Create Your Positive Influence
5-min read
Have you ever found yourself so fixated on avoiding a problem that it seems to happen anyway? My dad loves to tell a story about learning to ski that beautifully illustrates this point. When he first hit the slopes, he poured all his energy into not falling. Yet, despite his best efforts, he kept tumbling into the snow. Every time he focused on what he didn’t want to happen—falling—he fell even more.
Eventually, his ski instructor pulled him aside and offered a piece of advice that might sound familiar: “Stop focusing on not falling. Instead, focus on skiing.” By redirecting his attention to the positive action he wanted—smooth, controlled skiing—my dad finally began to improve. This story offers a simple but profound lesson we can all use in other areas of our lives: focusing on a positive action is far more effective than stressing over a negative outcome.
Shift Your Mindset to Positive Action
Life has its fair share of negative influences. Whether it’s the news cycle, social media debates, or personal challenges, we’re often tempted to put all our mental energy into avoiding what we don’t want. But when we do this, it’s easy to get stuck.
Instead, if we direct our minds toward what we do want, we set ourselves up for greater success. Much like my dad on the ski slope, placing our attention on the positive steps we can take allows us to grow, learn, and move forward with confidence.
Negative Focus: “Don’t fall! Don’t fall! Don’t fall!”
Positive Focus: “Keep balanced, find your center, and enjoy the glide.”
That shift might sound subtle, but it changes everything. Let go of the fear and concentrate on your progress. In other words: stop worrying about not falling and start thinking about skiing. Or in a broader life sense: stop concentrating on what you want to avoid and start focusing on the outcomes you want to create.
What Can You Influence Right Now?
It’s no secret that the world can feel overwhelming. There are many issues—big and small—that we can’t control. If you spend too much time dwelling on these uncontrollable negative elements, it can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, or powerless.
However, there is a wealth of positive actions we can focus on and they’re different for all of us, but I bet I can name one thing you have a direct influence on....hmmmmm??? 🤔 How about....
FITNESS! 😃
Yes, with all the chaos swirling around us, you can choose how to move and nourish your body. Exercising, staying active, and paying attention to your nutrition are guaranteed positive actions that you can take every single day.
Why Fitness Matters More Than Ever
When you give your mind and body the gift of consistent physical activity, you’ll discover benefits that extend far beyond a workout. You’ll experience:
Stress Relief: Exercise releases endorphins—often called “feel-good” hormones—that naturally help relieve stress and enhance your mood.
Improved Sleep: Physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restorative rest.
Boosted Confidence: Setting and achieving fitness goals builds a sense of accomplishment that spills into other areas of life.
Better Overall Health: Regular activity supports cardiovascular health, muscular strength, flexibility, and even cognitive function.
Think of it as an anchor in uncertain times. When everything else feels out of control, you can always decide to lace up your shoes and go for a walk, hit the gym, or roll out a yoga mat. Even small actions like these will ground you, offer you a moment of calm, and empower you to stay on a path of positive change.
Moving Toward a Guaranteed Positive Outcome
Here’s an important reminder: anything that you do to strengthen your body will always benefit your health. By focusing on the positive action of staying active, you become the creator of your own influence. You can’t guarantee what tomorrow’s headlines will bring, but you can guarantee the effect that exercise has on your well-being.
Tired of negativity? Go for a quick workout.
Feeling stuck? Stretch, breathe, or take a brisk walk.
Wanting more progress? Try a new exercise class, pick up a new sport, challenge yourself with a fresh routine in my app, or schedule a FREE Strategy Session (new clients) or a Virtual Check-In (current clients) and let's come up with a game plan.
Just like my dad’s ski instructor taught him to focus on skiing instead of fixating on falling, you can channel your energy into actions that create the transformation you want to see in your life. Let your workout time be a refuge from the barrage of negativity—an opportunity to do something undeniably good for your body and mind.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Positive
At the end of the day, the power of positive focus lies in recognizing that you have choices. You can choose to center your thoughts on what you don’t want—or you can point them toward what you do want. Concentrating on the negative often saps our motivation, while focusing on the positive sparks excitement, possibility, and joy.
So, take a moment today—right now, if you can—and do something physical that lifts your spirits. Go for a run, dance in your living room, or simply walk through your neighborhood. Each step you take is a vote of confidence in yourself and your ability to influence your own life. Whether it’s skiing, working out, or pursuing any other goal, remember:
Stop focusing on not falling and start focusing on skiing.
Stop worrying about what you can’t change and start creating the positive outcome you crave.
Give your mind and body the chance to shine, and you’ll be amazed at just how powerful your own positive influence can be. Once you’ve taken care of you, you’ll be better prepared—mentally and physically—to take on the rest of the world. So go ahead, get moving, and embrace your power to create a brighter, healthier future for yourself!
Need a little guidance on where to focus your fitness efforts? I’m here to help!
Whether you want in-person personal training, or a fully virtual experience with custom workouts delivered to your phone, or even a hybrid of the two, I’d be happy to help you stay focused on the next steps of your fitness journey!
Current clients, you know you can book a Virtual Check-in anytime.
New clients, book a FREE Strategy Session and let’s put together a game plan that’s right for you, whether you sign up for services or not.