Imagine we meet in the courtyard of a tucked-away coffee shop. The place smells amazing as several fresh Italian roasts percolate.

We sit at a table, steaming cup of espresso in hand, and I ask you this important question:

"Over the past 12 months, what happened in your life, both personally and professionally, for you to feel happy with your progress?"   

If you truthfully answer the question, you'll have clear focus on what you really want. And especially what makes you happy.  

I ask this of every client because it allows me to plan for your future success. 

Coming from a place of happiness allows you to buy into your own ideas. This buy-in then gives you the discipline you need to implement and follow through.  

By the way, the two main areas I see many over-40 men and women struggle with are:

• Getting started (implementation)
• Finishing what you started (follow through) 

Of course you may need "motivation" to start something new.

But which do you think should come first?

Do you get motivated and then take action? Or do you take action and then feel motivated afterwards?

By the way, people who need motivation before taking action rarely get things done.

The feeling of accomplishment is very powerful and so satisfying. Psychologist William James says, “We don’t sing because we’re happy, we’re happy because we sing.”

Don’t wait for the motivation to do what you know will help you get leaner, stronger, and happier.

Your first action step is to answer this one question:

"A year from today, what happened in your life, both personally and professionally, for you to feel happy with your progress?"     

How to Get to Your Health Goal

In life, you will strive to achieve certain goals. Maybe it's personal growth, career success, or building meaningful relationships.

In this lesson, you'll discover the most powerful strategies to get to your health goal, so you can lead by example and create generational health.

1. Clarify your vision

To reach your goal, you must begin with absolute clarity about what you want to achieve. Creating a vivid vision of your goal provides you with a target to aim for. It ignites your passion and drives you forward, even in the face of challenges.

Take the time to audit your health. Ask yourself meaningful questions, explore your deepest desires, and envision your ideal future. The more detailed and emotionally charged your vision, the stronger the motivation it will instill in you.

2. Set SMART goals

Once your vision is clear, it's time to turn it into actionable goals. The SMART goal-setting framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) can be your trusted ally here. By defining specific milestones and attaching a timeline to them, you create a roadmap that steers you towards success.

In our award-winning age-management program, I'll use your vision statement to create four 90-day sprints:  

• ❄️ Winter 
• 🌻 Spring 
• 🌞 Summer
• 🍁 Fall  

That way, every quarter, we know what we are working on and, by the end of the year, we are that much closer to meeting or exceeding those tasks that bring on the happiness and your results. Break down your ultimate goal into smaller, manageable tasks, celebrating each milestone as you progress. 

3. Cultivate a growth mindset

Your mindset shapes your reality, and cultivating a growth mindset is paramount to achieving your goals. Embrace challenges, view failures as opportunities to learn and grow, and believe in your ability to improve through dedication and effort.

Remember, it's not about whether you can reach your goal, but rather about the journey of wellness and self-improvement that you undergo while pursuing it.

4. Take massive action

Dreams become reality when you take decisive action. Now that your vision and goals are set, commit to taking massive action towards them.

Break free from the chains of procrastination and fear. Engage in consistent, purposeful actions that align with your goals. Remember, taking the first step is often the hardest, but it is also the most crucial in propelling you forward.

5. Embrace resilience and persistence

The road to success is seldom without obstacles. It's natural to encounter setbacks and challenges along the way. What sets successful individuals apart is their resilience and persistence.

Embrace the hurdles as opportunities for growth, and bounce back stronger than ever. Cultivate the belief that failure is not permanent, but rather a stepping stone towards success. And take massive action.

6. Seek knowledge and expertise

To excel in any endeavor, acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to propel you towards your goal.

Invest in continuous learning and seek advice from mentors or experts who have achieved what you aspire to. Never stop growing, and let knowledge be your superpower in the pursuit of excellence.

7. Master your emotions

Your emotional state profoundly impacts your decisions and actions. Mastering your emotions empowers you to stay focused and on track even during turbulent times.

Practice mindfulness, meditation, or any technique that helps you regulate your emotions. When you control your emotions, you harness the ability to respond to situations strategically rather than react impulsively.

8. Cultivate a supportive environment

Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and inspire you. A supportive network provides encouragement, motivation, and valuable feedback. Collaborate with like-minded individuals who share your ambitions, and together, you can elevate each other to greater heights. Remember, you become the average of the people you spend the most time with, so choose your company wisely.

9. Visualize success

Visualization is a powerful technique used by successful athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders alike. Regularly visualize yourself achieving your goal, experiencing every detail and emotion associated with it. Visualization enhances your belief in your capabilities, making your subconscious mind more receptive to opportunities that align with your vision.

10. Practice gratitude

Gratitude is a transformative emotion that brings joy and abundance into your life. Be grateful for the progress you make, the lessons you learn from challenges, and the people who support you on your journey. A grateful heart attracts positivity and opens doors to new possibilities.

11. Adapt and evolve

As you progress towards your goal, be flexible in your approach. Circumstances may change, and adapting to new situations is essential for growth.

Be willing to refine your strategies, learn from failures, and embrace change. The ability to adapt and evolve ensures you stay relevant and resilient on your path to success.

12. Celebrate milestones

In the pursuit of your ultimate goal, don't forget to celebrate every milestone you achieve. Acknowledge your progress and take pride in the effort you put forth. Celebrations not only boost your motivation but also provide a moment to reflect on how far you've come. 

You see, it takes a smart plan and consistent effort to hit your priority-one goal.

If you continue to follow the program and do the work, you will maintain your outstanding results. Make sense?

If you have time today, I urge you to sit with your significant other, your team, your family, even with yourself, and truly answer that question. Really give it some thought.  

But the key is to keep your eyes on the horizon. It's not very helpful to look back on past failures.

It's also not healthy to compare yourself with "perfect" people on social media, especially if it makes you feel badly about your current limitations.

Keep your eyes on the horizon and determine where you want to be in 12 months.

The beautiful thing is that once you know where you want to go, all that's left is to map your journey from your current location.  

Then execute it and follow through. 

Summary:

You hold within you the potential to achieve greatness. The health journey may be challenging, but remember that the reward lies not just in achieving the destination, but also in the person you become along the way. Embrace your vision, set your goals, and add life to your years. Commit to your dreams, and create an extraordinary life. 

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women lose weight, gain strength, and slow aging. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to increase longevity with the best online age-management program, or you want to visit the best age-management program in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.