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When I first shared my story about dealing with anxiety, the main reaction I got was from people who really appreciated me for being vulnerable about my own struggles. That going me thinking. I believe we need to be more open with each other about what we are going through. Sharing your feelings is a scary thing to do, one that doesn’t come easy to many people. And when you work by yourself, it’s especially important that you make the effort to open up to others. While this process might be hard, it is without a doubt going to be worth it in the end. For those who are wanting to be more vulnerable or at the very least wanting to learn more about how to be more open, I’ve put together three steps to follow that can help us all become a little more vulnerable. This step is all about finding that one person you can always be open with. It really doesn’t matter who it is, as long as you are comfortable sharing your feelings. Having a VP will help you a lot when it comes to practicing sharing your emotions. Your VP should be someone you know will listen without any judgment, no matter what. Telling this person what problems you are facing isn’t going to be a huge deal, because you know at the end of the day, they will always have your back. Think about it like learning how to become a better public speaker. You don’t just get up to speak in front of 50 people when you are starting out! First, you practice in front of people (or a person) who are close to you, so you aren’t scared of their judgment. My VP is either my fiance or sister. With these two people, I know I can be my most open self and experience no judgments. Whenever I am going through something, I talk to my VP first. Like anything else in your life, it is important to make time to be vulnerable. I am not saying that you need to make time each day to talk to your VP (although if you can, that’s awesome), but you should at the very least set time once a month for you and your VP to check in. When you are first learning how to do something, practice makes you better. Making time for a vulnerability break, and setting it on your calendar each month, is room for you to practice opening up and sharing what is going on with your life. The first break probably won’t be the easiest. It might even be a bit awkward. But as you get into a rhythm, it will begin to feel a lot more natural. You might even get to a point where you don’t even need these scheduled breaks anymore, because you are already sharing on a regular basis. The final step in this process is to regularly reflect on your experiences with being vulnerable. Some common questions you can ask yourself might be, “How does sharing make me feel?” “Is this getting easier or am I struggling opening up?” “What topics are a no-go for me to share? Why?” Reflecting on your experience is key in your learning, because it’ll remind you what you enjoy and don’t enjoy about the process. It can also reveal new ways for you to share deeper with more people, or it could show you that you need to find a new VP. The goal of this step is to create more self-awareness around what you are feeling. This will remind you that sharing isn’t as scary as you’d originally thought, and that you can even share more confidently with other people without worrying about being judged or labeled as “weak.” Think of these steps as a guideline in your process of becoming more vulnerable, but if you find other strategies that work better for you, use them! Being vulnerable is not the easiest thing to do, but once you open up and share more, not only do you feel less pressure/stress, you will see that your story connects with so many more people than you would have ever guessed. It really is a beautiful thing. Thanks for reading & sharing! via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/09/21/lets-be-more-vulnerable/
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Two questions I am often asked:
ANSWER: Equal parts I picked the right parents, never missing a universal bench day (every Monday) through the 90’s, and I watching and rewinding the “Arnie gets tooled up” montage from the movie Commando incessantly. Pecs by proxy.
ANSWER: Because I’d rather jump into a shark’s mouth. The only way I’d fathom starting my own podcast is if I could spend half of it talking about how to make people stronger than Mack trucks and the other half discussing geeky movie shenanigans like my favorite movie tracking shots (Copacabana nightclub scene from Goodfellas or the car attack/chase scene from Children of Men), or why J-Lo’s badonkadonk hasn’t been given it’s only trilogy or why it hasn’t been nominated for Best Supporting Actress? Wake up Academy! The truth, however, is that I don’t feel I’d be able to drum up enough interesting content to warrant a podcast. I’m a rather dull person. As it happens I’m invited onto 1-2 podcasts per month anyway…so I kinda already do have a podcast. 2 Most Recent AppearancesTotal Fitheads PodcastFirst up is the Total Fitheads Podcast hosted by Ali Spagnola and MaxNoSleeves (<– I honestly couldn’t find Max’s last name…haha). (But, let’s be real: NoSleeves is baller and I can think of nothing cooler than putting some sort of moniker next to one’s name. Hmmm, I’m thinking TonyGiveMeAllTheCreatine might work. Yes, no, maybe so?). Ali and Max are two meatheads who just like to invite cool & interesting people onto their show to talk shop. I had a blast recording this episode and really appreciated their spontaneity and spunk. You can check out the audio recording HERE. Or the video version here: Lift Free & Diet HardNext up I was able to catch up with my friend Andrew Coates on his brand spankin new podcast. It’s so shiny and glorious and delicious (which doesn’t make any sense). Andrew has very easy-going interview style and honestly believe he and I could have kept talking for another hour. But unless your name is Joe Rogen (or Space Ghost) no one listens to 2+ hour podcasts…;o) You can listen in HERE. Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.via Blog – Tony Gentilcore http://tonygentilcore.com/2020/09/two-more-podcast-appearances-lift-free-and-diet-hard-and-total-fitheads/
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The success of a freelancer depends primarily on self-promotion. Many of us were taught as children not to brag about ourselves in front of others, but when it comes to freelancing, this is exactly what we need to do. If you are a freelancer who wants to attract new customers, it is crucial to decide what methods you will use and how your personal brand will look. The marketing of any high-quality freelancer must be innovative and interesting for the client, but at the same time, express the main essence of services provided. Most interactions in the modern world occur through digital media. For example, a client can contact a freelancer using a social network, Skype, email, or other avenue. But personal human relations remain one of the most necessary aspects of the business world, especially when a freelancer wants to build long-term relationships with their customer. This is why every freelancer needs a business card. Why are freelance business cards so important?Today, business cards are a great tool to make a good impression on new customers. They are an integral branding element, making you stand out above your competitors. It is worth noting that with a good business card, you can offer your services or products wherever you are. With a strong handshake, you can exchange personal information with your next major client. At seminars, conferences, or just business meetings, a business card is essential. You can share them with other participants, thereby distributing information about your personal brand. Often, a business card is not just a piece of paper that contains basic contact information. Smart freelancers turn it into an impressive design with an eye-catching logo, a special font, attractive color, and more. A good business card reveals the quality of the products and/or services that a freelancer provides. A correctly executed personal contact card shows the client a reputation of the freelancer and the level of quality of the products or services one provides. It can also depict a unique attribute of a freelancer's business - for example, if you are a writer, your business card should include some well-written, engaging copy or a catchy tagline. Here are all the things a business card can do for you: 1) It is a great opportunity to advertise your goods and services. 2) It is a sign of prestige (not all freelancers have business cards). 3) It is a simple way to inform anyone about your specialization and what services you can provide. 4) It is a physical reminder of a meeting with a potential client, which can help close the deal. 5) It can be shared by the recipient to friends and acquaintances who may be interested in your services. What elements must all freelance business cards include?What's a good business card supposed to be? The answer to this question will be almost the same as the list of why you need it: 1) It must be a good advertisement for your products and services. 2) It must look prestigious, not clumsy. 3) It must contain only the necessary contact information. 4) It should be a card that a person would like to show their own friends and acquaintances. If you decide to commission a designer to create your business card, make sure to have a conversation with them about your needs first. They should know: 1) How you position yourself (designer, programmer, copywriter, optimizer, translator, or any other freelance specialization) 2) Whether your industry favors unconventional business cards or strictly classic designs 3) If you want something colorful or muted. 4) Where the text will be placed - on both sides or just one 5) If you have a logo or other personal elements that must be included Whether you choose a design with lots of graphic elements or just straightforward text will depend, in part, on the industry you work in. If you are in a creative field, you are more likely to need an eye-catching design. Lawyers will want something extremely simple and classic. At minimum, every business card should include your name, title, web address, and the best way to get in touch with you. What should you avoid in a business card?Do not make a card of unusual size or shape. Many people keep the cards they collect in special pockets or cases, which will not hold anything outside the standard rectangular. An oddly shaped card is more likely, then, to go straight to the trash. Do not choose a thin cardboard for your card, as it will wear out or bend and look sloppy. Avoid using pale inks or holographic foil embossing, which can make reading really difficult. A carelessly and tastelessly decorated card will be the perfect anti-advertisement for you as a freelance specialist. If the style of design does not correspond to your industry or specialty, it will cause bewilderment rather than interest. Look at the design holistically - don't experiment with combining typefaces, images, or backgrounds that will clash with each other. Using a massive logo or a personal photo on a card is a bad tone, especially for media specialists. One exception to the photo rule is specialists, such as actors, for whom recognizability is crucial. Sometimes the desire to give maximum information about yourself makes the card spam, turning it into a ridiculous canvas of letters and numbers. Only include as much information as is absolutely necessary. And make sure to triple-check all your information for accuracy and clarity! An incorrectly specified phone number or email address will prevent clients from actually contacting you, while a link to a personal site containing "https://" or a jokey personal email address look sloppy and unprofessional. ConclusionImagine the situation: You have met a person who wants to keep your contact details to be able to get in touch with you later. If you do not have a freelance business card, they will write down your contact information on their phone. When a client needs your help, it will be a long and painful journey to remember where your contact details were saved. They may not be able to find you at all, or they may forget just what services you can provide when they come across your contact information a month later. If you have a freelance business card, all these problems are solved immediately. Business cards are necessary to absolutely everyone who plans to make personal or professional acquaintances and contacts. They not only make the process of exchanging contact information more convenient, they are an integral tool for building the reputation of freelance specialists. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/09/17/why-you-still-need-a-business-card/
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There’s no shortage of “debates” in the health/fitness space. Ideal neck position during a deadlift is also a hotly debated topic and I can appreciate both sides of the argument. Here’s my take and what has worked well for me and my clients. (I’m not saying I’m right, but I kinda am.) What’s the “Right” Neck Position?Maintaining a “neutral” spine during a deadlift is paramount. It’s the first commandment of deadlifting. Neutral in this sense means “maintaining the spine’s natural lordotic (lower back) and kyphotic (upper back) curvature.” Coaches will start hyperventilating into a paper bag if they see an athlete round his or her back during a deadlift. Okay, so why do we not hold the same standard to the cervical spine or neck? Is the neck not part of the spine? I prefer people adopt a chin tucked or “packed” neck position: ? It reinforces the neutral spine, which the neck is part of. I understand the other side of the argument. There are many examples of people extending their head back during a deadlift (i.e. a not-packed neck) and they’ve been fine. See? He’s fine. ? But in the beginning stages, a packed neck is my preference. Then as someone grows more proficient with the movement they’re allotted more leeway. Besides, what often happens during a max effort attempt – extended neck, and yes, sometimes a rounded back – should not be held to the same standard as a sub-maximal attempt or to someone just learning the lift. ? In terms of how to cue the proper neck position, I like to have lifters stare at a target 10-15 feet in front of them on the floor. This helps with better neck position and actually helps increase full-body tension. Win-win. Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.via Blog – Tony Gentilcore http://tonygentilcore.com/2020/09/1-minute-deadlift-tip-neck-position/
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Remember when the IRS extended the annual tax deadline at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic to July 15? Did you pay your freelance income taxes then —or did you decide to file an extension? If you opted to file an extension, it’s now time to file your taxes so you don’t miss the deadline of October 15 and end up being hit with late filing fees and penalties. If your cash flow is slower this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s still critical to pay as much of the tax you owe as possible. Failing to do so will subject you to more interest (if you didn’t pay by July 15, you’ve been accruing 0.5% interest on the balance since then, even with an extension), plus penalties on any tax obligations that remain outstanding after October 15. As a freelancer, you should always try to pay your taxes in full, but if it’s just not possible for you to do so and you filed an extension, here’s a plan of action to help you mitigate as much of the negative financial impact as possible. 1. File your taxes by the October 15 extension deadline.Even if you can’t pay the full amount of tax you owe, you need to file your tax return by October 15 to avoid paying a failure to file and failure to pay penalty. The failure to file penalty is 5% of the unpaid tax reported on your return. The IRS generally does reduce the “failure to pay” penalty amount for any month where both a failure to file and failure to pay penalty applies. However, these penalties are still charged each month — or part of a month — that your return is late, for up to five months. If you think the IRS isn’t watching the calendar, think again: They will charge penalties even if your return is filed less than 30 days late. 2. Can’t pay in full? Work to reduce your tax obligation over a period of time.If you don’t pay the full amount of taxes owed on your return when you file it and you can’t pay within a month, you can count on the IRS charging the failure to pay penalty on a monthly basis until the tax owed is paid in full. Bottom line here: If you can’t pay your taxes in full and your balance is a moderate amount, it’s better to pay monthly than to wait and keep accruing interest and late payment fees. If you’re really in deep and owe the IRS a lot of money, keep reading; we address some options below. 3. Is your tax bill too much for you to handle in the short-term? There are options.If you can't pay your balance in full, pay whatever you can now. You can apply for an Installment Agreement to pay the remaining balance. Entering into an Installment Agreement with the IRS may reduce future failure to pay penalties. Consulting with a tax professional can help you structure an agreement that eases your financial stress in this scenario, or if you have considerable unpaid tax obligations from previous tax years. 4. Get on track with your estimated tax payments.It cannot be emphasized enough that for many freelancers, the key to avoiding paying additional fees, fines, and penalties to the IRS is to make sure you stay on top of your estimated tax payments throughout the year. Set up a separate bank account and put the money you need for each quarterly payment in there as your payments come into your business. This will help you avoid late payment fines, penalties and interest fees. The IRS also applies late payment fines to estimated taxes. These are calculated separately for each quarterly installment. The number of days late is first determined and then multiplied by the effective interest rate for the installment period. Note that the next estimated tax payment is due January 15, unless you plan to file your 2020 return and pay all of your taxes in full by February 21. With the October 15 tax extension deadline just a few short weeks away, it’s time to get your freelance taxes filed and paid — in full, if you can. While the extension to file your freelance taxes offers you a window to get your reporting in order and, ideally, come up with the money to pay your taxes, it’s best to close it on time to avoid paying the IRS more than necessary. If you are struggling to keep current on your taxes or you are facing tax problems from previous tax years, be sure to reach out to a tax professional. They can help you navigate your individual situation with the IRS and create a tax resolution plan to help you take care of your freelance taxes now and in the future. Jonathan Medows is a New York City-based CPA who specializes in taxes and business issues for freelancers and self-employed individuals across the country. He provides tax, accounting and business articles for freelancers on his website, http://www.cpaforfreelancers.com — which also features a blog and a comprehensive freelance tax guide. Please note, due to the high volume of inquiries in regard to COVID-19, Jonathan is not able to respond to individual requests for information at this time. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/09/16/did-you-file-a-tax-extension/
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Have you ever thought to yourself, Now, these are my people? Do you remember the warm and fuzzy feeling that came from being seen, understood, and connected? Now think about what made you similar to those people and what made you different. I’m willing to bet that even if your life experiences were very different, what connected you was remarkably similar. Am I right? For example, in the 10 years I’ve been a business coach for creative entrepreneurs, I’ve learned that nearly every single one of my clients has been primarily motivated to:
Can you relate? I’m willing to bet if you’re reading this, you can! And achieving those things is entirely possible (I’ve been honored to witness it countless times). But there’s a teeny, tiny catch — you’re going to have to let go of fitting in and fully embrace…what makes you different and stand out from the crowd. Sounds great on the surface, right? I mean, who doesn’t want a business and personal brand that stands out in the marketplace? But standing out goes way deeper than a killer brand presence and Instagram feed. What standing out really means is a willingness to leave the safety of the herd, speak your truth, and chart your unique path. And that comes at a price. When you stand out, you open yourself up to criticism, judgement, even rejection. And that’s hard. When you’re willing to unapologetically stand out, you’ll be in the zone of your purpose, power, and impact, the rewards of which are beyond any that come from blending in. If my experience, as well as those of the countless creative business owners and freelancers I’ve coached, is anything to go by, you’ll get to:
The people you’re here to serve will LOVE you for it. And the ones you’re not meant for may not. In fact, they may feel threatened, try to make you smaller, even reject you. It’ll hurt, but it’ll be OK. Because they’re not going where you’re going. If 2020 has you reconsidering a few things and you’re ready to build the business for where you’re going, not where you are, here are three ways to get started: 1) Go future trippingI’m not normally a proponent of living in the future, because that usually means we’re in the grip of the ego, instead of tapping into our intuition and creativity (which always live in the present). That said, I love this exercise from Debbie Millman, who I believe borrowed it from Milton Glaser, in which you write a day in your life five years from today. Grab a notebook and pen (not computer) and write down the perfect day five years from now. Start with where you wake up and go from there. A few things you might consider:
2) Use your mind for good instead of evilEver feel like you get stuck in unproductive, negative thoughts cycles? Join the club! Spiritual teacher, author, and BFF of Oprah Eckart Tolle says: “I would say about 80 to 90 percent of most people’s thinking is not only repetitive and useless, but because of its dysfunctional and often negative nature, much of it is also harmful.” At least you know you’re in good company! But if you’re going to build a stand-out business, you’ll need to free up some of that headspace for more inspired, creative thinking. So, how do you make the shift to inspired action? Well, the first thing to remember is you only need to identify the next step, not a path to a final destination. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, I have noticed we all process information and identify next steps in a way that’s consistent with our unique wiring. For me, it’s writing. For my husband, it’s playing the piano and meditating. If you’re not sure what your portal from useless mind chatter to creativity and inspired action are, here are a few that other creatives have shared with me:
3) Identify what lights a fire in youThis is where the rubber meets the road, and it's why the initial stages of my coaching process always involves a deep dive into what moves you, motivates you, and lights you up. Why? Because where there is meaning there is motivation and sustained action. Are you ready? This is going to change your game! Here are a few questions to kick off your own inquiry. I recommend journaling your answers:
Don’t feel you have to be limited by these questions. Feel free to add/edit/completely make up your own. What came up for you? What trends of thought do you need to go deeper on? Keep going, this is the work. Because when you become passionate about communicating what you know from your own personal experience and battle scars, you connect with the people who want and need to work with you. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/09/15/are-you-really-willing-to-stand-out-from-the-crowd/
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When the coronavirus was declared a global pandemic in March, business people across various industries and full-time employees were a worried lot. Indeed, we saw furloughs, job losses, and income drops among many people. Even the almighty Bitcoin tanked! As expected, many people thought the freelance industry will also follow the downward spiral. And while some freelance industries have suffered tremendously, we have also witnessed the opposite in some industries, like health, SaaS, and marketing. They have experienced an upswing, while other freelancers have pivoted to keep their income steady with coronavirus-related pitches. This got me thinking: The coronavirus has exposed these five things about freelancing and freelancers. Many freelancers rely on freelance work for all of their income.A careful look at some tweets from journalists, editors, and other freelancers from various publications confirms this. The coronavirus has exposed the long-existing patterns of freelancers lacking a second source of income. The truth, is the virus has shown us we cannot rely on one source of income whether or not you are a freelancer! Diversify your work by selling products on eBay, farming, teaching, or writing a book. It’s OK to be a jack of all trades.Tourism, hospitality, and the transport industry were the hardest hit by lockdown measures that led to closures and job losses. Freelancers who specialized in these niches experienced a sudden drop in income as businesses in these sectors cut spending and projects. Many in these industries have had to seek alternatives, and figure out how to use their existing skills in new fields and industries. Some marketing agencies recruited writers who could write across different sectors. The pandemic has proved that as a writer or freelancer, it makes business sense to work in different niches. If one goes south, the other is there to help your stay afloat! It's time to wear the badge of "Jack of all Trades" proudly. Freelancing is a good hedge during hard times.Raise your hand if you have not had an unemployed person or a laid-off full-timer come to you to learn how freelancing works? During the pandemic period, we have seen a huge surge in the number of people coming to freelance for the first time. The rising embrace of remote work as a way of reducing the spread of the virus had the effect of convincing many former full-timers that freelancing could be just as viable as a traditional career. With staggering unemployment rates, many people turned to freelancing for a sense of control. Many freelancers turned to this work due to a personal hard time - juggling family obligations, health struggles, or their education. Now that we are experiencing a global challenge, that flexible value of freelancing has become clear to all. We value freelance work, but we won't pay a fair price for it!Some truly outrageous freelance job postings have been circulated lately, with clients looking to pay a fraction of a cent per word for written projects, below minimum wage for hourly work, or even requesting work done for free. Freelancers know these exploitative jobs are nothing new, but it seems that the pandemic has emboldened more clients to devalue their freelance work, even as they increase the amount of their business is done by freelancers. Many people still consider freelance work to be a casual or part-time activity. Yet, compared to other jobs, freelancers do more work. Freelancers need more social support.Freelancers had little to no support before COVID-19. They were essentially invisible to politicians and big companies in terms of economic policy, not to be counted in the GDP figures. Now that more businesses are recognizing that freelancers are an integral part of their operations, we need more than just the one-time inclusion of this workforce in the CARES Act and the pandemic unemployment assistance program. This is the time to stand united with freelancers. We can’t deny that over the short duration of the pandemic, several new programs have been extended to freelancers. But their implementation has been abysmal. As more people join the freelance workforce, the need to increase welfare and support for freelancers is no longer an afterthought but an obligation. The most important thing that I have discovered thanks to the pandemic is that it has brought some reprieve and respect to freelancers. Now, I can walk around with my head high and proudly tell whoever cares to listen that I am a freelance writer without being looked down on. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/09/14/what-the-pandemic-has-confirmed-about-freelancing/
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Today’s guest post comes from good friend and TG.com regular contributor (albeit it’s been a minute), George Kalantzis. We all have that negative voice inside our heads telling us we can’t do something or convincing us there’s no way to accomplish a goal.
There’s a myriad of examples in everyday life where we self-sabotage or talk ourselves out of doing something. George helps to shed some light on the topic and to encourage use to cut the shit. Self-Sabotage: No One Is Coming to Save YouWhat would your life look like if there were no limits? If the above question has you thinking about life from a different lens, then I did my job, and you do not have to read the rest of the article. If life was only that easy- right? But we both know you aren’t here for the easy way out, and Because Heavy Things Won’t Lift Themselves, let’s get warmed up for some heavy lifting, but not by using our god/goddess-like structures we’ve all sculpted during the quarantine. Today, we are going to train using our brains. Whatever challenge you face in life, asking the right kinds of questions can help you achieve massive breakthroughs. I’ve spent most of my life looking for answers until I went through a tough transition in life and discovered self-sabotage patterns and how my mind was holding me back from doing dope shit in life. Self-sabotage exists for a reason. It perceivably keeps us safe from our fears and prevents us from stepping outside our comfort zones. But if we can find ways to get past the voices holding us back, we can turn the impossible to possible, and limits become limitless. What is Self-SabotageIn a nutshell, self-sabotage occurs when a pattern of behaviors creates a conundrum of limiting beliefs that hold you back from achieving goals and stepping outside your comfort zone. When you embark on a self-discovery journey, whether through lifting heavy weights, running, yoga, or any other way to challenge your mind and body, patterns from your past sneak up in subtle ways and interfere with your growth. It’s not your fault because your subconscious (the little voices in your head) creates templates throughout your life based on past experiences. Anytime you start to approach the edge of life you are used to, you mess up and revert to old routines. (I did this a lot, and still, catch myself). You might even be aware of this pattern, but you reject the thought and look for more answers. You try new things. You process information, and for some reason, never able to change. Self-sabotage has taken you hostage. Maybe you are afraid of failure and give up on yourself. Or scared of rejection, and never stand up for what you value. Perhaps you are scared of what others think, and seek validation in all you do. While well-intended, the intention does not support unlocking the doors to do dope shit with your life. How do you recognize self-sabotage and call yourself out before your limiting beliefs take over? I wish I could say I had all the answers to those questions, and I’m willing to bet Lisa, Tony’s wife can help you with this area of life. But to keep things simple, let’s talk about some basics.
Because like heavy deadlifts help create a fantastic physique, acknowledging patterns of self-sabotage gives you the tools to break away from the limiting beliefs holding you back. Let’s Pick Some Heavy Ass Weights Up!To get started, you must call out these areas before you begin any transformation and catch them before the repeat in your life. Think of it as selecting specific exercises for a specified training session to hit a massive PR. Every time you acknowledge and name the area in life, holding you back, you build a new set of skills to push past your comfort zone. Sure, you can skip this step and get amazing results, but eventually, the subtle signs of self-sabotage will catch up to you, and before you know it, you are right back where you started. Possible areas holding you back: Health. Money. Relationships. Sex. Happiness. Careers. Accomplishments. Family. Standard methods of self-sabotage: Procrastination. Perfectionism. Emotional eating. Undertraining. Overtraining. Impulsive spending. Busyness. Sleeping late. Constant tardiness. Temper issues. Anger issues. These areas of life are ubiquitous, yet many of us have no clue how to overcome common obstacles because we become victims of the stories we tell ourselves.
The sad part is when we have beliefs like these, we hardly ever test our limits. Life at best becomes a chase, and we seek to find surface-level answers to problems deep-rooted from our past. When viewed from this perspective, self-sabotage makes sense. We’re all under pressure from today’s world, forcing us to make quick decisions without ever taking a step back to ask more questions. The paradox in our chase for life is many of us are never satisfied because the things we think we want never align with our values. Which brings me back to you, and my original question. What would your life look like if there were no limits?(??? Tony’s Editorial Contribution ???) I ask my clients this because it opens up doors for them to dope shit, not because it’s a dope question, but because questions like this demand, they choose a path in the face of uncertainty. You are what you choose, and an uncomfortable truth many are not willing to face is we can never choose two things at the same time. Or as the old English proverb says, you cant have your cake and eat it too. The right kinds of questions can challenge you to see maybe you don’t know much about life, if anything. And the more invitations we give ourselves to ask better questions, the more we take full responsibility for our lives and punch our comfort zones in the kidneys. Here is why this mattersThe hardest part of any transformation is understanding what you want and value because without doing so, your brain will hunt for negativity in life. Psychologists refer to this concept as ” negativity bias: the idea that we’re always searching for negativity to see the dangers around us, but when we embark on a transformation of any kind, it doesn’t serve us well. We all want to look good, feel good, have amazing relationships, and be happy. But no one ever wants to take full responsibility for the choices in life when we experience uncomfortable feelings associated with growth. The truth is, nothing in life comes easy. You already know this, but because you focus on all the things you don’t want, you stay inside your comfort zone even if your comfort zone leaves you feeling depressed, burned out, exhausted, and resentful. When your behaviors and choices don’t match up with what you say you want, you’ll let self-sabotage ruin your entire life. If you’re ready, I’d like to invite you beyond self-sabotage so you can go on to do dope shit in life. How To Beat Self-SabotageWrite down all the areas on your life holding you back, and the stories you continue to tell yourself. Notice how those stories make you feel and how often they prevent you from growth. The more honest you are, the more success you’ll have, changing them later on. One of the biggest ones in my previous life was
My story prevented me from saving money because I was afraid of my numbers and avoided them like the plague. This story made me feel like a failure, and I was in a constant state of financial stress. After you acknowledge these beliefs and how they make you feel and hold you back, write down the opposite of this belief to help you prove this belief is not valid. Self-Sabotage- I am always broke New Story: I have never been honest with my numbers and have enough skills and experiences to live with abundance. After you tell yourself a new belief, design a plan, and take action to prove to yourself you are worth the new life you say you want. Anytime you find yourself in a block, come back to the beliefs and write the opposite feeling holding you back. It will not be easy; you will get uncomfortable; change does not happen overnight. But the results will be worth the struggles. Remember, the goal is not perfection, but consistency. You might not like what you discover in these exercises, but this is your life, and there is no time for fucking around if you want to go all-in on and doing dope shit. About the AuthorGeorge Kalantzis is a coach, writer, and dad, committed to helping people do dope shit in their lives. He is a seasoned Marine Corps combat veteran with over ten years of experience coping with high-pressure and constantly changing environments. He writes about tough transitions at www.theartoftoughtransitions.com. Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.via Blog – Tony Gentilcore http://tonygentilcore.com/2020/09/self-sabotage-no-one-is-coming-to-save-you/
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During quarantine I started a platform where I’d deliver 20-40 minute workouts that could be performed in everyone’s living room using minimal equipment. In all I curated 36 workouts using nothing but bodyweight, bands, and kettlebells and/or dumbbells. With many people still reticent to head back to their regular gyms (not to mention the scarcity of gym equipment out there to purchase) I figured this would be a nice opportunity to help. Whether you want to spend $1 or $100 (if the latter, we’ll be BFFs forever), the workouts are ready and available to start. You “should” look a certain way. STOP SHOULD’ING all over yourself. Do what fits YOUR goals, champions consistency, & what will be realistic for YOU. But go to bed…;o) — Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore1) September 8, 2020 Meghan has increased her IG following by 35,000 people in one year. In this article she shares some common sense tactics that will undoubtedly help increase your viewership too. Mike’s the shit. He’s one of the best coaches I know. You should listen to this podcast episode. via Blog – Tony Gentilcore http://tonygentilcore.com/2020/09/stuff-to-read-while-youre-pretending-to-work-9-11-20/
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Which Is the Best Grip To Use?This is a tricky question and one I’m asked often when discussing how I coach up the deadlift. We have to be cognizant of balancing what will likely help prevent injury (namely a bicep tendon tear), but also allow for optimal performance and turn you into a deadlifting Terminator. My approach is pretty simple:
?????? THIS NEXT ONE IS IMPORTANT ?????? 3. Alternate your alternate grip (left and right facing you or facing away) with every subsequent set. I’ve personally had zero issues – with regards to injury or developing any “grip imbalances” – utilizing this approach with myself or with my clients. SIDE NOTE: Yes, person who will inevitably bring up the hook grip. That’s an option too. We get it: you’re better than us. Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.via Blog – Tony Gentilcore http://tonygentilcore.com/2020/09/60-second-deadlift-tip-whats-the-best-grip-to-use/ |
AuthorI have 5+ years experience working as a medical transcriptionist. When I am not working, I enjoy sports like playing basketball or judo. I love making friends and connections. Archives
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