worry, be angry, sad, depressed, and die anywas

What are you going to choose?

As always, I’m here to help you with your specific struggles. My payment for services rendered? Let me know I helped!

All my best,

Christopher