Hi Team…
So, a few things today:
1. Last week I wrote a post about a documentary I had just watched. The doco was about an Aussie guy who lost a million kilos (or so) on a juice fast while traversing the U.S.and talking with some weird, wacky and fascinating people along the way. Anyway, the lovely Jacqueline who produces my Sunday radio show (the Science of Sport on SEN) has lined up the weight-loss-juice-dude (Joe Cross) for an interview at around 11.10am (Melbourne time). I know some of you watched the show, so I thought you might like to hear me chat with him. If you’re interested you can click on this link just after 11.00am.
2. I just watched one of the most inspirational stories I’ve seen in a long time. And I’m not easily inspired by videos. Thanks to Ross Enamit for always finding these gems. You can view it below. There’s about thirty seconds of fluff at the start but it gets pretty awesome not long after. I know you probably don’t have the time but I’m encouraging you to find thirteen minutes anyway.
3. And finally, if you have an idea for an article (something you would like me to write about), today is the day to let me know. Just send through your suggestion(s) via the comment link at the bottom. If I take your idea and turn it into an article, the awesome folk at Everlast will send you a gift pack of cool stuff worth $250.00.
Enjoy the video…
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{ 80 comments… read them below or add one }
Yesterday you wrote about destination disappointment – could you write about how to achieve success?
Hi Craig
Could you possibly write about forgiveness please?
I’ve learned a bit but would like to get more information on how to forgive and move on. When I say forgive I mean the really dark things that have happened to a lot of us (rape, ‘interference’, bankruptcy, sacked from a job etc) and how we bury it once and for all and move on.
Thankyou for all you’re doing and have done so far to help many of us come out of our shells and into the fresh air.
Yeah I would like to see this too, I know I bury a few things under food, not so bad now but it’s still there.
Can you write about relationships. Why do all the girls who are just genuinely nice, giving and caring etc, get the flick for girls who are confident, shallow and self centred whom care more about themself and what they can get from a relationship – just plain fake, bimbos and guys cant see through that.
hhmmm
more so in friendships when you observe your male friendswith chicks that although may look ‘hot’ (male talk) and lovely but really….. could it just be a girl thing that some of us( even guys) can see through most people…..
the old “I don’t want anyone who plays games” response and then they (the male) don’t realise they are in fact playing the game…so the nice girls lose out to the fake phony girls…and no it’s not sour grapes
I agree, this would be a great topic ‘the definition of a relationship’ – how to get into one, how (why) to stay in one and how to get out of one…nicely
And on the flip side, their are just as many ‘fake phony girls’ whom take advantage and play games of genuine really great guys – who looks out for them?
Nice guys are out there and get hurt.
Hi Craig,
Would love to see you write something about shyness. It’s not a topic that is spoken about often, but it can be a killer! What steps can us shy folk take to overcome this obstacle and grow?
Love your work regardless! x
I’d personally love an article with some exercise ideas (both physical and mental) for dealing with long-term injuries or disabilities.
Wow what an exceptional , beautiful human being. I know most of us would like to think we could do the same for our family , but to sacrifice so much is alot to ask of yourself. Very inspiring, thanks for sharing Craig.
I would love to hear more about the theories that people hold about training facts and fiction, like muscle weighs more than fat kind of stuff. I know it does my head in when i train like a machine and put on weight only to find that its due to DOMS and water retention. The things that can really do your head in when it comes to the day to day , month to month battles of losing weight. How the scales can rule our heads and how just like you said the other day that not all calories are created equal and no two bodies react the same way to the same diet etc. I dont know just putting it out there for thought… Simone
Hi Craig,
An article that I would be very interested in seeing here is about kids and self esteem and how to encourage them to feel good about themselves, respect their bodies and make good choices. A big ask, I know. There are some of your articles that really hit the nail on the head and could be applied to kids as well. As a mother of 10 year old boy/girl twins, I find at times, life out there is so much tougher than we were kids. My daughter got called fat the other day, and fat is the last thing you would call our daughter, who has the energy of a Mexican jumping bean. Our son was called a freak by a delightful little darling in his class for being conscientious. In a time where peers have influence over what your children think and do, I would like to know what little bit of magic you could work into an article that we could show to all our kids to let them know that life is ok and listening to your parents is ok. It’s ok to make healthy food choices even though your BFF doesn’t not eat any form of salad, fruit or veggies. It is ok to be concientious and to go the extra mile and how so important it is to learn to respect yourself and others from a young age rather than try and fix your mistakes when you are older.
Apologies for any awful grammar and spelling. The iPad is a nightmare to type on
Thanks Craig.
I would love to read about why principles such as those in ‘stop f*cking around’ aren’t taught in school? Surely people could learn more from studying your book than analyzing some crappy english novel. Just saying
could we possibly see something like this taught going forward?
Idea for an article – how to conquer yo-yo diet burnout ~ how to believe this time I’ll lose the weight even though the last 10, 20 or 30 umpteenth times of failure keep staring me in the face…. please Craig share your insight?!?!!
Yesterday, I published my first weight loss success on Facebook. 25kg gone.
Big achievement I know, but better still was the 62 likes and 19 comments received from friends and family. What a great feeling to have so much support! Who knew?
Hi Craig,
I would love you to write about self doubt… I suffer a lot from that and I wonder if you could give a better or different perspective on why and what I can do to consider it in a different way!
Hi Craig, I’d like your take on the Serenity Prayer — “God grant me the strength to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I can’t and the wisdom to know the difference” — or words to that effect (apologies to the author if I’ve mangled it). In theory this is great, but in practice I find not only do I need “the wisdom to know the difference,” but I also need to sometimes be able to do both at once — accepting something I can’t change *right now* while still striving to obtain the skills or knowledge or whatever it takes to get there eventually. Sometimes a door is locked right now, but if you come back tomorrow with a different key it will open. Any thoughts?
Hi Craig,
Wow, what an inspiring video, thanks for sharing.
I would like to hear what you think about The Gabriel Method, are you familiar with that book? Jon Gabriel lives in Australia and since I’m in the U.S., I just assume all you Aussies know each other, lol. He advocates a “non-diet” approach to weight loss….would love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks,
Rachel
I have a version of the serenity prayer stuck on my computer that says.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change,
the courage to change the one I can,
and the wisdom to know it’s me.”
oops sorry, put the reply about the serenity prayer under the wrong entry.
I’d love to read your thoughts about the cold, hard self-centred greed that has suffocated our society. The “me” obsession might be what’s making us all fat and mean and scared and sick ???
Craig, I’d like to learn more about resilience and how to develop it….
Craig, why dont you write about letting go and appreciating the present. Finding inner peace. I think if we all have that we don’t care about greed, we won’t stress about our weight or why we don’t get chosen over the tall skinny girl. We appreciate the now.
Gail
Thank you for sharing ‘Rad Martinez’ clip Craig and to Ross … Very inspirational in all levels. Love your work Craig and how it is making a difference to so many people’s lives. Keep going
Hope you are well my friend, take care … Have a Great Week Everyone!!!
Big Hug,
Mon
p.s. could you write about ‘What makes us as Human Beings accept & move forward from pain or suffering caused by things we have no control over? … I guess it’s about acceptance & attitude … but how do you work towards that?’
Hi Craig,
I think it would be great of exploring what to do if we reach a weight loss plateau. What we can do to not lose focus but also get things back on track and web why they occur in the first place.
Thankyou,
Elise
Firstly, I’d like to second my wife’s (Jackie’s) one about kids and support/self esteem. it plays on us constantly.
Aside from that; Here’s one out of left field – How about an article on how to deal with success? You talked about ‘destination dissapointment’ but what about ‘destination elation’ ? Once you achieve a certain goal (not milestone) how do go about re-evaluation of your position and the setting of new goals? Particularly when (as is so often the case) that goal has been a pretty big focus of your life for a long time. Once the suprise, celebration and self-congratulation dies down, how do you find the ‘next big thing’? I’m sure you’ve hit that before with clients over the years?
Thanks again.
Hi Craig, love to come to work every day and read your articles, very inspiring.
Can you please right something about – how to become a inpirational leader. I want to be a good leader and good role model for my kids
Can you please write an article about eating disorders and their impact. The ways in which one can recover and the parallels between the two extremes.
I would love some insight into how to prioritise my own health and exercise, when living with someone extremely needy. Not children in my case! But a partner who only has me for support, and gets a bit sooky when I state my plans for working out away from the home.
.. My situation is exacerbated by the fact that right now he is unemployed and I am working long hours away, so prolonging my arrival at home in the evening means he is alone until about 8pm. We have no family or friends aside from each other, so it is a bit of a struggle for me to make the call to do a decent work out. I have just found a bit of money to spend for my own health, and want to make sure the gym is part of my life from now on.
.. The obvious thing would be to work out together, but he is not motivated in the slightest, and we live in a rough area, so I am not comfortable going outside alone in the evening. Also, ladies-only gym.
.. I guess I figure it has got to be similar to stay at home parents who have to sacrifice time with their kids or each other in order to get out and do focussed exercise.. I know how good I feel afterwards – it is like tonic for me. Your insight into how to communicate to people with priorities other than health and fitness would be great.
Many thanks.
Hi Craig,
Could you please write to us about how to go about ‘unpacking your backpack of issues’…..getting that load off your shoulders and how to stop running with it on your back….how to deal with those issues and move forward feeling much lighter
Thanks for asking our input its my favourite part of the day logging on here and reading all the awesome posts.
Hi Craig,
Great articles, I tried to look up your research on supplements but didn’t find anything. Could you enlighten us on a product range based on digestive health from YOR health which just hit our aussie shores?
Hi Craig
My suggestion is to write something about the science of digestion and fat storage. For instance, how long does it take after consuming excess calories for it be stored in your body as fat and the weight gain to register on the scales. Stuff like that.
Danielle
Tips and Tricks to get out of an emotionally unpleasent state. How can I snap out when I am angry, hurt and upset and be forgiving to the other person or me.
Hi Craig, how are you? I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on self-actualisation.
Have a great day!
Cheers
Kain
Wow! What an inspirational video. That brought a tear to my eye and a lump to my throat. The subject is close to me although it wasn’t my parent that was sick – it was my child….
Hi Craig,
Thank you for the inspirational post of Rad Martinez who has a wonderful love and devotion to his father that I admire. You can see that he was brought up well. Topics to write about:- I think what goes on in people’s heads is a big issue because when we are happy, sad, anger, fearful, bored we tend to have destructive habits, how to shift our thinking to better things, small gradual changes in behaviour.
Estelle I have pinched the serenity prayer because I like it.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change,
the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it’s me.”
I am interested to know ‘how to communicate better’ I probably am not a chatter but it blows me away that I can see someone daily for about 2 weeks and do small chatter, my husband can talk to them for an hour and know so much more about them
I was given three very key points to help this type of situation. 1) Actually talk less – just ask more. 2) Listen and 3) Listen even closer. Hope it helps.
Thanks Matt.
I tend to nervously chatter when meeting new people and then realize that I know nothing about them at the end of the ‘conversation’.
Your three rules are brilliant!
Hi Craig,
How about we go back to basics (may be I missed it), but how to start a change. I have great ideas and plans but can’t get off the starting blocks.
i am a PT. After completing my most recent round of fitness testing, i found that people who took vacations or time off work during the festive season also stopped exercising and had losses in their fitness tests. Based on that i am trying to crack the mindset people have of needing a break from 3 hours of exercise a week when they take a holiday from 50 hours of work a week. Personally i use the holidays as a time to exercise more!
Morning Craig, I’d be interested in your insights on developing self belief that sticks! The want to change from where you are now isn’t enough when the going gets tough and the destination seems so far. Self belief is the fire in the belly that I imagine kicks in to drive you forward?? When you’re emerging from a place where your self belief/confidence is extremely low, what are the stepping stones to building self belief that’s real?
PS – I look forward to your emails – great to start the day by engaging the mind. Thank you for keeping it real.
that doco was great it really inspired me to eat more fruit and veg.. Although not in the juice form i dont have a juicer.. I now get my fruit and veg delivered through frootsalad and last fortnight i went through a whole kilo of salad mix! I couldnt believe that truck driver lost so much weight!
Hi Craig,
I’d love an article on living healthy with a partner.
I’ve lost 60kg over the past two years through exercise and sensible eating. It was something I just needed to do for myself, and I have never felt better! Now I’d love to encourage my partner to do the same, but am not sure the best way to go about it. He doesn’t need to lose a huge amount of weight, but smokes and drinks excessively. I know he’d feel so much more energetic and alert if he cut back… But no one likes a nag!
Hi Craig, I would love to see an article about the disconnect between knowing and doing. I am very well versed on all the things I should be doing to improve my health and fitness but often feel as though my mind works actively against me to prevent me from taking a step! Do you have any ideas about ways to combat a mulish attitude and make the desire to move stronger than the desire to stop?
Hey Craig,
I’d love to read your thoughts on self worth.
Triple G
Are some of us born with it?
If not, how can we get it?.. Is it programmed into us by our parents/society?
Is it that some people just choose to get on with life, regardless of whether they feel worthy or not?
I have met so many people that simply don’t feel worthy. So it got me thinking.
G’day Craig-
One of the greatest skills you possess is the ability to say what needs to be said, direct and to the point. I’d be interested in an article about how you developed this skill, how it can be used to enhance personal relationships, and how to be direct without being rude or offensive.
Hi Craig,
I like everything you write. You have a great with words and always inject some light hearted humour even amongst the serious stuff.
Oh and just to let you know I’m really enjoying your ‘Fattitude’ book. I just may end up with a Craig H personal library, yet!!
I like Kerri A’s idea on Self Esteem. Too many of us wonder around with such a low opinion of ourselves and I really believe that in order to ‘change’ anything in a positive way, it does start from within and the way we think about ourselves. We all need to throw our negative thoughts out and start replacing them with positive ones.
Ok, thanks, bye and have a great day.
Going to watch the video later…………
Hi Craig,
I would be interested in an article about the non event of achieving goals…..let me explain. In the past I have set goals and some (not all) I eventually achieve BUT by the time I actually achieve my goal there is no huge celebration, no massive change in my life. Sure it might feel good for a few minutes but usually I feel like getting to the goal was more fulfilling than actually arriving there…..does anyone else feel this way?
Hi Craig,
I would like to see you write an article about how people are influenced by fear of what others think of them. I am fascinated why people don’t do the things they want (e.g. go to the gym) because they are afraid of what others think about them. I actually helped someone at the gym the other day because she didn’t know how to use the equipment and she didn’t want to ask the staff so I stopped what I was doing and walked over and helped her. I thought it may have something to do with her not wanting to seem incompetant to others. I was wondering what your thoughts on this issue was?
Regards
Erin W
wow. you have just described me to a T.
I am interested in two particular areas,
The first is how much exercise is enough and secondly exploring the role stress [psychological and physical] impacts on weight loss.
I would love to hear about dealing with change and shit that life throws at us. I’m not talking about the “my kids sick and I can’t get to the gym today” type of shit, but the long term, really affecting your life, type change. A disease or a long term illness that requires dedication to change in order to live ones life fully. How to cope, how to deal with day by day, how to deal with other ignorant, sometimes stupid things that people say.
One possible topic, the dichotomy between spinning many plates versus the hyper-focus on one job/industry/passion etc. I for one struggle sometimes with the inspiration and perseverance of juggling ventures with seemingly great potential, and spreading myself too thin at times. Kind of a when to let go or keep plowing forward cost/benefit analysis. Thank you.
Please can you write about not letting age being a barrier to new things and especially new relationships. Not having to just give up and accept things are over
Thank you!
Hi Craig,
About to watch the video. This just came to mind straight away for an article so thought that I would get it out of my head now.
Something on how to keep going when the going gets tough. Whatever that is in regards to. (because its inevitable that it will get tough)
Have a great day Craig.
x
Hi Craig
I would like an article on why some people ( especially women in my experience) can be so negative when a friend,family member or work colleague wants to better themselves or achieves their goals.
I achieved my health and fitness goal a few years ago and the nasty comments and bullying from a lot of female work colleagues was scary to the point I had to leave the toxic environment.
I have comments from family members that people need to ‘get a life’ (!?) rather than obsessing over losing a few kilos.
One friend was told by her work mates that if she continued to weight train and diet (i.e look good)she shouldn’t expect to have any friends at work.
I’ve also noticed that often when an attractive woman walks into a room the mens eyes light up and the women’s narrow.
Same for guys when they want to give up alcohol to lose weight they sometimes get ridiculed by their mates.
Sometimes it easier to not rock the boat and fit in with the herd rather than standing out.
Cheers
Sue
“Same for guys when they want to give up alcohol to lose weight they sometimes get ridiculed by their mates.”
I did not give up alcohol because I needed to loose weight but because I wanted to have a proper life, The shit that I deal with is interesting, dont get asked or invited to work place fishing trips, social events, etc people think that you cant celebrate unless you get wasted, I only have a very small circle of friends, but you know its not the number of friends its the quality
About pursuit of happiness, hard work n motivation…
Thanks..
would really like to see information about excercise for people with injuries/disabilities, it is very hard to find a trainer that deals with people like myself. I have a fractured back, neck, leg, fused ankle, to name a few issues….
Hi Craig,
Can you please write about accountability, or dig up a previous post about accountability, I need a refresher course!
thanks
Lorraine
Living in the present moment
Hey Craig,
I really enjoyed doing ”The doing project”. I’d like to know if there’s a weekly schedual, that you could come up with, that would be focusing on physical training only. 15 minutes per day, 7 days a week. Different things everyday and how much of each exercices.
Not looking for strength, just good shape overall…
Thank you!
Hi Craig,
What an amazing array of suggestions you’ve encouraged. I would love a post on most of them!
That said, I would really appreciate your writing on how to overcome a mindset of ‘everyone’s needs are more important than mine’, which roughly translates to ‘everyone else is more important than me’.
I was brought up in a Catholic household, where we were taught to serve others, a theory reinforced by the nuns at school. The problem was that it didn’t allow for any value of self. You were not permitted to be proud of your achievements or feel good about yourself, as it was a sign of pride and putting yourself above others!
I’ve spent my whole life trying to reprogram myself, so that when I achieve a goal, I don’t feel guilty because other people have not done something similar. It gives other people extraordinary power over me, because just their just hinting that I am being selfish (not putting others first at the expense of myself) is enough to make me cave in to other people’s requests.
Thank you, as always, for your inspiration. You make the world a better place!
Trish it is hard to change that mindset – the nuns were very good at training us. For me it took a big wake up call to finally realise that if I did not address my needs I would not be able to help anyone anymore ever. Yes you get the whole selfish stuff thrown around mostly by the nearest and dearest but you have to be determined that ultimately you cannot serve the greater good if you are dead. You learn that you can allocate the you time and the rest of the world time. If you are told you are selfish so what just remind yourself at least you are there to hear them. It gets easier with practice. Create firm boundaries and stand your ground. If you do not value yourself no one will.
Thanks for your kind words, Chebbieanne.
I had temporarily forgotten the importance of boundaries. I am grateful to you for reminding me.
Trish.
Hi again
Craig, you have enough great ideas here to keep you busy till the next millenium (providing some sort of longevity potion is invented).
I came back here to say that I watched the video and I’m so glad that people are still around that can be counted on to think of others.
I also noticed that he took care of himself first and foremost so he is able to take care of his dad.
Where there’s life, there’s hope.
Thank you.
Hi Craig and kudos on your great writing style and insight,
Can I suggest an article on how to find and make the most out of a Mentor / Role Model in your life. I find it interesting that *everyone* wants someone in their corner to ‘help’ them achieve their goals BUT so few people can actually handle such a relationship when it’s right in front of them. Perhaps some kind of framework for how to find and approach the right mentor for you, what to expect from a mentor and what your mentor can expect from you.
Thanks and good luck with the ideas quest! J
and how to be a good “mentor”
Okay, so nobody had a suggestion huh? Oh well.
Seriously, wow. Aren’t you a creative and curious bunch? Well, there’s enough there to keep me busy for a while! Thanks for all your input – I’ll use one (or more) of those ideas in the near future.
I seriously got shivers when he said he uses the cage to release and it showed him stepping in…damn…intense….wow. What an awesome person. It does raise a lot of questions about life, what we give it and what we take away…for ourselves, and others.
So my question
Are we hardwired for not living up to our potential ?
Love your work mate, seriously, I really do
Hi Craig
I like it when you explore stuff relating to ‘Who am I’.
I know many writers and philosophers and even regular people here on your site often ponder this. I know I am not not alone and it is not a thing that is set in stone. I know we evolve, change, grow and adapt to things that are around us, but since I was little and over the past 2 years or more I still get nervous honoring me ….just an idea
Hi Craig, you write quite often about BMI and healthy weight ranges and all that stuff, and quite often you mention that for the BMI you are considered FAT or Overwieght but in reality you body fat percentage is two fiths of bugger all. following on from you article the other day about calories and some of the comparisons could you put as a post one day a simple table showing what are healthy fat percentages for men and women and maybe just break it down into people below the age of 25, 25-45 and above 45, yes were all different but just something simple and indicative, for the average bloke in the street,
Thanks
People are always rubbishing on about how I’m (we/ people who eat mindfully and reservedly are) missing out and how they could “never do that” (eat the way I need to eat to lose weight and gain health). Why are they always so gleeful when they see that i’ve ‘fallen off the wagon’? I doubt they would be so happy if I was an alcoholic drinking again.
How ’bout an article about what we are gaining (not missing out on) when we are in social situations revolving around food and stay true to what we are trying to achieve.?
Experiences I have gained from losing weight
– falling pregnant and carrying a healthy child to term,
– horse riding,
- skydiving,
– being able to reach my toes to paint my toenails without breaking into a sweat,
– sitting on my husband’s knee and not having to worry about his health insurance,
- No longer having to die of embarrasment when I have to ask for an extension seatbelt on a aeroplane.
- Walking up a mountain in Queenstown instead of riding the cable car like everyone else. Just because I could.
Also, as an individual who has had (and has) issues with food (food addiction) how can we in turn not pass those issues (or the reactionary problems) on to our children? When will I allow my child to consume a cheeseburger? (I would like never) but, am I then setting up a situation where she will go crazy with junk when she has access to it?
How about an article on balance?
‘Everlast’ me baby!
How about an artcicle on how to tell family (grandparents) to f*ck off when they feed your child chocolate (even though they themselves have diabetes and shouldn’t have it in the house anyway) and still have the family talk to you?
I know, I know… what about… the hidden chemicals in our foods that are affecting us (food additives, colours, flavour enhancers, sugars, etc etc) then we can give that to our kids loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, carers etc etc… something we can give to them and say – SEE THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO MY CHILD!!! and you say you love them!! hmpf
More “Doing Projects”.
How to say no to a drink when husband is always wanting to drink. I never had a weight problem until we got together. All that alcohol! I stacked on 50+ kgs over the years and have lost 23 of them.
Yep – I’m ready for another challenge!!
I relate to Sue’s suggestion earlier – help us please go AGAINST the tide, stand up, be different and stay inured against the criticism of others and firm in honouring what we know we need to do for ourselves rather then trying to fit in with everyone else. In Australia that might be not getting smashed regularly or in Italy it might be not eating everything that is put in front of us by family. How do you stay motivated to achieve your goals when everyone close to you wants to sabotage you?
I’d love to hear you discuss how to stay focused on what is actually working when you have a LOT of diverse interests constantly pulling at your attention.
I would like your advice on dealing with bullies, and how to anticipate their next move to block them – without causing more antogonism on either side – something that I can share with my young son (almost
who is a confident kid… eventually… he is an observer and doesn’t just jump in until he is sure of what’s expected of him, but he is also easily manipulated at times with his “choice” of friends… nothing has happened yet that we haven’t taught him about – but he has a long schooling life left to go…!!!