Over the last four years, I have actively tried to reach a certain level in my health. For the first year, I made some changes and saw some results. However, I still wasn't where I wanted to be or where I knew I could be. Therefore, for the past three years, I have aimed to eat healthy foods and work out consistently. Yesterday, I had my body fat tested for the first time in 3 years. I was the exact same! THE EXACT SAME. I was disappointed. My immediate reaction was "This totally stinks. I have spent 3 years trying to gain muscle, lose fat and be healthy, and I haven't changed."

Common sense eventually kicked in. Over the past three years, I have been giving just enough effort to maintain consistency. Just enough effort to tell myself that I was doing something. Just enough to check it off my to-do list. I have no one to blame but myself. I am not where I want to be because I haven't given it my all. I am capable of doing more, but I haven’t wanted to do it.

After this realization, I had to ask myself "Am I content with where I am?" The answer was NO. I am not content with my current body fat percentage or the number on the scale because I know that I can do better. I just haven’t wanted to do what it takes.

I am constantly asking high school students to go all in, to give it everything that they have, to buy into the promise of "if you want it and work for it, you can achieve it." Yet, I am not practicing what I am preaching. Currently, I am giving my goals a 70% effort, but I expect my children and clients to give 100%.

After an evaluation, whether it is academic, physical or activity, ask yourself the following:
1. Did I give my 100% effort in my preparation and performance?
2. Am I content with my results?
3. Am I willing to do what it takes to get the results I desire?

The only person that can honestly answer these questions is YOU. I know I haven't given 100%, and I am not content. Therefore, I am setting a short-term goal for myself. I am going to give my 100% effort for 6 weeks. Then I will revisit my goals and evaluate any results.

In the case of test preparations or college applications, students only have to exert 100% effort for 4-5 weeks. It is a very short time period, but are they willing to commit to doing what it takes to get the results that they desire??

If you or your student wants to reach a certain SAT score, I would love to help! If you or your student wants assistance in making a plan for the future, I would love to help!