How many times in the past week has someone asked you how you are? 
What were your answers? 
 
I’d hazard a guess they included a mix of ‘not bad’, ‘okay’ and – talk about damning with faint praise – ‘fine’. 
 
Ring a bell? Thought so. 
 
So, think about this for a minute. Why didn’t you say ‘amazing’? Indeed, have you ever said ‘amazing’, in your whole life? 
 
You’re not alone, because we are all so British, and as a rule we like to tread the safe middle ground when it comes to social niceties, rather than rocking the boat with a stronger word like ‘rubbish’ or, again, amazing. 
 
But the trouble with all of this, in my view, is that the word ‘fine’ is in the same league as ‘nice’. It’s meaningless and nine times out of 10 untrue, and therefore we’d be much better off not saying anything in the first place. 
I challenge you to be – amazing 
This snippet from the late South African President Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inaugural speech, for me, says it all: 
 
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. 
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure 
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. 
We ask ourselves ‘who am I to be brilliant?’ 
Actually, who are you NOT to be? 
You are a child of God. 
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. 
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking 
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you. 
We are born to make manifest the Glory of God that is within us. 
It is not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. 
And as we let our light shine, 
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 
As we are liberated from our own fear, 
Our presence automatically liberates others.” 
 
I think this is such an inspirational piece of text, and sums up my driving belief as a fitness coach and personal trainer, that everyone has the ability – and the right – to feel amazing. 
Forget that great British stiff upper lip - we should demand more of ourselves and our environment! 
 
Instead of feeling embarrassed by being more than fine, we should recognise that having confidence in ourselves makes other people feel better. It gives them permission to shine, too. 
 
But what if you really don’t feel amazing? 
 
Have a think about your stock phrases when someone asks you how you feel. Why do you say them? Consider what this means – is it a sign that you’re actually feeling under par, or that you don’t like your appearance? Do you feel lethargic or struggle to do the things you want to do because you have no energy? And if this is the case, what are the underlying causes of how you feel? 
 
If this thought process highlights the fact you need to change, that’s great because this is the most important first step towards making it happen. 
 
Everyone is different, whether you are middle aged or older, have physical issues or simply don’t believe you can do physical exercise. Yet the reality is that anyone can do it, within their limitations, and see the benefit. We all have the same muscles and bodily structure and are built to do the same basic things, all it takes is consistent effort and determination. 
 
You just need to accept that you might not complete a marathon the very first time you go out for a run, or lift 50kg during your ‘maiden’ weights session. 
 
Your ‘why?’. Springboard to an ‘amazing’ version of you 
 
If reading this has led you to the conclusion that you need to make a few changes to bring out that underlying, amazing you, start by identifying your ‘why?’. This has to be something strong enough to motivate you to do what’s necessary to get you there. It could be feeling fit and strong enough to do more with your children or grandchildren, or stick around long enough to see them grow up. It could be a personal challenge, like a marathon, that you want to tick off your bucket list. 
 
Once you’ve decided to do it, and you understand why, it’s important to seek out someone who can support you and keep you on track. Then surround yourself with friendly, positive people who will also spur you on. 
 
If you’re inspired by what you’ve read and want to make a change, why not get in touch for a free, no obligation chat about your goals and the kinds of things that might help you get there?  
 
You can contact me on 07942 897323 or by emailing info@katherinebray.com 
Tagged as: Be amazing!
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On 6th July 2017 at 19:59, Carol P wrote:
I feel so much better even after three weeks, Katherine will help you get where you want to be.
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