Work Out, Get Dates

Why Working Out Can and Will Get You Love

Let me begin by addressing my millions of fans: Sorry for the wait, yall. I know you have been expecting an article for quite some time. I guess I went off on a soul searching adventure. You can even say I'm still off in that adventure as life tends to get in the way. But no matter how much life tends to be inconvenient, the show must go on! So, I am presenting you with one hella amazing article! Bon appetit! 

Him: Hey babe?

Her: Yeah?

Him: I'm glad you squat.

Her: I was doing it for Ryan Gosling.

Him: Ok, fair enough. 

The Obvious.. Confidence

Yes, we all know that working out will increase confidence due to these several factors:

1. Exercise can allow the release of feel good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins. 

2. A transformed body can and will make anyone feel better about themselves.

3. Accomplishing goals is always a confidence booster. 

Confidence is such an important key factor to have when diving into the dating world. Having confidence lets others know that you're the one to get the job done. You may be asking yourself, "what job?"... the job to love this person so hard that they can barely walk the next day.

"I'm the only one to get the job done."- Drake

It's all about intent

The secret to really attracting love is making sure you're working out for the right reason. Sometimes we become so hard on pushing ourselves in the gym, it feels like we're punishing ourselves. Instead, we must work on our health because we love ourselves and only want the best for us. People say if you want love, you must learn to love yourself first. Be conscious of your reason to work and improve on your body. Having the right intentions will bring forth miracles in your love life. 

"Take care of your body and it will take care of you."- Tony Robbins

Most people usually get burnt out in the dating world because they neglected to work out the "self-love" muscle. Tony Robbins suggests using the affirmation of "I love my life" in his breathing when 

in the gym. I tried it and brings effective results. I'm convinced that I love my life! 

You should definitely give the breathing affirmations and loving yourself first a try. Make sure you just don't work out the "self-love" muscle in the gym but rather everywhere you go. 

Exposure

When you get into fitness, there's a high chance that you will meet plenty of other sexy singles. Unless you workout at home, you can easily meet and make new friends at gyms, marathons or crossfit tournaments. This exposure to meeting more people increases the opportunity for potential dates. So don't pass up the chance to meet quality people. These people are the best people to approach and you don't really need a good reason to strike up a convo. A simple, "Hi pretty lady, can I buy you a post workout shake?" will suffice. 

...

This article is finally completed, so go out there and kill two birds with one stone. Get a killer bod while finding the love of your life! 

Until next time.

Mike Mora 

The Reason Why You Aren't Fit... Yet

How bad do you want it?

"Everyone has their own personal struggles when reaching their goals, but you can really tell apart those who wants it more. Where there's a will, there's always a way" - Captain Crunch (Sometimes I get a bit lazy finding out who really said what. But you get the message.)

                Have you ever wanted something so bad enough that you would do anything to get it? Like a teenager you would have done whatever it took to go to that party; in which your parents wouldn't allow you to attend. You would compromise by increasing your grades at school or by doing more chores at home. You would beg and plead by bringing forth your best acting skills you never even knew you had (mine were good enough to win an Oscar actually.. sorry Leo).

                One time, my father grounded me on the night of an important date. No matter what I said or did to convince him, he wouldn't allow me to leave the house. I remember being so frustrated because I really wanted to see this girl. I knew being frustrated wouldn't get me anywhere so I had to come up with a new game plan.

                Ultimately, I ended up inviting my date over to my house for a lock down dinner and movie (My dad said that I couldn't leave the house.. he never said anything about not having anyone come over). I remember feeling a bit embarrassed when I called her and said, “Hey, I can’t leave the house because my dad grounded me. But you should come over instead.” She replied, “Grounded?? Seriously, are you playing some kind of game with me??”

Lol

                If you want it bad enough, you’ll get it.

The reason why you’re not close to your fitness goals is simply because you don’t want it enough. Another reason might be that you haven’t found a good enough reason to be fit.

Here is a simple formula:

Want (Desire) = Energy (Actions) = Goal 

The stronger the want (or desire), the more energy you’ll have (as you’ll utilize more ideas and resources) and in turn will bring you way much closer to your goals.

You have to know what you want before you begin anything.

Know the Bene(FIT)s

Maybe you want to be fit because you want to attract the other sex (being that it will really help a lot with your dating successes... <--- by the way, new article in the works "Why working out will and can get you a date 95% of the time")

Let’s say you already do have a special someone. Maybe you want to be fit so you can look amazing for your wedding day.

Maybe you want to be fit because you understand the improved psychological conditions it  will bring; reduces anxiety, increases confidence, increases overall happiness.

Maybe you want to be fit because you want to live a longer and better quality life.(Don’t you  want to still be around to make sure that your loved ones are taken care of? I know I would.)

Whatever the reason is, your “want” must be personal and must be something that really gets you fired up. I can personally say that life is way much better with daily exercise and healthier choices. I don’t think I ever want to go back to the old (unfit)lifestyle I once had.

So now is the time to get back to the drawing boards and come up with exactly what you want from working out.

Try this on for size:
Find motivation through pictures of people in the shape you would like to be inside workout magazines. Cut those images out and paste those images on your wall. This is to remind you on a daily basis that this is what you crave. Make sure you can really resonate with whatever it is you want. Over time you'll naturally and progressively come up with new game plans on how to achieve your "wants". You'll be surprised how well this works.

I know I was.

So until next time..

Want more. Do more. Live more.

Sincerely,

Mike Mora

My Grandfather's Favorite Song

Wonderful World

From left to right: Aunt Lil, Grandma Mora, Grandpa Mora

            I never got the chance to meet any of my grandparents, but the stories I hear from my parents allow me know them as if they were still alive. My grandfather (on my dad's side) was a very interesting man. He was a boxer, a chef, a lotto winner and a military man (as a navy officer, he once escorted President Nixon through the rain holding up his umbrella). With all these titles under his belt, most importantly he was an appreciative man.

"I see trees of green, red roses too

I see them bloom for me and you

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.."

            One thing that I found very interesting about my grandfather was that his favorite song of all time was “Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Whenever I stop and listen to the words of this song, I imagine looking at the world through my grandfather’s eyes. I learn to appreciate the wonders and beauty this whole world has to offer. With all the hustle and bustle that life brings, we tend to forget that there’s always something to be grateful for; we just have to stop, look, listen and pay attention.

"I see skies of blue and clouds of white

The bright blessed day and the dark sacred night

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.."

                The laws of attraction states that we tend to bring more of what we focus on. So by turning our attention on the good things we already have (what we call appreciation) we will be filled with an abundance of more of that good stuff to come.

"The colors of the rainbow, So pretty in the sky. 

Are also on the faces, Of people going by, 

I see friends shaking hands. Saying, "How do you do?" 

They're really saying, "I love you"…"

            Whether this is true or not, I only know what I know… And what I know is that ever since I started practicing the art of appreciation, my life has definitely been blessed with amazing things beyond my own comprehension. I started appreciating the small things we take for granted. For example, I just spent my Saturday at the beach hanging out and simply enjoying my day. The view of the ocean is free, but I already feel wealthy being able to see it whenever I can.

"I hear babies cry, I watch them grow, 

They'll learn much more, Than I'll ever know. 

And I think to myself, What a wonderful world…"

                I also am very grateful for the relationships I share with my friends, family and myself (This wasn’t always the case either as we definitely shared some trivial moments with one another). But by learning to accept what I have and start taking care of what’s in front of me, it was no surprised that I attracted a stronger bond with all my loved ones. What was unexpected though was how powerful this skill became as I never could have foreseen the arrival of someone truly special to me; a story to be shared for another time.

 "Yes, I think to myself, What a wonderful world.

Ohh yeah."

I can see why my grandfather lived an extraordinary life because he himself had extraordinary appreciation. I hope you take this message to heart and start to give thanks to everything this universe has to offer you. You may go through a tough time, but remember that the blue sky will always be above you as a reminder from God saying, “I made this for you and only you.” 

 "If you all you pray is "Thank you", that is enough"- Oprah

Thanks for taking time to read this article..

With much appreciation,

Mike Mora

Mike Mora's Motivation Minute

Don't Be Discouraged

What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail at something?

Today I'm writing to tell you that you are extremely close to your goals; you just don't know it yet. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When it comes to accomplishing a big task or goal, we tend to get overwhelmed at the journey ahead of us. We tend to feel discouraged and give up way too early. In result, we deprive ourselves of the rewards waiting just around the corner because we believe this is impossible. 

So what's the solution?

Make it possible.

The solution is to take that big goal and break it into pieces. When the goal becomes divided, performing each piece of that goal will make it seem easier and achievable. You must believe it in order to achieve it.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After going through a break up last year, I realized that I gained weight from eating my feelings. 

(Ben and Jerry were my only fwends) 

I had a belly like no other and the only solution was to start the workout journey all over again. 

I knew it was going to take me at least 3 months to get to that point where I needed myself to be; as P90X results usually occur around that time span.

It seem like a daunting task but I knew this was more of a mental challenge. I simply told myself, "Let's not think too much about it and just take it one day at a time."

And that's exactly what I did. 

A big part of winning the game is just to show up. So I showed up every day and told myself not to be discouraged. I knew that being overweight was temporary and that time is really an illusion. 

I kept telling myself, "I'm already fit.. my body doesn't know it yet." 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is my advice to you..

Don't be discouraged, but instead have the courage to keep on going.

Get rid of that fear of failing because in truth you can't fail.

All you need to do is find that emotional state of succeeding and you will succeed. 

Just take it one day at a time. 

Come on, I'm rooting for you. 

Sincerely,

Mike Mora

Mike Mora's Motivation Minute

Mora-vation

This is a new segment that I want to introduce to you. I understand that everyone is busy performing daily responsibilities and finding time to read is a luxury. I also understand that these days motivation is just as valuable and I'm willing to give it to you just for a minute of your time. 

Why is this important? 

It's important because someone gave me the gift of daily inspiration almost a year ago.. I didn't think nothing of it until I realized that I've grown so much and accomplished so many of my personal goals; better job, better health, better relationships, better quality of life. I'm just simply returning the favor to the universe and now passing on the torch to you. 

You deserve to have everything you want. You owe it to yourself.

Give me a minute, and I'll give you more than expected. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Although I have a good amount of positivity stored within me, there are still moments of uncertainty, hurt, fear, etc that I may encounter time from time.

Today, for example, I was dealing with an unfavorable issue and carried it with me wherever I went. It was something that I couldn't shake off and was starting to ruin my afternoon.

It was only until I turned on the radio and heard these lyrics to a song, "How am I going to be an optimist about this?" that I was able to evaluate my current situation.

It was that moment that I realized I was asking the wrong questions to solve the issue I had. 

When we encounter problems we (unconsciously) tend to ask ourselves:

"Why does this always happen to me?"

or

"What did I do to deserve this?"

or

"When will this pain stop?"

It's these type of reactive questions that will set you up for failure. Thoughts are the root of our actions and our subconscious will always find a way to tie them together. So by asking, "Why does this always happen to me?" then the universe will bring you more of that unwanted feeling or situation. 

It's only until we ask the right (proactive) questions, that we can take control of our situation and improve our current state. If you're not part of the solution, then you're part of the problem.

So start observing your thoughts and begin to ask yourself questions like: 

"What can I learn from this so this won't happen again?"

or

"Is there anything positive that can come from this?"

or even

"How can I be an optimist about this?"

Learn to control your thoughts and everything else will follow. 

Times up..

Mike Mora 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's the song I was talking about by the way

The Best Fitness Advice I Can Give

Setting Yourself Up For Fitness Success

I've been wanting to write this post for a very long time. The reason why I've been postponing this article is because I didn't want to give my best advice away so soon. But it's a new year and I'm sure I'll have an abundance of good advice to give away. So here it is...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay, I'm going to ask you a few questions first.

What does your room look like?
-Is the bed made? Are your clothes folded or placed neatly in your closet? Do you have random items scattered all over?

The reason I ask this is because I want you to be aware of the person living in this room. When you look at your environment, does it say that a neat and organized person lives here? Or does it say otherwise?

Determining your environment type will help you become aware of the person you are. Your room, your house, your car and your office can be clear indicators of what you hold as a priority.

Another question:
Does your environment indicate that you hold fitness as a priority?
(If twinkie wrappers are falling out of your glove compartment, then it is unlikely.)

Important rule to live by:
By changing your external environment, your external environment will change you.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let's explore what happens when you actively keep putting yourself in an environment that keeps you successful in your fit goals.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is what my fitness reality looks like:

I have a box of health nutrition bars next to my bed, a closet that holds comfortable workout clothes, a refrigerator filled with healthy choices, car which store an extra pair of running shoes, a gym membership id attached to my key chain, workout magazines on my desk, protein shakes in my cubicle, etc and etc.

All of these things that surround me are clues. They show me everyday that I am a person who holds fitness as a priority.

I also surround myself with friends who are extremely motivated and exercise savvy.

(You are the average of the 5 people you spend most of your time with.. So throw in a few fit people in your social circle, and see what kind of magic occurs.)

You need to do the same if you want to be healthy/fit/strong.
You must surround yourself with fitness related things that will remind you that you are a fit person.
Your “Fit environment” is the most powerful tool that you can use for yourself because it consistently holds you in fitness success.

For example, I can be the biggest hypocrite at times and I change my mind about things constantly.
(Honesty, there are days where I say, “F* the workout and F* eating healthy.”)
But by understanding my hypocritical flaw, I can prevent myself from straying the course by actively shaping my environment.

Another example. Just the other day I wasn't in the mood for fitness. I was getting distracted with other things until my friend called me and said, “Hey Mike, how are your workouts coming along?? I learned some new stuff I need to show you.” And just like that, his excitement about exercise got me pumped up once again.

Here are some other things that you can add to you fitness environment:

1. Sign up for a marathon
-Statistically speaking, your success rate for being fit increases when you implement a long term goal; rather than a short term goal. So schedule your big run 3 months from now and start training right away

2. Join a gym
-If you're looking for a new fit environment, make sure you spend some time here. The gym holds many different body types from beginner to expert so there's no reason to feel intimidated. Start small and don't be afraid to learn something new from your new gym buddies.

3. Start a fitness blog
- Ever since I started writing about fitness I been getting into the best shape of my life. My blog holds me to following my own advice and I'm actively thinking about new fitness advice. I wouldn't trust a candy man who never ate his own candy. So why wouldn't I follow my own advice?


 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Set yourself for success and not failure.
Actively plan out what your environment looks like on a weekly basis.
If your environment is running short of health foods, then go get some more.
If your environment is unfamiliar with the gym setting, then you better start getting familiar.
Do whatever it takes to make sure you stick with this reality.. Because this reality is the best one to live in.
I'll be discussing why this is in the next fitness post. So stay tuned.

So there it is.
The best fitness advice I can give.

Good luck,
Mike M.

Your Dating Foundation (Becoming a Person of Value)

Your Dating Foundation

When it comes to being successful at anything, one must first establish a strong foundation. Just like a building you have to have the strong framework or else you will collapse.

This New Year brings much opportunity to work on a new you. Before you get too excited and rush out into the dating world, it's extremely imperative that you work on becoming the best "you" that you can be. Today I will be introducing the most important element regarding love - self improvement. 

This idea of loving yourself is quite simple yet so many people tend to overlook this factor.

Why?? 

People like to think that someone else (other than themselves) might have the key to unlock their own happiness. We jump from date to date thinking, "Maybe this is the one who will make me happy this time." Things go great until eventually everything falls apart and we're left wondering what happened.

I'm going to give it straight to you.. You can't be in a happy dating lifestyle or relationship if you are not a happy person.

I've spent years trying to figure this out for myself. I always wondered why I couldn't sustain a long and happy relationship. Then this idea finally dawned on me... I never worked on pleasing the person I spent most of my time with; which was me. 

I wake up, I'm with myself.

I eat, I'm with myself.

I work, I'm with myself. 

I run, I'm with myself.

I sleep, I'm with myself. 

I'm with myself all the time... You get the idea. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So now you're probably wondering, "This is all good, but get to the point." Ok, I'm getting there.

Do you love yourself?

Do you love your life?

Would you date yourself? 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now you're probably saying, "Of course I love myself. I would totally go out with me!"

Ok.. If you really believe that, why do you hesitate when it comes to talking to that girl/boy over there??

It's because your subconscious doesn't think that you are deserving enough yet. I hate to break it to you.. but you really don't believe you are attractive/deserving. 

THE POINT ---> So how can you make others think that you are attractive/deserving if you can't get yourself to believe it??

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is time to feel deserving, my friend. 

Do yourself a favor and become a person of value. In other words, learn to value yourself. 

What makes you feel attractive? And be real..

For example: 

I used to think I was so cool because I was the pretty boy who went out with pretty girls. But to be honest, this was a false belief that belonged to my ego.

In all truth, what really makes me feel attractive is doing the right thing. I speak up for others who can't speak up for themselves. I constantly offer value; I write to help others, I go out of my way to make someone else's day, I spend my excess time volunteering with kids and teens from impoverish backgrounds (link below if you're interested in volunteering) I treat my body right with exercise and healthy food, I put myself in positions I want to be in and I constantly lead myself and others into progression.

I am seeing myself become a man I admire and respect everyday. This is what makes me feel attractive/deserving.

It's different for everyone though.. So dig deep down and find what makes you the best "you". 

This is the time to reinvent yourself and find out what you like. Keep what works and discard what doesn't work. 

When you get to a point where you built your life in such a way that's amazing and self reliant on your own happiness, that's how you know you're ready to become a dating rock-star. 

"The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become." - Jim Rohn

A Fresh Start (Happy New Years)

Happy New Years Everyone..

It's been 3 days into 2014 and I already feel a change. 

I feel hopeful, energetic, strong, youthful, focused, optimistic, appreciated; but most importantly happy. 

As we all march onward to the New Year with a different beat and much anticipation, I can't help but feel much relief that we escaped 2013 in one piece.

2013 will be a year I will never forget.. Although it was a year of unforgettable and amazing moments, it was also the year I hit rock bottom. 

And as I type this post, I am hesitant to share this personal story of mine.. but I am an actor.. I am a poet.. I am a writer.. I am an artist.. And as an artist, it is my obligation to share the truth. 

When we hear stories about people with depression, it's so easy to criticize and judge. We think that depressed people are just being ignorant and ungrateful. We think that depressed people are being selfish and needy for attention. We really don't understand them at all until we go through it ourselves.

Depression is like being in stuck in a cage everywhere you go. This cage is heavy and offers very little ventilation and is hard to breathe. What's worst is that there are no windows; there was no light at the end of any tunnel. 

It made absolutely no sense to me. Why was I trapped?? 

Outside, my friends and everyone who knew me saw a good looking guy who had nothing to worry about. 

But I was worried every second of the day.. I was worried for my life. I was terrified about what I could potentially do to myself in order to stop this pain..

I did everything I possibly could.. I talked to friends.. I talked to a counselor.. I talked to God.. I prayed.. I cried.. I wanted it to stop.. 

I felt stupid, silly, and extremely selfish.

Everyone has worst problems than I did, but why did I feel this way??

Alcohol, drugs, exercise didn't help either..

Then one day I did exactly what I had in mind to do to myself ..

I killed myself....

One day, I found a box full of death certificates at work and I thought to myself, "If I'm going to end it, it's going to be by my own terms.."

I took one of the cards and started to fill it out:

Name: Michael P. Mora..

Age of Death: 87

Occupation: Actor, Writer, Teacher, Traveler

Suddenly, I got carried away and started to get excited. On the back I started scribbling my own obituary.

Michael Mora passed away on a nice Sunday afternoon. He was asleep at the time of passing. If one word described him; Michael was a lover. He loved his family, friends and community. He loved his job and taught others about love. His legacy and endless smiles will never be forgotten. He leaves behind his wife, two children, and 8 grandchildren. Michael inspired everyone when he finally married the girl of his dreams by saying, "I do believe that behind every great man, there is a great woman... but I personally believe he must achieve greatness first because no great woman would tolerate anything less.. I became great because I love my wife.. She is great and I want to be great for her."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After writing and reviewing the life I wrote out, I became envious. I wanted THAT life. 

I realized that only I can escape my own prison and that no one is coming to help me. It's all on me..

Suddenly there was a crack in my cage. I saw the light.

I broke out of that cage but I keep whatever remains so I can remind myself of how far I've gotten.

I got a new job, new life and new soul for this new year.

I constantly look forward to progression. I want to be good at anything and everything that life offers. Because if you're not in a state of progression, you'll find yourself in a state of depression.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So my advice to you?

Take control of whatever situation you're in. You have all the power and resources than you think you do. If you don't like the life you have then you better start writing yourself a new one. Don't get discouraged either.. Change doesn't happen over night. CONSISTENCY is the main ingredient for success. Do it everyday and fall in love with the progress.

This is a New Year full of possibilities and hope. I hope you reach whatever you're goals are for this year whether it's health, love, or happiness. 

As for me.. I'm going to continue living the life I love living.  

Thank you for you time and allowing me to share my story. 

Love,

Michael Mora

My Merry (Christmas) Friends

Just recently, my friends and I took our annual Christmas pics with Santa.

These guys are not only just my friends, but they're my family.
Every year they remind me how blessed of a guy I really am.
They push me to be better, understand me when no one else does and are always there for me when I need them. Most importantly, they accept me for who I am.

I really believe friendship is one of the most important investments to make. Not only with these guys, but when I see all my friends and family, I can tell I'm a rich guy.

What started as a high-school hilarious photo op turned into a serious sacred tradition. Our annual Santa pics is a reason to get us together at the end of a long year. It forces us to push whatever differences we have aside and just be young and happy again.

These guys are alright.

You Don't Have To Be Perfect.. (Dating For December)

Everyone has their own insecurities when it comes to dating. 

"I'm too shy.."
       "I'm too short.."
               "I'm too fat.."
                      "I'm too weird."
                              "I'm complicated."
                                      "I don't make enough money.."
                                              "I'm ugly.."
                                                      "I'm not good enough.."

I'm here to tell you that whatever the reason is for you not being able to find that special someone, you're totally wrong. Just like everyone, you deserve to love and be loved. You are perfect the way you are and you should start to wear that belief everywhere you go. Today I will share with you on how to break free of your insecurities and help you feel like a dating champ.

First, you need to hear yourself when you start thinking negative thoughts of yourself. Being aware of how you speak to yourself will trigger you to start taking action of your belief.

Once you hear your negative thought or belief about yourself, you can start to either: 
1. Disprove the belief 
or..
2. Determine its truth and see how you can spin it to the positive. 

Here's an example of a personal negative belief I had:

"Being 5'6, I used to believe that I was short and always wished to be taller (like everyone). I once had a friend call me out on being taller because I was wearing boots (that gave me an extra inch) in front of my date (who was tall)...
1. I disproved my belief when I went to church.. I noticed that I was above average height compared to all the people standing around me... because the mass was Filipino-oriented. After that I started to remind myself that I'm a good height for an Asian.
2. I decided to further explore my shortness and shine some positive truth on the subject. I started to compile all the good things related to being short. I'm a big Tom Cruise fan and when I heard he's about my height, I was really ecstatic. I saw that being vertically challenged never stopped him from dating taller beautiful women. From then on, it never stopped me either. I'm very comfortable with my height."

Here are some final thoughts on insecurities..

Everyday you see couples and you can't help but yourself, "Why is he/she with this person??"

The answer is very clear.

Love is blind. 

Love and attraction has no rules/limits... 

Most times, we feel like we have no choice or say in the matter...

And listen to me when I say...

You don't have to be perfect... to be perfect for each other. 

What Do You Want (Dating for December)

For some reason, the holidays tend to remind us that we are single more than any other time of the year (except Valentines).

Maybe it's because of the cold weather and you just want someone to cuddle up with. Or maybe you just notice all the couples who like to do cute stuff together like ice skate holding hands... or bake cookies naked. Whatever the reason, I don't know.

For me, I've had my share of dates and relationships. If there is one thing I know from my experience, it's the fact that the grass is greener on the other side. It means that relationships look fun and great, but it's hard work. It takes communication, trust, compromise, understanding and all that other good stuff.

I also understand that being single and dating around is fun, but it can be frustrating as well.

Anyways, I feel obliged to help out all my friends with their dating dilemmas, which is why I will be sharing some personal thoughts and ideas on this matter.

First things first... WHAT DO YOU WANT? and be specific.

This will determine how happy you will be when entering the dating world. You need to know what you're signing up for.

Example 1
If you want to date around and "have fun", you need to be clear on that intention.
If you're going out and meeting multiple people on dates, don't be surprised to find out that those people are most likely seeing other people as well.
Note: The universe tends to give you what you put out yourself.

You need to work on becoming someone who will survive the "dating world".
You have to be social, charming, independent, stylish, interesting etc.

Example 2
If you're looking for something more serious like a committed relationship, try to limit your time at bars, clubs or anywhere that attracts other Example 1 people (who just want to have fun).

Don't misunderstand when I say that cupid doesn't work his magic at the club. (I met some of my girlfriends at clubs. No shame in it.) What I'm trying to say is that you have a better chance of meeting someone more compatible with you if you follow your heart.

Get to know yourself better... What do you really like to do?
If you like to paint, take a painting class.
If you like to travel, then buy a ticket to Hawaii or Spain.

There's a quote that goes, "If you're looking for love, stop. They will be waiting for you when you start doing the things you love.."

You need to work on being true to yourself.
Also work on becoming a better you.
Love yourself and love your life.
Once you do this, it'll be no surprise when you meet another person who loves you too.

Be A Bigger Fish (December Health and Fitness)

They (scientists) say that fish have the capacity to grow 3 times larger in the ocean, rather than left in a fish tank. I'm not sure how much this is true, but I definitely noticed a big change since moving my workout from my garage and into a real gym.

I encourage everyone to join a gym for these reasons:

1. You get to learn some new stuff

-Every time I go into my gym to get my sexy on, I pay attention to what others are doing around me. I quickly take mental notes and see if I can use their moves in the near future. It's always good to try something new and challenging. Also, if you just ask, people will gladly share what works for them and you can also make a new friend.

2. You'll discover how much harder you should work

-When it comes to anything in life, we are lazy. We don't like hard work and we don't like to work hard. This could explain why there is an increase of college drop outs, unemployment rates and divorce rates.
We live in a time where we expect things to come easy to us and are disappointed when we don't get what we want. I believe this laziness is the result of just being misinformed.. (Forgive us father, for we do not know)

-I ran into a high school buddy at the gym the other day and agreed to follow his workout. After performing 30 minutes of pure cardio, I was dripping with sweat. I said, "Whew! Man, that was a good workout!" To which he replied, "What are you talking about? That was only the warm up."
(FML)

-I learned quickly that my workout game needed much improvement and not to be scared to push myself harder. What doesn't kill, definitely will make you stronger for sure.

3. Motivation is free

-At the gym, it's almost impossible to just sit there and do nothing. With so many people sweating, panting and almost out of breath, you will feel guilty that you are not performing at their level.

-I love the fact that when I'm trying to one up in the weights department, someone will shoot me a look that says, "Yo.. I see you right now man.. Get that bar up! I believe in you!"

-(Secret time) My homies won't admit this, but they say that when they're tired they'll do a few more reps of whatever they were doing because a hot girl passes by. I don't know about you, but that's pretty motivating as well.

Anyways, that's all I got for you today.

So just dive in and don't afraid to get wet (sweat).

Be a bigger better fish... and swim good.

The Power of Now (December Health and Fitness)

A powerful mindset that I've been adapting into my workout routine is "The Power of Now"

Ever since I can remember, my dad would use certain catch phrases that he would say repeatedly:

• "For once you did something right in your life."

• "Bring me up a cup of ice cream... A-hole!"

• "You want money? Like fun! Hahahahaha."

But out of all the things he said, my favorite was, 

"IF YOU DON'T DO IT NOW, YOU'LL NEVER DO IT."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Procrastination.. I've been a victim to it. I think everyone has. It's such a terrible thing to wait until the last minute to start doing something. This is a big factor that separates the successful and the not-so-successful.

When it comes to working out, I used to tell myself that I'll do it when I felt like it. (But this is wrong.)

"If you wait until you feel motivated or “in the mood” you 

may never start the task, especially if it is boring or unpleasant. Action comes first before 

motivation." - (taken from the article WHY PEOPLE PROCRASTINATE) 

http://www5.wittenberg.edu/sites/default/files/u7/procrastination.pdf

Get rid of your excuses and just start doing it.. even if you don't feel like it. Soon, your physiology will match your brain and then you'll feel like it. 

As I am writing this post and getting ready for my workout, I'm feeling a bit under the weather. And even though I'm sick, I know that shouldn't be an excuse for me to not get my daily sweat on. I tell myself that I'm not going to wait until I'm 100% healthy to work towards something I want. What doesn't kill me, will make me stronger.

The reason why I like my dad's catch phrase, "If you don't do it now, then you'll never do it" is because it's so truthful.

Before, I would be running and tell myself, "I'm tired.. I know I got a little more energy but I'll just do better tomorrow." Then tomorrow will show up and I end up doing the same thing. We tend to make it a habit to perform well whenever it's comfortable for us.. Which leads to mediocre results.

 Instead, we should start thinking, "I'm going to do my best right now. I'm going to give it my all and make it a habit to perform at my maximum peak." If you implement this mindset everyday, you'll start to make it a habit. When you make doing your best a habit, it'll feel like a second nature and soon you'll wake up and see a totally different person in the mirror. 

So take my dad's advice..

Work out now.

Don't give up now. 

Do your best now... or else you'll never do it.

I'm Back (December Health and Fitness)

Okay...
I'm aware that I've been on a hiatus from blogging and haven't posted any new material in a while.

The truth is, I've been away on a fitness adventure ever since I had a moment of clarity.. There's a saying that goes, "You can't teach something unless you can demonstrate it yourself."

What this quote meant to me was that I had to step up my game and throw myself into the workout world completely.

I joined a gym.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So far it's been quite an interesting experience.

There's a few things that I'm excited to share soon.

And to make up for not posting more motivational fitness advice for November, I'll be working on extending the fitness topic for quite a while.

There's also another project that I've been putting together in order to help deliver my messages as well.

So stay tuned... We're just barely getting started.

Just Have Fun With It (November Health and Fitness)

*I have been inspired to share some personal insights and mindsets one can introduce to their own fitness goals and overall health. I came to the conclusion that blogging would be a lot easier if I stuck to one subject at a time. This is why for the entire month of November, I will be focusing on fitness alone. I dedicate this entire month to my friends and family who need that extra "mind" push to help them get a head start on their New Year's resolution.

Just Have Fun With It

It may seem like a chore when one is approached with the idea of working out, but it doesn't have to be that way. By understanding the neuro-associations we create in our minds, we can get into shape just by simply enjoying our workouts. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger once compared getting a good pump from the gym to having the same type of pleasure that sex may offer. (Hmmm... So buff people are just people not getting some?)

Unconsciously, we tie pain and pleasure when it comes to becoming fit. So all we need to do is take a step back and sort out whether this action will bring us good or bad feelings. 

So you need to ask yourself.. Will working out bring you more pleasure or pain?

Personally, I associate pain to not working out. I visualize  myself carrying around a beer belly and drowning in my own self-loathing. I imagine living a mediocre life tied to having a body that isn't up to par. I think about all the diseases linked to being obese which could have been easily prevented. It hurts me more to not work out. 

There are more pleasures to living healthy than I imagined. I enjoy feeling comfortable in my clothes. I like having the energy and positivity that comes along with fitness. I love the feeling I get when I see progress; which is a result of discipline. 

Some Tips:

Make sure you tie pleasurable feelings when it comes to your fitness goals.

Look into activities that you might have fun with; like swimming, kayaking, bowling, or power walk on the beach.

When I work out, I tell myself, "I love this.. I love this.." in between breaths. It helps serve as a strong affirmation and after I say it enough. Eventually, I'll start to feel the love running on the treadmill.

I also like pretending I'm batman training in the batcave when I'm working out in my garage... And dancing between sets. (It's just good times)

Never beat yourself up. Talk to yourself kindly. 

This past weekend, I was such a bad boy.. in a sense that I cheated on my healthy diet choices. I ate heavily and drank excessively. But I made sure I didn't beat myself up. If becoming fit means that I punish myself for letting lose then that would mean I tied pain to achieving my health goals. Instead, I told myself that it's going to be alright and I'll just work a little harder to burn off the excess calories during the week. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So get moving, get grooving and just have fun with it.