Bring The Body and The Mind Will Follow / Shifted To Change

Bring The Body and The Mind Will Follow / Shifted To Change

"Start Where You Are At"

One afternoon, a person whom I had not seen previously, walked into the gym. Surrounded by women and men attired in athletic shorts, warmups, sweats and the like, the gentleman was decked out in a long-sleeved button-down shirt, tucked into dress khakis. Complimenting the ensemble was an ostrich belt, argyle socks and a pair of matching ostrich shoes.

The chap casually strolled into the weight and cardio area, sipping on a diet cola. As peaceful as could be, he looked around and chose a treadmill. He stepped up on the machine, placed the soda can in the drink holder and began hitting buttons. The belt began moving, and so did his legs. As his strides and movement began increasing aboard the machine, so did his confidence. He seemed very relaxed. About 15 minutes later, as I completed the weight training I was involved in, he was finishing up, as well.

As he stepped down, I approached with my always enthusiastic “How you doing?!” He nodded. What’s your name?” Almost apologetically, he muttered “Hi, I’m Bill and my doctor told me I need to lose some weight. I know, I am not exactly dressed for it.” I excitedly announced “Hey Bill! I am so glad you are here.” Glancing down and expecting to be judged, Bill mumbled: “I didn’t do much.” "Bill, I announced, “It does not matter how you are dressed. It does not matter how much you did or didn’t do…. You Are Here! That is more than 80% of Americans can say. Congratulations!” With a slight grin and looking somewhat surprised look, Bill clamored “I’m not feeling it,” as he finished off his diet cola. “You brought your body, Bill, the mind will follow.” He nodded, looking somewhat unconvinced. “Will I see you again tomorrow, Bill?”, I inquired. He nodded again.

Bill exemplified a lot of desire and courage in the manner in which he took the First Step in his journey. Suiting up and showing up is huge. Without the First Step, there will rarely if ever, be a second step.

As it turned out, I did see Bill the next day. And over the course of the next few weeks, Bill showed up again, again, and then again. Then one day, about a month in, Bill inquired “You are very encouraging and positive and I appreciate that. Are you a trainer?” “Well sort of,” I explained. Bill indicated he knew exercise and fitness were important pieces to reaching his goals, but he needed a solid plan with structure and accountability.

After an initial consultation call, Bill hired us to help him co-create a new life and he began Shifting To Change. We worked together for 90 days. Bill’s decision to take the First Step was HUGE. During his sessions, Bill changed the way he used to view his physical being and how he had interacted with food. With a new mindset came the elimination of two, key, toxic elements from his diet. Coupled with a solid commitment to his plan and goals, backed with actions, Bill dropped 60 pounds in a year while lowering his cholesterol, blood pressure, and his standing heart rate. His energy increased. Not only did Bill feel better, he felt better about himself.

We celebrated his achievements, by running together in his first 5K.... And it all started with The First Step. Hoorah, Bill. We are all proud of you!

2023 Shift To Change LLC --Bart Andrew Kudlicki