Crossfit: What It Means To Me & Tips For Improvement

I once read a very insightful quote. It goes something like this:

Do not play a sport to get fit, rather get fit for the sport.

Crossfit has become an integral part of my living because it is the vehicle that enables me to enjoy the journey of attaining health, fitness, and the body I desire; one that is strong, fast, agile, and tone. It is also the building block for the other physical activities I engage in such as, yoga, meditation, rock climbing, backpacking, tennis, and getting ready for Tough Mudder in September 2012!

Whenever I encourage my friends to do a Crossfit Workout of the Day (WOD) with me, they often tell me, “Rachael, this is too intense for me and it is not my thing!”  Crossfit is always challenging and will always be for me! But, what techniques have I incorporated into my life to enjoy the process despite the post WOD soreness?

Here are a few simple tips, and I hope they can be helpful for you as it has been for me:

1. To be successful in life and in business, the ultimate goal is to defeat yourself! That’s right, it is not about competing with your friend’s time, number of rounds, or reps! It is all about beating your own score! If it took you 15minutes to run 1 mile on May 10th and 2 weeks later it took you 14mins to run 1 mile, you’ve beaten your old score. You’re on the path to progress and success.
2. Consistency is the mother of great rewards. There will be days when you aren’t pushing as hard and days when you are extremely hyped. Either way, complete the WOD to the best of your abilities and never cheat, even if it is just 1 rep! If and when you are unsure how many reps you have completed, just throw in an extra two. It never hurts to do more, but it will gradually catch up on your if you did less.
3. Never give up on yourself. Your family, friends, and society can tell you that you suck, look down upon you, or give up on you. But, You must never give in to their negativity nor give up on yourself! You are the most important person underneath the sun; therefore, do the best you can given your current condition.
4. Be kind, patient, and respectful towards yourself. Every progress you dream off, requires time and your consistent effort. If you didn’t complete your 1 mile run in 12 minutes today, you can always give it another try tomorrow! Understand that failures are necessary as you are on your way to your ultimate destination, whatever it may be for you.

Apply the tips in any order that you desire, but always remember, that success happens when we are able to compete with yourself and beat your old score!

Namaste,

Rachael T.

Your 2012

Hey folks! How’s it going?

2012 is right around the corner and many of us are busy buying and wrapping presents, writing Christmas and New Year cards, planning a festive vacation with family and friends, or just getting ready for an exciting and festive time of the year.

While we are busy with our commitments, let us not forget to be kind and patient with ourselves and others.
Devote 20 minutes each day in the remaining two weeks of December to reflect on the things that went well in 2011 and things that did not go well in 2011, and complete a Values Worksheet.
This is not a time to grief or regret, but the time to start anew and fresh.

As Maria Robinson once said,

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

Here are some inspiring articles to help you along your way of defining and improving Your 2012!

You Are Not Limited By What You Did Yesterday
50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind
30 Things To Stop Doing to Yourself
Finding The Fire in Your Gut
The Secret To Making Life Decisions
To Grow, Leave What You Know Behind
Two List You Should Look At Every Morning
Setting Yourself Up to Win: A Body by Science Approach

If you are up for more, watch this super inspiring video:

Commencement Speech Transcript

Commencement Speech Transcript

Ohayo Gozaimasu,

Ogenki desu ka? (How are you?)

Enjoy the video I just uploaded. It’s a great video that talks about love, life, death and passion! Most importantly, it all ties in with value.

Here is an exercise for you. After watching this video, take a few minutes to complete a Values Worksheet.
Take this opportunity to reveal what’s within to your consciousness.

I will be away from August 2nd to August 17th. I’ll have some great materials for you when I am back!

Take good care of your well-being and be happy!

Living this week to the best of your ability

12 quotes for your weekend

The 12 Most Uplifting Quotes from Muhammad Ali

[Note: Credit goes to Michelle Kay from 12Most.com]

Parenting, marriage, career, or just everyday life for that matter, can sometimes feel like a boxing match with the challenges that we face each and every day. Perspective on what is really important can change the outcome of so many different situations. Muhammad Ali was often considered controversial, but the following are some uplifting quotes from a man which can inspire greatness in you with my thoughts thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!

1. “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

My take is, mostly be a nice person, but hey, stand up for you when the need arises. No doormats allowed!

2. “If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it.”

If you set your mind to something, it’s possible. Period.

3. “Impossible is just a big word thrown around my small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”

Impossible and can’t are not in my vocabulary.

4. “To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If not pretend you are.”

If you don’t have confidence in yourself, how can anyone else?

5. “What you are thinking is what you are becoming.”

There is power in what you think and say. Use it to your full advantage.

6. “Don’t count the days, make the days count.”

Spending the days counting down to your next big event, project, vacation ect…wastes precious time. Make a point to do something great every day and don’t forget the gratitude; that will help you find your successes.

7. “What keeps me going is goals.”

Make some. It’s motivating. They don’t have to be life changing. Crossing of accomplishments from a to-do list can be a good starting place.

8. “I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.”

Nobody owns you. You have choices. Choose wisely.

9. “Live everyday as if it were your last because someday you’re going to be right.”

Again, gratitude, gratitude, gratitude.

10. “Age is whatever you think it is. You are as old as you think you are.”

Try new things, you may just like it.

11. “If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, then they can sure make something out of you.”

Yep. You rock!

12. “Silence is golden when you can’t think of a good answer.”

Another favorite of mine, “I’ll have to get back to you”.

Life should be enjoyable and an experience where you have the chance to grow psychologically and intellectually. Anything less is really not living. Who is a person that inspires you? What are some of your favorite quotes? What are some things you do to stay motivated? Do you take time to set goals for yourself?

I couldn’t have said it better!

Hey Folks! How’s your week been? I hope it has been productive, fun, and just plain Awesome!

My week has been productive, exhausting, thought-consuming, and every bit adventurous!

Anyway, I read a very powerful article by Sid Savara titled, “Stop Waiting For Your Life To Begin”.

Please take 5 minutes to read it and think about what you desire to create out of this one chance you get out of being alive. I often tell my friends, “This is your only chance to live, make it worth your while and make it an adventurous trip whereby you are able to share it and be proud of!”

I couldn’t agree more that nobody on their deathbeds wish they had spend more time doing things that they do not love and value.

Have a splendid weekend!

With much love,
Rachael

Couch Surfing in Japan this August.

No, this is not the same thing as being a couch potato! lol

Couch Surfing is a website that connects the couch host (a person, people, or family with a couch or futon – if you are in Japan – to offer) with the couch surfer (the traveler or vagabonder who needs a couch or futon to sleep on).

The idea is simple, yet powerful because it connects people. People whom you’d never strike a conversation with on the train or walking at the park are now in your home, and you see beyond the exterior and begin to take an interest on the “Who.”

The first time when I was in Japan, I was coddled by the comfort of my good friend’s company and cozy apartment.
This time, I would like to meet new people, make new friends, have interesting conversations, learn new things, improve my Japanese speaking skills, and maybe cook a few Chinese dishes for those who are so kind to host me.
In short, I’m seeking for adventure, new experiences, unforgettable memories, and new friendships. These can’t be bought with money.

The best things in life aren’t things. – Art Buchwald

Jya Matta (See ya in Japanese)

Here’s a music to start your week :-)

Pessimism or Optimism?

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. – Winston Churchill

There are always opportunities to shine. Life is neutral, and will always have its ups and its down.
Life is what you make it to be.
So, for this week, think of the top 3 stressors in your life, and devise 3 plans you can act upon to improve your life.

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Be Happy. Live Happy.

Coin Toss

Konnichiwa!

It’s Wednesday, and I bet you’ve had tons of opportunities to make some decisions.
Some decisions are much more challenging to make. Do not worry, I’ve got just the solution for you!

Try a coin toss

Have a Wonderful Wednesdays

Coin Toss