We all want to lead a happy, successful, and balanced life. And we all struggle sometimes to find the energy and time to meet our goals.  In this article, I look at some of the meanings of the phrase “feeling your best” and some of the ways we get off track. 

From my perspective as a personal trainer, I see a lot of goals coming back to “Eat right and exercise.” These are the behaviors that give us the health and energy that our other goals require. At the same time, I do see that some goals and struggles relate to other areas of our lives. 

Look good. If looking good is part of your “feeling your best” definition, you might tend to have a surface focus. A focus on your clothing, hair, and so on might not be your best strategy. Sick people rarely look their best, so “looking good” begins with treating your body better—by nourishing it with healthy food and plenty of water. Once you have a foundation of good health, the surface is frosting on a good-looking cake.

Lose weight. This can sometimes be another example of an outward focus. I urge you to focus on your health and on the health aspects of weight-loss. Commit to healthy eating habits and regular exercise. Then, trust the process. You will not only reach a healthy weight; you will also live a longer, richer life. 

Have more energy. In one sense, this goal also relates to eating right and exercising. I see in my clients almost an immediate increase in their physical energy once they add exercise and begin to follow a healthy diet. 

On the other hand, when it comes to energy, we often have to look further—at the company we keep. Energy is contagious. Surround yourself with people who live their lives to the fullest, and you will be better able to do the same. Surround yourself with people who complain or who blame others for their troubles, and you are likely to become just as stuck as they are. Spend your time with positive people who work toward their own goals!  

Have more time. Lack of time is the number one reason that people use for giving up their fitness goals, and I suspect that it is the number one reason for lack of progress toward other goals as well.  But I call “I don’t have time” an excuse. We all have the same amount of time, but some of us make progress toward our goals, while others do not. 

Once you clarify your goals, you must protect the time those goals require by saying “no” to activities that are not in alignment.  When a friend or associate asks you to do something, evaluate the request against your own goals and priorities. Make a commitment to yourself that you will only say “yes” if the activity furthers your goals. In these situations, the muscle that needs exercise is your “no” muscle. 

Build better relationships. A lot of my clients experience guilt for not being available to family and friends as they pursue their goals. (This is why saying “no” can be so difficult.) But when you invest time in your health and in a few other priorities, the time you do have with family and friends will be a higher quality. 

Schedule time with family and friends the way that you schedule time to pursue other goals. Too often we assume our loved ones will wait around until we make time for them, but that is not the case.  You will definitely feel your best when you make time to enrich your relationships. 

Once you decide what “feeling your best” means to you, then you can begin to make the changes necessary to reach those goals. But remember that no one is perfect!  If you don’t meet a goal, hit the “reset” button by forgiving yourself. Begin again and learn from your mistakes.