11 non-fitness, random, offensive, thoughts

It’s Monday morning, you have another week of cubicle slaving to do…manual labor to attend to, or whatever else you got going on in your life.  Nobody cares (except me, of course) how shitty or great it is.  It’s probably going to take you a couple of hours to get ‘in the mood’ to get the week started.  So, here I am…delivering again!  Just what you wanted to go along with your morning java…an awesome, funny, and completely random offensive list.

Enjoy!

1.  When speaking about a sports team, it is not ‘WE’…unless, you have somehow played, coached, owned, or otherwise were employed by this sports organization.  You are a fan, you are not part of the actual team.  Sorry to disappoint you.

2.  By posting a status update on FB, forwarding a text message, or even wearing a certain color, you are NOT doing anything to help a cause.

3.  Putting a bunch of ‘pretty words’ next to a fat chick in a bikini does nothing to hide the fact that she is fat.  If this wasn’t a problem, there would be no reason to make the picture to begin with.

4.  Learn to spell and properly use the following words: their, they’re, and there.  It’s quite annoying.

5.  The abused animal commercials are getting on my nerves now.  Seriously, do they need to play music so dark you’d think it was for a genocide taking place in a 3rd world country?  For just $0.50 a day you can support this young kitten…blah, blah…bullshit!  All $0.50 is going to do is provide enough money to buy the shit to euthanize him….and pay the corporate executives running the ad. Stop bullshitting.

6.  Speaking of 3rd world countries…if they haven’t figured it out by now, we probably can’t help.  Really.  It’s been hundreds, if not thousands of years now and shit is still that horrible?  I mean, shit…it’s not so great right now, but I think this country (USA) is doing fine for being a couple hundred years old. I doubt my $5 a month is going to do much, unless it’s going to an effort to dethrone the dirt bag running the ship.

7.  Why is it so hard for vegans to figure this out; if it wasn’t for meat, you wouldn’t have the brain to think you’re smart by not eating it.  If we weren’t supposed to eat the lil animals, God woulda FLIPPED out a long time ago.  Oh, and just so you know…they’d eat your ass in a second if they had the chance.

8.  I’m all for motivation quotes, thoughts, and even pictures…but, if all it takes to motivate you is a pretty picture and a few clever words…well, you get my point…

9. Paula Deen made a shitload of cash showing people how to eat like shit-pigs, with things like bread pudding made from donuts…then comes out and endorses a Type 2 Diabetes drug for another shitload of money??  Then she has the nerve to tell people to stop using so much butter?  Yeah…it was the butter, ya tard!!  Am I the only one that thinks this is completely insane?  Someone compared the two perfectly by saying, ‘I think I’ll get into the leg breaking business…just so I can sell crutches later on’.

10.  Sometimes life is going to suck.  It’s the shitty times that make the good times, even better.  As long as you don’t spend the majority of your waking hours walking around bitching, everyone is entitled to complain once in a while.  But, don’t think that showing us a picture of some dude with 1 leg and 19 fingers, washing himself in cow piss is going to make me feel better about being broke.  Actually, it’ll probably make me feel even worse now that I know I can’t help him either.  Thanks, Mr. Cheer Me Up guy…

11.  Stop trying to sue the airline, airport, and airplane manufacturer…just lose some damn weight, tubby.  No, it isn’t fair that you get to have 2 seats because you couldn’t stop at just 19 brownies.  Nobody wants your saddle bags hanging over their arm rests…on the airplane, or at the movies.  Damn it!

That is all, you can get back to whatever it is you do on Monday mornings…

Stay strong!

-Mike McNeil.

Money in the Bank

Every time you’re faced with a decision, it’s like making a deposit or a withdrawal.  The money in the bank earns interest, the withdrawals are usually spent on things that bring instant gratification…and not much more. The more money in the bank, the better your future looks.

So, the next time you’re faced with a tough decision, just think; do I want the money in the bank earning interest…or is the instant gratification worth the price…now, and later on down the road?

Every time you eat a huge bowl of fresh greens, money in the bank.

Every time you ignore the invites to the bar and hit the gym, money in the bank.

Every time you stay hydrated without having to ‘feel’ thirsty first, money in the bank.

Every time you decide the hit the hill for a healthy dose of sprints, money in the bank.

Every time you decide to add a little more weight to the bar, money in the bank.

Every time you take the time to foam roll, stretch, and meditate, money in the bank.

Every time you hear the scraping of the pavement from another prowler lap, money in the bank.

Every time you mark another 10 burpees off the to do list, money in the bank.

Every time choke down your protein shake, even though you’re not hungry, money in the bank.

Every time you go to bed early, wake up early, and get your cardio done in a fasted state, money in the bank.

Regardless if it’s the Hypertrophy & Strength Credit Union, or the Bank of Fat Loss…keep putting that money in the bank!  Over time, it’s going to add up…and eventually amount to that fortune you’re striving for.  We live in a nation filled with instant gratification devices, debt, and a huge dependency on big Pharma to bail us out when we fuck ourselves over the years.

When you feel like it’s just not going to pay off…keep doin’ the WORK! Put it in the bank…and build that fortune of health and fitness.  Unlike those other corporate fucks…nobody is going to bail you out when you find yourself in trouble.

Do WORK. Stay STRONG.

-Mike McNeil.

11 Examples: Discipline Vs. Fun

Happy New Year, beez in peez!  Yeah..I know, I’m over a week late on this one…but, it’s Twenty-Twelve and I figured I better get this started ASAP!  I mean, we’re all supposed to die this year, with the world ending and all…right?  With that being said, we better get on it…since this is the last year we can actually work on our ‘resolutions’.  So, today…we discuss Discipline vs. Fun.

Discipline is a word that’s been debated and defined in many different ways.  To me, it means; doing what you have to do, even when you don’t want to.

Charles Polquin goes as far as saying, it doesn’t even exist.  He claims discipline simply means love.  You either love something, or you don’t.  You make the choices you love; you love working out and taking care of your body, or you love letting it go to waste and feeding it crap as food.  I don’t really think it’s as black and white as that, but I see his point.  It all comes down to decisions on a daily basis.  Check out his article HERE.

To me, I think discipline does exist…and it isn’t always fun.  Usually, it’s not fun at all.  Most people don’t ‘love’ their job, but they need to pay bills.  Most people don’t ‘love’ waking up to an alarm, but they needs to get up and start the day.  Most people don’t ‘love’ running errands on their day off, but shit needs to get done. I don’t always love trying to eat healthy, Id much rather eat a bowl of cereal drowned in ice cream and chocolate syrup…but I hate the aftermath. Etc, etc…you get my point.  So, now it’s my turn to break down discipline in this post, Discipline Vs. Fun.  Here’s some examples:

1. It’s not fun to opt for the olive oil, thyme, lemon, and some cayenne pepper on your salad.  It’s much more fun to drown your greens and croutons in creamy ranch dressing.  If you’re asking why croutons and ranch isn’t a good options…you’re way behind.

2. It’s much more fun to hit ‘Taco Tuesday’ for some apple martinis with your fat girlfriends….rather than stay on track and head to the gym at 6pm for your spin class, or whatever else you do at that place.  Trust me, it’s probably much more beneficial than a bunch of carne asada tacos, a few shots, and a couple dozen iphone pictures to post on facebook the next morning.  Seriously, knock it off…

3. Speaking of that…browsing facebook is fun.  Posting stupid mirror poses, bitching about the weather, complimenting other people on their pictures of their kids, or even claiming God is a Broncos fan (thanks to the Tebow crap) is all fun….but a huge waste of time.  Spending 20 minutes a day reading a good book, fitness articles, or nutritional info is not so fun…it’s discipline.  I’m really not sure how we can find hours to spend on facebook, but we’re ‘too busy’ to spend 20 minutes a day updating a training and food journal.  Oh, wait…I know, because facebook is fun…and journals are not.

4. Spending $100 or so a month on supplements, such as Exclzyme 2AF or some quality protein powder, to better your body is not always fun.  Upgrading to the latest phone, or even a $450 handbag is much more fun.  Just a side note to the ladies that do this to impress people…it’s not doing anything to hide the fact that your disgustingly out of shape, and you feed your body garbage.  The only people it may impress are the ones with you shoveling $9 shots down your throat and powering down a plate of nachos at TGIF.  See #2.

5. For my gym rats that actually make it there…it’s not fun squatting, knowing the DOMS that await you the next day.  Or worse, working on your issues that will actually allow you to squat.  Missing a PR deadlift that will stick in your mind all week is never fun.  A few scabs on the shin, or calluses on the hand…not fun either.  It’s always much more fun to stick with the known…and constantly work the chest and biceps.  It’s been said, ‘the back to a real lifter, is like the biceps to a bodybuilder.’

6. Carrying a jug of water around, hydrating your body, and keeping it fresh all day isn’t always fun either.  But, it will benefit you much more than having your 3 beverages per day as a Venti Caramel Latte for breakfast, a huge sugary iced tea for lunch, and a diet coke with your dinner.  Think of it like this; Water…drink it or die.

7. Waking up early to eat a solid breakfast isn’t fun.  Packing a lunch that isn’t crap and taking it to work like a 11 year old kid, isn’t fun.  Working all day, to come home a cook a decent meal that will make you stronger isn’t fun, either.  All that’s called discipline, and it works.  Fun is grabbing a muffin and a coffee, hitting the buffet at lunch with 4 friends from work, then grabbing dinner thru a window is fun…and, that’s why most of us are fat.

8. Doing hill sprints…oh no, very not fun.  Extra very not fun when you feel like puking, shitting, and calling it a day, when you realize you’re only about 1/4 of the way thru. The same level on the treadmill, week after week, and done in front of the TV…much more pleasing!  Very fun comes in the form of a few giggles from watching 30 minutes of Futurama while doing your workout.

9. Going to bed early? Nah..that isn’t fun either.  It’s the discipline that’s required to wake up full of energy and ready to attack the day and your workout.  I’m sure Tivo wasn’t invented for this reason, but you can actually record your favorite shows like dancing with the tards, and watching it another time.  Or, better yet, stop watching that crap all together.

10. Foam rolling, stretching, hot / cold contrast showers, and other recovery methods suck!  In other words, they’re just not fun.  It’s always more pleasing to the instant gratification crowd to ignore the issues that continue to add up on a daily basis.  If you love lifting, you need to put in the effort and work the kinks out.  Discipline will keep you lifting heavy for years, and walking upright without a crooked spine when you’re 50…fun will get you home 30 minutes sooner.  With that 30 minutes, you can get a head start on your favorite reruns and 6 pack of your beverage of choice.  Yipee…

11. Last but not least, and probably the one that will earn me the least amount of friends…it’s not fun to accept the fact that you are NOT happy being a chubby, out of shape, obnoxious, loud, individual…and you actually do want to change.  It’s much more fun to eat whatever you want, hang out with people like you, put bumper stickers on your Honda that say shit like ‘Large Goddess’ and say shit like, I’m big, beautiful, and that just means there’s more of me to love.  Save it…you know you’re just pretending, and actually hate what you’ve become, and wish you could stab the eyes out of anyone that looks better than you.

It all comes down to to decisions you make everyday.  I think you have to opt for the ‘fun side’ of this list once in a while as well, nobody’s going to carry a perfect record on this.  If you opt for the discipline side of things for the majority of your decisions…I think you’ll end up having much more ‘fun’ in the long run.

So, the next time you feel like skipping your workout, not packing your healthy lunch, or reaching for that cheese drenched basket of fries…just remember; Discipline is doing what you have to do, even when you don’t want to.

Stay strong!

-Mike McNeil.

PS: As always, thanks for reading!  And, if you have anyone that’s on the resolution bandwagon and needs a good kick in the ass…forward the article on!

The Return

Welcome back.  Sorry, we’re not finished yet…

I know it’s been a while.  Life has issues.  Hosting services have issues.  Me being stressed out about financial issues, family issues, and just issues in itself…is something to be grateful for. Shit, if I was some poor farmer in Africa working 18 hours a day and worrying about running water, and the crazy dude up the street firing his AK-47 randomly in the air…I’m sure my outlook would be a bit different than it is now.

So, these days, I try to keep this in mind: Having issues to worry about, is a good thing.

The fact that I can access the internet, and write what I want, is a huge benefit.  I just have to constantly remind myself that situations are just that, situations.  All situations change.  It’s not going to be easy, but it’s that time of the year…stress levels increase, financial pressure becomes more evident, diets fail, and the holidays become a huge mess.  Instead, we should all look at the good things in life to be grateful for.

You’re alive, you can read, you have access to the internet, and if you’re on this website…you’re probably at least semi-interested in fitness and building a strong, healthy, lifestyle.  Congrats.

Well, enough with the Deepak style intro…let’s get right into this one and go over some updates that have taken place.

First off, please take a moment to visit the other site www.OCstrength.com. I have redone a few things, added some recommended products, and added the following pages to help you along your journey.

1. 10 BASIC TIPS TO BUILD STRENGTH AND MUSCLE GROWTH.

2. 10 BASIC TIPS TO LOSE WEIGHT AND CUT DOWN BODY FAT.

As far as the client training, it has slowed down a great bit.  But, we’re still around, and will keep battling until I’m convinced it just isn’t worth it.  At this point in time, I am doing all I can to supplement the training business.  My goal is to continue to help others become the best version of themselves as possible.  Fight on.

As far as myself…I’m still killin’ it!  Many more updates on programs and diet experiments coming in the very near future.  Currently, I’m about to start Phase II of the 5-3-1 program.  (look it up) No matter what I’m doing to put the food on the table, and a roof over my head…I will find a way to LIFT and STAY STRONG.  I hope you feel the same way as well.

Well, let’s end it with that.

I hope you’re all enjoying your holidays with the family…and staying fit!

Be STRONG, and I will talk to ya soon!

-Mike McNeil.

PS: Be on the lookout for the next two posts you won’t want to miss!  Holiday gift ideas for that beast in your life (or yourself) as well as, eating healthy without breaking the bank.

3 Tips to make your goals a reality

Everyone has goals.  Some people choose to call them goals and actually work at them.  Others have goals, but they’re simply just a ‘wish’ and hope they’ll happen.  Wishing and hoping is never a good option, and usually will leave you frustrated and looking for the next easy thing to try out.  Or, of course, calling it a resolution for the new year…and putting it off another 365 days.

Here’s a few tips to make your wishlist turn into a goal setting, then achieving them as a reality.

1.  Make it somewhat ‘enjoyable’. If you absolutely hate doing anything physical, it’s not going to work.  If you can’t stand the gym, what good is a gym membership going to do you?  If you hate lifting anything heavy, and don’t like eating like it’s your job….well, packing on a bunch of muscle probably isn’t a good option for your goals.  Is weight loss your focus, but giving up your daily mocha-frappucino makes you want to curl up and cry?  Well, losing weight probably isn’t a good goal for you, either.  It’s not always going to be fun, but don’t make it miserable.  If you HATE doing something…it’s probably not going to last very long.

2.  Don’t start off too fast, with too much…change. If your everyday routine is 8 hours of TV, and 3 meals from McDonalds…don’t think doing 2 workouts per day, and eating only organic food is going to last you very long.  It’s just like a tough workout, always start with a warm up and progress from there. For those of you just starting your ‘weight loss’ journey, here is a few BASIC tips to get it going in the right direction.  Click –>> here for the basics of fat loss article. For those of you with a little more ‘experience’ click –>>here for a few more pointers.

3.  Be ready to make some tough decisions, and or, sacrifices. From food, to activities, and even people…something will have to change.  You cannot expect a different outcome if you continue to do the same as you have been.  Your priorities are going to be the number one factor in determining the results of the goals you put on paper.  There will come a time when you’ll have to choose between late night parties, filled with booze and a ton of chips and salsa…and your morning workout and some fresh veggies.  Can you Tivo your favorite show that comes on at 11pm in order to get a good night sleep, or is the show worth more than your long term goals? A sacrifice is ‘giving up something now, for something better….later.’ Sacrifice has nothing to do with ‘punishing or depriving’ yourself.

Goals aren’t always easy to hit, that’ why they’re challenging…and worth achieving.  But, just by setting real measurable and written goals, you put yourself way ahead of most people.

Notice, I said measurable and written.  So, make sure you WRITE THEM DOWN, and make them specific and measurable.  You should be able to look at them daily, and check on your progress daily, weekly, or even monthly…depending on the length of the goals you choose.

We all know, if you follow the herd…you’ll eventually end up stepping in a big pile of shit.

The Gerbil: Don't be like me.

Don’t be part of the herd…set yourself apart by getting started on your goals NOW.  If I can help in any way, feel free to drop a comment below on the goals you have, or are going to start.

-Mike McNeil.

This one’s for Mini-B, Happy Birthday!

It’s not something I normally do, but I gotta get my shout out to the nephew on his 4th birthday.

This post is dedicated to my part time workout partner, my sometimes fishing pal, and my full time best buddy…Mini-B, aka Gabriel!

Happy Birthday, dude!

I do what I do for this guy.  I sometimes put up with the bull**it in order to help make him a better person.  Kids are awesome, and I love this one more than anything.

We train together when he’s up to it.  We cheat together whenever I allow it.  We fish together when time permits.  Any time I’m around, he is attached to my side.  I’m sure many of you have kids, so you know what I mean…I’d do anything for this dude.  Mini-B keeps me moving forward.

Mini B loves trains, we’ll watch em for hours at the station.  You can also find us at the local Starbucks on a daily basis, just chillin’.  At the petting zoo we’ll feed goats, and laugh when they poop pellets.  If the fish aren’t biting, we’ll toss some bread to the ducks…when it’s time to get beastly, we’re flipping tires or swinging a kettlebell.  We kick ass in all that we do.

So, today is your day, Mini-B.  Enjoy the cake, candies, and all the other crap that comes with it.  Keep doing what you do, and I’ll always be at your side.  Just remember, a few more years and it’s time to kick it up a notch and get BEASTLY!

There will be no more Mini in front of the B.  Just a flat out BEAST in the making!

Happy Birthday!

-Mike McNeil.

7 Randoms: Deadlifts, blood tests, and poop.

It’s Saturday, whoo hoo.  Day two of the diet busting time!!  And of course, another dose of my Randomness…

1.  Workout Partners: Choose them wisely.  Choose people stronger than yourself.  You want partners you can depend on, ones that will push you, motivate you, encourage you, and let you know when you need to get your shit together.  I believe they will make you stronger, there is always power in numbers.  But, if you train alone…don’t sweat it.  Personally, I don’t mind training alone…at all.  I’ve always said, my best workout partners has been my iPod and the iron.  If you do have a regular partner, treat them well and do your part.  If they flake, cut em some slack…shit happens.  If it becomes a habit, cut em off… Just remember; when it comes to training…you and only you are RESPONSIBLE for your progress.  If you’re going to count on someone else for your results and motivation, you can count on failing.

2.  Constipation: Can’t poop?  Turds feel more like a few chocolate marbles being forced out?  Before you run to your doctor, try eating 2 raw salads per day…along with a good probiotic.  Once again, I also HIGHLY recommend digestive enzymes by AST Enzymes.  I have personally used these and had awesome results.  I also know these people personally, and have been training them for about a year and a half.  They work with a few other strength coaches that are highly respected, and recently landed a contract with the company that puts out many of the workout DVDs you see on the infomercials.  (can’t name names, but I am positive you’ve seen em plenty of times)  Click –>>HERE to be taken to their WEBSITE, and be sure to use my personal code (MMIKK55) to get a 10% discount on any orders.  I work with, and can vouch for, these people, and am positive you will be satisfied with the end result.  Salads, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.  Try that out for a couple of weeks and if it doesn’t change…then go see your doctor.

As a bonus, here’s another article about probiotics and some clinical studies done showing it does reduce belly fat.  Click here–>> FOR THE ARTICLE by Charles Poliquin.

3.  Blood Tests: The next time you go in and get your bloodwork done and Mr. Doctor gives you your results, then says ‘it’s within the reference range’, ASK…a) How and where do they come up with these reference ranges? and b) Can you please explain the difference between ‘good and bad’ cholesterol?  Mr. Doctor will probably shrug you off, but it’d be cool to see what they say…  I strongly urge you to do some actual research for yourself as well.  I’m seriously tired of having this discussion with people about eggs, cholesterol, skim milk, acceptable reference ranges, etc, etc…

4.  Priorities: I’ve said it before, some people make progress, while others make excuses.  Those with their priorities in order, make the progress.  Everything counts.  Didn’t have time to train, partied too much, too tired, didn’t stretch, didn’t get my water in, had to pick up food on the run, etc, etc…all choices YOU made.

5.  Awareness Months: It seems these last couple of months have been national awareness (insert cause here) month for just about everything.  Wear a ribbon, wear this color, post this status to your facebook, etc, etc…like it matters.  So, that being said, I decided to start my own.  I decided November will unofficially be called National Deadlift Awareness Month.  In an effort to break the Pussification of America that has started to take over this great country.  For another take on the Pussification breaking, click –>> HERE for a great article by Zach Even-Esh.

6.  Anger: Yeah…I get angry.  We all do, right?  Traffic, people, money, your job (or lack of one these days) Let it fuel and motivate your training sessions, or let it eat you like an ulcer.  Obviously option 1 is much healthier.  If beating the crap out of yourself isn’t your thing, trying meditation…or reading, or even a comedy show or movie.  Seems like a much better option than hitting the bar, hitting someone, then getting tossed in the drunk tank.  Ok, well, that may be fun and all…but it’s probably not a very healthy thing to do.  The next time a little anger fuels you, get your train on.  If you have the accessories, try this one out…

Start out with each one for 10 reps, then 9 reps, then 8, all the way down to 1 rep.

* Deadlift 205. For your own calculating purposes, my 1RM at this time was 420.  My body weight was 173.  So you can use something roughly estimated at 50% of 1RM and, or, 120% of your body weight.  A few pounds either way isn’t going to make too much of a difference.

* Box Jumps. Something on the easier side, average at the most.

* Front Squats w/ a sandbag (or similar object.) 50- 60# sandbag.  Or possibly goblet squats w? kettlebell.

*  Barbell Military Press 75# barbell.

* Swings 60# kettlebell

Here’s another ‘Angry Workout’ below…where my former heavy bag finally had to ‘retire’.  It’s fun…trust me.

7.  Kids: With Mini B’s birthday tomorrow, I am once again reminded how awesome kids are.  Yes, a pain in the ass at times…but awesome nonetheless.  There’s a few things that greatly sadden me about kids, though.  What kind of a society do we live in when kids would rather play on an iphone, or ipad, rather than go outside and run around?  Being in places where kids are common, it makes me sick to see how many are overweight.  I’ve talked about it many times before, but it just bothers me…and it isn’t their fault.  They don’t buy their own food, they don’t choose their activities, parents do.  Yes, I know times are tough and you’re busy…but do them a favor, and society for that matter, and get them ACTIVE.  Feed them right, and make them move around.  The earlier a child becomes overweight, the harder it is to overcome it.  I don’t have a bunch of tips for this…it’s a tough one.  If your day is 12 hours at the office, then home for dinner and plant your chubby ass on the couch…that’s what they see.  If you want your kids to change, you need to change.  Lead from the front…

Check the picture below…pretty scary, most think it’s all crazy talk…  For me, it just hammers home the idea that I need to get Mini B’s diet in line…ASAP.  Kids are the future, and we aren’t helping them (or this country) by allowing them to sit on their asses for 7 hours a day in front of a TV or computer…snacking on puffy cheese balls.

Enjoy your weekend!

-Mike McNeil.

3 Lessons: For fitness and life

Things were getting shitty….really, shitty.  So it was time to dip into the ‘motivational’ section of the CD collection.  One of my ‘go-to’ guys has always been Zig Ziglar.  Let’s get right into a few tips, and things to remember as you continue your fitness journey.  Remember; things will not always be smooth, there will be peaks and valleys.  It’s called life…

Time to open the mind.

There goes a story…. “There was an Eskimo village.  At this village, there was a man who had two dogs.  Every Saturday the village got together and watched him fight his dogs.  Of course, they took bets as well.  It wouldn’t be any fun unless money was involved, right? (OK, OK, I understand…dog fighting is bad. That’s not the point.)  Or, if you’re still freaked out about the whole Vick thing…call it a dog race.  Whatever.  He had a black spotted dog, and a furry white dog.  Some Saturdays the white dog would win, and some Saturdays the spotted black dog would take the victory.  (See, nobody dies…or is badly injured)  No matter which dog won, it seemed like the man would always chose the winner…and thus, collected a ton of money in the process.  So, one day, one of the villagers asked him, ‘It seems like every single weekend you choose the winner…how do you do it?’  And the man replied, ‘It’s EASY…I just bet on the one I’ve been feeding for the last week.”

The Lesson: There is always 2 sides.  A negative, energy sucking side…and a positive, reinforcing side.  Obviously you want to choose the side that’s going to get you to your goals faster.  Only YOU have the choice as to which side you FEED.  If you feed the positive, it wins.  Feed the negative, it wins…and you lose.  Obviously choose things that will feed your positive.

Lesson, simplified:  Think and talk about the things you WANT, not the things you do not want.  It may seem like the hardest thing to control, but it’s actually the ONLY thing you do have control over…your ATTITUDE.

Your choice.

Story II: Each year, you hear about hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fires.  What you don’t ever hear about is termites. (unless it’s a pest control commercial)  However, termites do more damage every year than hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fires…COMBINED. A termite bite is so small, to the naked eye, it cannot be seen.  Done repeatedly, over, and over again…these bites can bring down a huge house.

Lesson: To accomplish any major goal, just take small bites every day.  Don’t worry about being that hurricane that gets all the news.  Be a termite.  Work at your goal every, single, day.  Don’t think about things too much, just do them.  Take the bite, over and over again.  This works even better if you find other termites like yourself…

Small things done on a daily basis accomplish HUGE results.

Story III: The average person reads about 220 words per minute.  If you do this daily for a year, you will have read a little over 20 books that are an average of 200 pages.  Broken down: Your ‘average’ book contains about 400 words per page, 200 pages.  About 11 pages per day… Just 20 minutes a day of reading will lead to 20 books per year!  Obviously, you want to choose your books wisely and stay away from the romance novels with small print that are well over 500 pages long, filled with useless info…

Lesson: Whether it’s regarding the field your in, or your fitness goals….READ.  20 books a year is crazy.  Even 10 books per year is awesome.  The average person reads TWO, 200 page books per year.  Sadly enough, most people read ZERO.  Here we are, approaching the end of October…how many books have you read so far this year?  My answer is too embarrassing to write.

Just by setting aside 20 minutes every day to read (or even every other day) you will put yourself way above the rest.

BONUS LESSON: START DOING THIS NOW.

Do not be like the rest.  Starting ‘Monday’ is for losers…

With that, we conclude this post…before you all think I’m losing my ‘edge’!

-Mike McNeil.

EXCUSES 101

It’s the weekend, the notorious diet busting days.  Usually the weekend is the time training gets wasted thru shitty eating, and others eye ball Monday as the start of their ‘new’ diet or some other half assed goal that they’ll excuse away by Tuesday night.  Excuses.  They’re easy to make, and even easier to keep.  There is always one you can use.

I sit, and I eat.  I eat cereal.  Sugary, crappy, horrible…cereal.  Why?  Because, I am cheating.  Today, and tomorrow are both eat crappy days.  If there is one weakness I have, it is sugary foods.  I eat sugary foods, and I eat them late at night.  I understand this, I recognize this as a weakness, and I make no excuse for it.  Did you read that?

I MAKE NO EXCUSE FOR IT.

When it’s time to change, I tighten it up.  That change is coming…in 2 more days.  Why not?  We all know Mondays are the day to start. **sarcasm intended**  More on that later…

This brings us to today’s topic; EXCUSES 101.

Here is a big one I hear over and over… I have kids, I cannot stick to an exercise regiment. WRONG.  If anyone knows me personally, you know about my nephew…basically, my son.  He is my best buddy, my fishing buddy, my coloring buddy, and also…my part time workout partner.  He doesn’t push me to lift more, or do an extra hill sprint.  In reality, he wants to go get some ice cream.  But, he usually lasts an hour or so before total boredom sets in and the workout cannot continue.

Notice the picture below, here is Mini-B at the park…where I am doing hill sprints.  Prior to this, I was flipping a tire, doing box jumps, and them smacking the shit outta the tire with a hammer. (also pictured)  I did all this while he was riding his plastic quad.  Quad time only lasted so long, then it was play with cars time, then coloring time.

What’s your point, Mike?  My point is this; it IS doable.  You are just being too lazy to plan anything, or make adjustments to get your kids involved.  I do it…you can as well.  I also do this so Mini-B sees that it is important.  Give him a few more years, dude’s going to be a BEAST.

I also hear I’m just too old to do any of that stuff, I’m old…I can’t exercise. This is flat out ridiculous.  I’m not going to dig up dozens of 70 year olds doing crazy things, with heavy weights.  I also train a couple people over the age of 60…they do just fine.

My answer; if you’re too old too exercise, or move….well, just die.  Sorry to be so blunt, but it seems you’ve already given up.  I cannot help someone that has given up before they even try.

I work crazy hours, my schedule is all over the place.  I can’t commit to anything. I hear ya…I hear ya. The economy sucks, and you gotta work 22 hours a day to just get by.  Well, let me make this clear; if you live to only work…your life sucks.  You’ll be dead much sooner than you should be.  Pay your bills, but don’t make every waking moment a working one.  Second, your time management may just suck.  If it doesn’t, then you probably have a daily planner…filled with meeting, appointments, and other energy sucking blocks of time.

Set an hour for yourself.  This is YOUR training time. If you can’t schedule an hour out of your day to get in some training, than your probably some high powered CEO and wouldn’t have time to read this article anyhow.  Problem solved..

Mike, it takes much more than an hour to get to the gym…change, workout, then change again, and get back to my hectic schedule.

Heck, all the better…gyms suck anyhow.  Here’s a few ideas; 100 burpees in your office, stop on the way home at a park and bust some body weight training.  You can also build a small gym in your garage or backyard.  Try stopping in an empty parking lot and pushing your car around.  You can make a sled, or fill a few sand bags and do countless workouts virtually anywhere, any time.

If I told you all the places I have trained, and items I have used…you wouldn’t believe me anyhow.

Really…excuses get old, but they’re easy to cling to.  Excuses will keep you fat, weak, and sick.  Results come from hard work, commitment, and total dedication.  If you have no desire to change, that’s fine…but, don’t give me no bullshit reasoning as to why you cannot.

I have kids, I am too old, I don’t have time, and working out is just too much hassle.  WRONG.

Here is your answer; I make choices, I want to be better…but I am just not willing to work hard, change anything.  I like to complain, and wish things would change…but, I am still waiting for that magic pill.

So, either ditch the excuses…get on board, and let’s get shit done.  Or…you can stick to the same ol’ script that you have been for the last few years.  Get on board, or get out of the way…we got WORK to do, kids.

The End.

Find your motivation, not an excuse.

-Mike McNeil.

Remember…

Unless you live under a rock, in some dark cave…you know yesterday was the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 Terror Attacks.  Commonly known as ‘Nine-Eleven’ and sometimes called Patriots Day, it’s a day to remember.  Remember the lives lost, lives sacrificed for the greater good.  Countless heroes who didn’t give it a second thought when it was time to put it all on the line for people they didn’t even know.  Tragic, yet amazing.

Following the events, people seemed to be much more kind to each other.  Although, fear was inevitable…people were still nicer.

Sad enough, it shouldn’t take a tragic event like this to bring people closer together.  So, I guess this is just my way of showing that I care as well!  Work hard, be a strong person, do what you gotta do…but, never forget what really matters.  It goes beyond the ‘be kind to others’ mantra.  In a world filled with problems, stress, and issues…it’s easy to forget what makes us strong in the first place.  Love of life is strength.

Be who you are.  Make changes only for yourself, and only ones that better yourself. Time is life.  Don’t waste your time…or your life.  So, this message is not only intended to remind you to be kinder to others…in good times, and in bad.  But, it’s also a reminder that we only have a limited amount of time.  At any given moment, your or your loved one(s) can be gone. Forever.

It’s happened before.  Unfortunately, it will most likely happen again at some point.  It never gets easier.

This weekend was a ‘picnic’ day at the lake with a few close family members.  It was also the weekend of my mom’s 59th birthday.  Being around them was great, it reminded me how much I had to be grateful for.  We’re a humble family, not very much money, and at times it can be very trying.  It all caved in on me…’stop whining, stop complaining, stop being bitter, don’t be a hypocrite, and stop wasting time…which is life’.

This is you, this is what you have.  Enjoy life.  Love everyone the same.  You can always find someone better, or, worse off than yourself.  You basically have 2 choices in life; 1. Accept the circumstances or 2. Take responsibility for them, then change it.

I know I still have much to learn, much to do, and much to give.  Fight on, push forward…it’s the only way to go.  Sometimes it feels like the world is on YOUR shoulders…what to do?  Don’t ask for a lighter load, ask for stronger shoulders.

This was a day for remembrance, for love, and for doing.

This was also a day for a wake up call, for all of us.  Understand what’s really important.  It’s not money, possessions, or fame that makes us happy.  Live, and love life.  No matter what the problem is, don’t waste time…life.  To put it bluntly; you and or someone you love can die TODAY.  There is no promise of a tomorrow.

Don’t waste life.

That being said, let’s go kick some fu**in ass.  Train hard, be STRONG!

-Mike McNeil.

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