During the National Capitol Fireworks show on PBS last evening, the Master of Ceremonies recited a part of the Declaration of Independence, remarking how words that were written hundreds of years ago are still so relevant in our great nation. Thomas Jefferson wanted us all to have the ” the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” As I thought about that, suddenly, it came to me that those words are very current – and ironically relevant to what Younger Next Year tells us and what “Let’s Move, York…” hopes to accomplish. Obviously, my interpretation applies on a whole different plane than our forefathers were thinking, but nevertheless, this is equally necessary to maintaining our Independence. By following the seven rules of Younger Next Year we will most assuredly live longer by eliminating the 70% of lifestyle related deaths that our coroners document. We will most assuredly live the way we want to until we die, not slide down the slippery slope of increasing disability and infirmity – now, that is true liberty. And, we will most assuredly enjoy the pursuit of happiness. Losing one’s independence is never a happy time. Believe me, I’ve watched it happen too many times to people I love. So, my message for our Nation’s Birthday is to celebrate your Independence that our forefathers fought so hard for by EXERCISING YOUR INDEPENDENCE. Don’t give up what was so valiantly won. That is our right – and ultimately – our responsibility.
June was our month to deal with Rule # 3 – Do Serious Strength Training, with Weights, two days a week, for the rest of your life. Well, June is over and we hardly touched the surface of how to make this rule happen. So, because, as Chris loves to say over and over in Younger Next Year, “this is so damn important”, Rule # 3 will be continued for another month. I am happy to report that I have some experts on board to help us all get a better handle on this strength training rule – so, you’ll be reading their advice some weeks. I, as I’ve admitted, am having some trouble myself getting motivated to follow this rule. Yes, I know some basic strength training work-outs; yes, I know some of the recommended guidelines re: low weights/high reps vs. high weights/low reps. And, yes, I know the dire consequences of not doing this. But, I don’t know how to get myself motivated to actually do strength training two (or, ideally, for me) three days a week.
But WAIT. I do know the basic principles of motivation. I’m always preaching them to everyone else. A Goal, A Group and some Gumption! I’ve been at this Fitness thing long enough now – and passionate about figuring out how to get everyone “moving” toward a better life, that I absolutely know that those who are most successful (myself included) need a Goal – a Group – and just a bit of Gumption. The goal has to be personally meaningful, specific and just outside your comfort zone. The Group is Harry’s Pack – any like-minded people who share a similar interest in accomplishing what your Goal is. They hold you accountable. And, the Gumption is saying “this is the day that I’m going to start” and then doing it whether it’s convenient or not.
So, to maintain my INDEPENDENCE, I woke up this morning and made a commitment to attend the class that one of my “experts” has every Wednesday evening, tomorrow. That’s my group. I’ll set my Goal when I get there – whether it will be to lift more weights than I currently can, or be able to do a new fun activity that I cannot currently do – I’m not certain yet, but I will set it. And, my Gumption is to put this all in print here, so I make sure that I follow through. I’m going “Public” – something I’ve found to be extraordinarily effective in my own journey of “moving”. Join me, if you want – respond to this blog entry and I’ll give you the details. EXERCISE YOUR INDEPENDENCE.
IMHO you’ve got the right ansewr!
Grade A stuff. I’m unequstionably in your debt.