By Coach Jimmy Hays Nelson
“Birds of a Feather, Flock Together”
Who doesn’t remember their mother quoting this phrase dozens of times during our adolescent years? Usually it was in reference to some friend of mine at school that she didn’t quite approve of. But, as I have gotten older I realize that it really applies to all areas of life … yes, even in your waistline!
I look back on areas of my life when I was 100 pounds heavier. A college dropout, moving back in with my parents in my mid 20’s with two maxed out credit cards. Working at a bar and completely giving up on my dreams. It was very easy to blame outside circumstances on my situation. But I looked back on those times and who I chose to spend most of my time with; What were their habits, income, fitness levels or mindsets? No wonder I was struggling!!!
Most of my ‘friends’ had no long term dreams or goals they were working toward on a daily basis. None of them pushed me out of my comfort zone to strive to be something more than I was. It was mostly about how we were going to endure another day. And where the party was that night. My daily routine consisted of late nights of drinking followed by 2 am visits to Denny’s. And my only physical activity was being on my feet waiting tables. No wonder I hated the summer time pool season!
Thank goodness I had a friend that introduced me to Power 90, an in-home workout series that came with an amazing support community. The program was great, but the community of support and accountability that came with it is what played a huge role in changing my world.
“As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
The amazingly supportive online community were people trying to improve themselves on a daily basis! Many of them were much further along in their fitness journey than I was, yet were not satisfied to rest on the results they had seen.
That was 10 years ago! And I am still friends with many of those people that I met when I started Power 90. But the crazy thing is my constant self improvement has grown far beyond waist or bicep size. It has become constantly growing as an overall person in fitness, business, marriage, spirituality, and parenthood.
During the past two weeks, I have had the privilege of being around some of these extraordinary people. A small group of us met in South Florida for Tommy & Ashley Mygrant’s wedding. Tommy has lost over 100 pounds. Impacts thousands on his speaking circuit. And runs a very successful business as a fellow Beachbody Coach. I was joined by other top Beachbody Coaches as well. The late night talks by the pool and our group workouts were an amazing time of growth for all of us, as we shared experiences, habits, successes, and failures.
Then this past weekend, a larger group of us attended a seminar where we were pushed in all areas of our life. I came away from these experiences realizing that no matter how successful we think someone is, there are areas of their lives they are trying to improve as well. No one has it all figured out!
This brings me back to your health, fitness, and that ever growing waistline! What example is being set for you by the people you surround yourself with? I’ve heard a stat many times that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. That includes finances, mindset, outlook on the future, and YES, YOUR HEALTH!
At my heaviest weight, and lowest areas of my life, I would have loved to have someone speaking life and encouragement into me. But I didn’t seem to know where to find that. Thank God that I got plugged into a virtual family that accepted me in my current state. Encouraged me on good days and bad days. And saw more in me than I saw in myself!
Does that describe you? Do you have that small, desperate voice inside you that screams out “I know I am so much more than this”?
Have you given up on goals and dreams because of your current physical condition? (I know being 100 pounds overweight squashed my dream of pursuing my acting career)
If this is you, take comfort in knowing you are not alone! You can improve your health, reclaim those goals, and live the life you deserve! I have been where you are. I know it’s possible! And I am here to help!
I’d love to connect with you via my Facebook or Twitter account! I’d love to hear your story, find out your dreams and goals and then devise a plan to get you started on the path towards success!
In this together! YOUR Success Story is MY Mission! – Coach Jimmy
Jimmy Hays Nelson Beachbody Coach is a self-proclaimed ‘former fat guy’. In his mid 20’s he was an overweight college dropout, who found himself living back at home with his parents. Knowing something had to change, he took action.
Through his transformation journey he lost 100 pounds, started his own business, was featured in the Shaun T workout series INSANITY, and has been seen multiple times on QVC with his buddy Tony Horton promoting P90X.
He founded NELSONGY FITNESS with his wife Kelly to reach out to give hope and support to those that are dissatisfied with their current situation. Whether you are lacking physically, emotionally, financially, or nutritionally we are here to help you see REAL RESULTS!