Fit friends = Fitter you

Who you hang around with has a big impact on who you are, and who you become.

In fact Jim Rohn, the motivational speaker, once said that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

But what does that mean?

Income-wise, it can mean that you’re making an income that’s about equal to the average of what those 5 people make.

Relationship-wise, it can mean that the state of your relationship reflects the average of the 5 couples you spend the most time with.

And health and fitness-wise, it can mean that if you’re struggling with your weight, it’s likely that those five people you hang around with, on average, are struggling with theirs too.

There are even studies out there that back this one up. 

When I look at my own life, I agree there’s a lot of truth in this theory.

And I realize that, like it or not, we’re more affected than we think by those who surround us.

So it makes sense that if there’s something you want to change, or improve, or master, then you should hang around with people who are already there, or at least on their way.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should drop friends and family who don’t share your new path.

But it does mean you should decide to spend a little more time with those who are where you want to be.

As Jen Sincero, author of the “I Am a Bad Ass” books politely puts it, “Hang out with people who are kicking ass, and who will make you feel like a giant loser if you’re not kicking ass.”

Several years ago, shortly after I started teaching my weekly boot camp class, I organized a running group.

The reason for the running group was partly to help those in my class accomplish a 5K for the first time and stick with exercise.

But it was also partly because, deep down, I was hoping for a few local running buddies.

For years I’d been running alone, but I was losing interest because I didn’t know anyone else who ran other than my man (but he’s a little too fast for me).

And so we began running together on a cold Saturday morning in February.

Now, 5 years later, the group has evolved but we’re still getting together to run each weekend.

And I still run because I’ve surrounded myself with friends that run.

So, if you want to run, or get fit, or earn more, or improve your relationships, then hanging out with people who are where you want to be will get you there.

The beauty is that these new friends will not only be helping you, you’ll also be helping them.

It’s an amazing win-win situation for everyone.

And having these people will also help you get over maybe the biggest obstacle you’ll face in making changes:  Those people you care about and spend the most time with.

You can’t expect those who love you to love the changes you want to make.

They may not be happy about this new you, and that’s their right.

They love you the way you are.

So, if you want to get fit, and if for you that means walking after supper rather than watching TV, you may meet some resistance from those you watch TV with.

They like you on the sofa, right next to them.

But if you’re really serious about making this change, then you’ll have to find the courage to get out the door and walk, rather than please that person and sit.

And that courage comes easiest when you’ve got a network of other people who share your goal.

They’ll help get you out the door.

And they’ll help you realize that you’re not alone. 

Even if they aren’t physically present.

If you can’t find any local evening walkers, try joining an online group of walkers that will encourage you and keep you accountable, or hire a coach or trainer.

There’s always a way to surround yourself with your people, and find your tribe.

Knowing this is powerful.

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So, are you willing to find people who are on the same path, to make the changes you want to make?

If you are, I’d love to hear from you.

I’m looking to organize a group this fall for women who are serious about losing belly fat, have at least 25 lbs to lose, and are approaching or experiencing peri- or full on menopause.

Just respond to this email and send me a message.

Ideally this group would meet once a week formally, online, but would be informally connected to me and each other at all times to ask questions, get support, and give support.

I would love for this group to commit to at least 3 months, or up to 6 months.

What do you think?

Are you, or is someone you know, ready for this?

Let me know!

And keep moving forward my friend,

Debbie