A Message from D'Lynne

Define what is important to you, set meaningful goals and identify your vision. This doesn't only apply to health and fitness, but to everything in your life. To be in control is to:


- be productive
- deal effectively with stress
- be able to solve problems
- handle change
- develop healthy optimism

Taking control begins with positive thinking and outlook. It enables productivity. Negative thinking and outlook creates a mindset that makes it difficult to manage challenges, accomplish tasks, or be productive.

There are steps you can take to change your mindset to become more positive. First, take care of yourself! Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep and rest. When you are healthy, physically and mentally, you are able to deal with everything more effectively.

Second, practice gratitude. Take time to appreciate the good things in your life. Focusing on those good things will help you develop a more positive attitude.

Third, don't make assumptions and don't assume anything. Find out the how and why. Take the time to be informed and inform yourself. The unknown can grow into an ugly, scary monster and usually leads us to making false conclusions. Also, don't waste time worrying about things you can't control.

Fourth, refrain from absolutes. Thinking in absolutes ( I never can...., etc.) makes a situation seem worse than it is.

Fifth, eliminate the negative. Negative self talk only damages self esteem. Low self esteem allows you to do nothing! Certainly not anything positive.

Lastly, take action! Convince yourself that only action shows what you can really do and give you the opportunity to improve. Understand and accept the value of your results. Look for excellence, not perfection. Meaningful results are not always when everything goes as planned. When your results don't match your expectations, you have an incredible opportunity to learn and grow.

You will always have challenges as you grow and change. It's part of life. Developing confidence and being able to feel good about who you are and how you live your life is the most important! Good luck.

Until next month, in health and happiness,
D'Lynne

Stuck in a rut? Can't seem to get things done? Feel like you are not in control of your life? Guess what? You already have control of your life! You may not like your options, but you still have control. Now, there are things you cannot control, weather, other people, etc. You can influence other people, but not control them, so stop trying. Focus on what you can control.

Taking Control - November 2008