Get busy living or get busy dying.

In other words you can be proactive about your health or you can be reactive once your doctor discovers a problem.

When it comes to your health, it's better to be proactive.

But whatever you’re going through, no matter how frustrating or horrible it may be, you can be sure that someone else has it worse.

You lost your job; however, someone else recently lost their grandson.

You’re feeling depressed because you don't like your job; however, someone's doctor discovered a lump in their lung.

The market went south on you; however, someone else is having trouble keeping their heater on in the freezing-cold winter or has no air conditioning in the sweltering heat.

Seneca wrote to the grieving daughter of a friend:

“Cast your eyes upon the great company of people you know, or do not know. Everywhere you will find those who have suffered greater losses than yours… you will not mention a single home so wretched that it could not take comfort from knowing one more wretched.”

It’s true.

Even at the worst moment here in the First World, there is someone in the Third World who would gladly trade just about anything to experience your suffering instead of theirs.

Though it’s worth pointing out that a group of Masai tribesman donated 14 cattle as a gift in 2002 to the victims of 9/11.

That’s not to say your pain isn’t real, or that you have no right to your feelings.

It’s a helpful bit of perspective: On the whole, you’ve experienced many more blessings than curses. It’s just hard to remember that in the moment.

But try if you can today. It’s a good practice.

If you can do it now, when things are okay, you’ll be better at remembering it when real tragedy does come your way.

How to Get Living

Having too much visceral bodyfat is dangerous and can lead to major health issues.

Being obese or overweight is, simply put, selfish.

That's because you can actually die from the diabetes, heart issues, cancer, and other potential problems which are directly related to visceral fat.

So when you are feeling sad and depressed because you're "struggling" to lose bodyfat, be mindful that somebody else's young children are mourning the loss of their dad, who has died prematurely of a heart attack.

Please have the perspective that you are still alive and kicking and you can still make a positive change.

By the way, I use "struggling" in quotes because my first question for anyone who does not make weekly progress (one pound of fat loss weekly, until you reach your goal) is...

"Do you know how many calories you need this week to lose one pound of bodyfat?"

Most folks know how much they need, including the breakdown of protein/carbs/fat, because it's simple math.

Although the next question let's me know if the person is taking action...

"Did you prepare your meals for the next few days?"

Imagine knowing what to do, yet not taking action?

Can you also appreciate the gravity of the situation... when someone stops caring about themselves, their family, their co-workers...

...and everyone else who depends on them?

It's madness; however, I refuse to give up on these folks.

If you’re ready to make a change, may I suggest you do these things…

1. Practice mindful nutrition

Do the calculations to figure out how many calories/macronutrients you need weekly to lose a pound of fat each week (or maintain excellence).

My clients know exactly how to do this when they follow the Nutrition Masterclass.

Readjust the calculations weekly as you hit your process goal.

2. Add four sessions of metabolic resistance training weekly

Follow the principles of progression and overload.

Be sure to progress/regress exercises based on your ability to perform everything with excellent (read: not sloppy) technique.

I teach my clients a simple system on how to do this.

3. Get eight hours of quality sleep nightly

And be mindful of the daily habits that encourage/discourage a good night's sleep. Booze within six hours of bedtime messes up your ability to get quality sleep.

Pre-bedtime screen-time or anything else that screws up your sleep/wake cycle, should be avoided too.

4. Surround yourself with a team of positive and like-minded folks.

Your team should help you get closer to your priority-one goal.

That's the "secret sauce" I provide my clients... accountability and coaching.

Look around at your friends and associates.

Ditch the naysayers and the ones who drag you down into the dirt.

Because, as the saying goes, your friends determine your future. If this inspired you, please share.

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women lose weight, gain strength, and slow aging. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to increase longevity with the best online age-management program, or you want to visit the best age-management program in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.