Category: Health and Wellness

Finding Balance

On By seancovellIn business, Health and Wellness, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Finding Balance

What follows is a journal entry written to myself. If there is any value in it whatsoever for you, I’m grateful for that.

A fulfilling life is all about finding balance. So many of us live at the extremes of life, letting those emotions affect us negatively. Balance ensures mindfulness and control. Truly, the only thing we really have control over is our philosophy towards life, so let me suggest that you evaluate whether your personal philosophy contains balance in the extremes. Over-caution must be balanced with recklessness. Fear must be balanced with courage. Stress must be balanced out with contentment and joy. You must be determined to achieve something while also being mindful of why you do what you do. You must balance the desires and goals that drive you with gratitude and appreciation for what you already have. You must balance aggression with compassion. You must balance indifference with strong passions. You must balance strength with vulnerability. You must balance studying with teaching. You must balance good times with bad times.

You must balance the importance of what you are engaged in with the thought that “we are but a speck in the universe, spinning around and one day we will all be gone.” You must balance desires with restraint. You must balance the love you give unconditionally among all you love. You must balance earning with investing. Saving with spending. You must balance learning one side of an argument with the other (s). You must balance imposing your will with accepting others’ will. You must balance reading with writing. You must balance the idea that all lives are incredibly important with the idea that we are all fated with a death sentence. You must balance caring with not caring. You must balance giving with allowing yourself to receive. You must balance focusing on the future while remembering the past. You must balance what you know with what you don’t know. You must balance confidence with humility. You must balance the light with the dark. You must balance happiness with sadness. Sorrow and despair with hope, so that neither affect you adversely.

But, above all- you must balance emotion with reason.

Finding a Great Partner

On By seancovellIn business, Health and WellnessLeave a comment

The Importance of a Good Partner

            Humans are social creatures. We exist and persist for, and because of, each other. We frequent health clubs, bars, restaurants and movie theaters so that we may feed off of the energy of others. Being around others reminds us that we are alive. It’s the elixir of vitality—human connection. But while great benefits occur from being around others, the inevitable problems that arise from such encounters lead us to believe that on some things, “we must go it alone.” Let me suggest that instead of going it alone, you seek out a partner to take with you on your journey. I believe there is incredible power and fulfillment in having another person by your side for most undertakings. A special relationship with another person is incredibly beneficial when it comes to physical training. Let me explain…

As a health club owner, I’ve clocked thousands of workouts by myself. Some have been incredible, but most paled in comparison to when I was training with a partner. Two people dedicated to one common goal, expanding each others physical potential and establishing routines that revitalize the body, can accomplish much more than one person on their own. In my opinion, having a partner to push you, be honest with you, motivate you and help you overcome the pain of resistance in the gym (and in life) is so important to fulfilling your potential. I’ve had some incredible training partners in my life. My father was my first. We still train together when possible. My best friend Chris is another. Our mutual love for the iron began after a painful breakup. My ex’s best friend happened to be his girlfriend at the time. I walked out of the room after being dumped, Chris saw my face, and I said with an angry look, “Tomorrow we are doing squats together.” This was 11th grade. I squatted 315 pounds for reps out of sheer anger and adrenaline. A friendship was forged for life. We both own fitness companies today.

Currently, my training partner is my wife Holly. We have been together over 12 years, but it’s only been the last two years that we started working out with each other instead of doing our own routines. Like many women, she was intimidated by lifting heavy weights and preferred to “sweat it out” doing cardio. However, after our second child was born, Holly dedicated herself to not only getting her pre-baby body back, but surpassing it. I can tell you confidently, that after grueling workout sessions, heavy weight (315 pound deadlifts) and simple diet modifications, she has accomplished her goal. She’s been absolutely incredible through this process, pushing herself to new levels, but also pushing me to get stronger and more flexible. I have ankylosing spondylitis, leaving partial fusion throughout my whole spine. Despite that, with my partner’s help I have been able to move more freely and with less pain that anytime in the last 10 years. I attribute this to having a partner that has my best interest at heart. I suspect she attributes her successes to the same. She’s the best partner I’ve had in life and in the gym.

I believe strongly in the mastermind principle—where two or more like-minded people get together regularly and plan out future actions in the spirit of perfect harmony. It’s truly amazing what mankind has achieved through cooperation. More than that, I believe that true fulfillment comes through having a great partner in various aspects of life. A great partner can really help you to become better, give you compassion and understanding when needed and help you to overcome obstacles in the weight room and in life. My advice here is to look at the various areas of your life and see where a partner can really help you to grow and become more. Find someone you can be in harmony with and go deep. Gold and diamonds are found at great depths. The same is true with a partner. Their value comes from going deep with them. Commit to them and make sure they are committed to you and your goals. Find yourself a partner for life.

In health,

Sean

I’m Sorry

On By seancovellIn Health and Wellness, Politics1 Comment

What are you truly sorry for? What do you regret? Sometimes the words “I’m sorry” can start a person, or two people out on a whole new path. Being that life is all about seeking out what paths to take to better the living standards of you and your loved ones, I believe that it’s good to be honest about where you are and the mistakes you have made. Once the truth is established, lessons can be learned from mistakes that were made. The list that follows is me being honest with my own shortcomings. I present them not to relive the past or dwell upon my defeats. Rather, I’m writing this list so that I may start a journey of radical transparency with myself. My hope is that through this honesty and disclosure that I will identify patterns within myself and embark on a whole new path- one that leads me in a direction when my regrets are few and my successes are great.

I’m sorry that sickness and death has befallen my family. Though it’s not my fault, I haven’t done everything in my power to prevent it.

I’m sorry that I have so often lost my temper when it would have been just as easy to remain calm.

I’m sorry for speaking things that were clearly intended to be offensive rather than remaining quiet.

I’m sorry for not speaking up for ideas and people when I could and should have.

I’m sorry that I have failed to lead certain people in a way that would benefit them.

I’m sorry that I have been defeated in hitting certain goals (although I still have time.)

I’m sorry that certain relationships I have been a part of have soured.

I’m sorry that I have so often failed to reach my potential in certain areas.

I’m sorry that I have not always poured it on or played 100% while doing something.

I’m sorry that I have let certain people down in their expectations of me.

I’m sorry that I have often failed to see the good in people before identifying their negative traits.

I’m sorry that I have failed to convince people to take action that would have benefited them.

I’m sorry that I have not been as successful as I know I can be.

I’m sorry that I have let fear pervade my thinking in the past.

I’m sorry that I have focused on scarcity instead of abundance.

I’m sorry that I have failed to convince more being about taking up the cause of liberty and self-reliance.

I’m sorry that I didn’t have a philosophy for life earlier on.

I’m sorry that I have yelled at my children and wife.

I’m sorry that I have neglected to take action when it was demanded of me.

I’m sorry that I have had such low standards for myself in the past.

I’m sorry for all the times I wasn’t joyful even though it was in my power to feel joy.

I’m sorry for the bad investments I have made.

I’m sorry for not following the “Golden Rule” 100% of the time.

I’m sorry that I have not expanded my network nor my thinking as quickly as I should have.

I’m sorry that I have not stood up against tyranny and the ideology of aggression as steadfastly as I could have.

I’m sorry that I have not done more to expose others to philosophies that could help them.

I’m sorry that I haven’t read as much as I could have in my lifetime.

I’m sorry that I didn’t focus as much as I could have in school.

I’m sorry that I have acted in ways that, in hindsight I believe are shameful.

I’m sorry that I have fed the beast of fear, anxiety and defeat rather than courage, success and joy.

May I never fall into the same patterns that led me to these regrets. May I also live in accordance with the philosophies that I know will lead to fulfillment and growth. I wish the same upon you also.
In health,

Who Will Make It This Year?

On By seancovellIn business, Health and Wellness, PoliticsLeave a comment

The globalized marketplace has changed so much that millions of workers and business owners are struggling to keep up with the changing times. The marketplace now consists of billions of workers, many of whom are able to telecommute, and work in multiple countries from anywhere in the world. Employers seek out skills from not only their local community, but from around the globe. Millions of workers still struggle with this fact and have been slow to adapt. Worse, with rising debt across the globe, nations are forced to extract more wealth from producers, making it even more difficult to prosper. Inflation of the money supply only amplifies the problems. The U.S. dollar is worth only 3% of what it was back in 1913. So what needs to happen? Who will make it in the coming years and decades? Here are my predictions about who will thrive in the new economy.

-Business owners who are intent on taking their customers to the next level. Also, employees who will take their companies to the next level will thrive. As the competition for great labor increases, employers will look to hire only those that can further their businesses. They will not spend time training average employees.

-Those who do not have to be told (or reminded) to perform tasks required of their job. Those who perform at a high level are those who do not need to be told what to do after they have been trained. They instinctively know what is right for them and the marketplace.

-Those who would wake up early, work late and grind out hard work rather than party with friends. So many people believe their job is not part of their “real life,” so they don’t play full out and make excuses for why they don’t succeed. I’m here to tell you that as long as you’re working, your job is part of your “real life,” so show up early, stay late and outperform those around you.

-People dedicated to self-improvement. The marketplace is not welcoming of stagnation. Only people who want to go to the next level will make it.

-People who get obsessed with delivering value to others. Those who love their clients, coworkers and purpose will thrive.

-Individuals who work harder than they get paid for. If your boss says work starts at 9am, those who show up at 8:45 will find they still have a place in the business when and if cuts to labor are necessary. Those who show up late will be cut without hesitation.

-People who seek out opportunities—to invest, to grow, to have more responsibilities. Those who are okay with the status quo will be left choking on dust of self-pity and regret.

-Those who read daily to improve their skill set, enhance creativity and build the discipline of study will do well.

-Those who sleep when they are done, not when they are tired. I find that many people today would rather sleep, drink and party than go out and take action. Rest is fine, when you are done. Rest is not the reason you were put here on Earth. Although it feels good to stay in bed, what does it say about you if that is your favorite thing to do? Not much.

-Those who hold self-reliance in high regard. The highest form of success is truly self-reliance. It’s a lost art today, but it must be instilled into everyone that they must produce in the world so that others and themselves may benefit. The real way to love your fellow man is to work hard to enhance their life by performing in the marketplace.

-Those who play full out, with massive energy and positive attitude. These are things that all employers, lovers and partners are looking for.

-People who pride themselves on doing better and adapting themselves every single day. Our globalized marketplace changes so often and sometimes without notice, only those who seek to do better every single day will be able to adapt quickly enough to succeed.

-Those who do not complain about what is happening in their life, but instead work daily to improve upon the things they can change.

-People who smile and show up well dressed and ready to work. Rolling out of bed, looking like a slob will not have a place in the new economy. Unless you are a genius hacker or coder, I suggest you shower, put on decent clothes and make it a point to smile. I’ve never seen someone not get the job for dressing too nice.

-Those who surround themselves with people who are better than they are at something. I believe firmly that you become the sum of the five people you most associate with. Could it be that it’s time to be a bit more discerning about who you spend time with?

-Lastly, those who are obsessed and have a purpose. Only those with some form of obsession towards improving themselves and hitting goals will make it in the new economy. Those who are indifferent, would rather hang out with friends, be distracted and watch TV will be left behind. They will always wonder why others are doing well while they struggle.

That’s my list. Maybe it’s time to evaluate where you are. As a business owner, I know that I do. I never stop thinking about how I can evolve. I suggest you do the same.

In liberty and health,
Sean

Be Future-Focused

On By seancovellIn business, Health and WellnessLeave a comment

Some scholars and philosophers suggest that paying too much attention to the future is what causes most of the stress and anxiety in humans. There are entire schools of thought that preach we must be “present”-focused to have a high quality of life. While I do agree that anxiety is giving too much importance on future events and that we should all be grateful for what we have and can enjoy in the present, I strongly disagree with these schools that say we must be focused solely on the present. I believe the lack of a compelling future is what causes most people anxiety and stress. In other words, worry comes from a lack of hope and not paying enough attention to the future. From my experience and the experience of many of my successful, happy friends and mentors, the biggest commonality between them is that they are constantly focused on the future. They are designing their life and taking massive action so that their future is brighter and more compelling than today.

This is not to say these fulfilled people are not grateful for what they currently have, they are. These people enjoy every moment of life. I know some people so enthusiastic and so animated that you can feel their energy permeating the space around them. These people are able to suck the marrow out of life because they are enjoying the present, but are always mindful and preparing for the future. This type of preparation takes an incredible amount of discipline. However, that discipline allows them to use the stress of the future to design and build an incredible life. Throughout history, those who have been incredible successful in any area of life—marriage, business, health, money—they all have understood the power of anticipation. If you are pulled towards future, mindful of what may be in store, you can prepare yourself and your loved ones.

Being future focused is like laying the concrete foundation for a building. Preparations must be made for the future building so that it can last. The engineers and builders are taking massive actions so that their creation will last throughout the years. Let me suggest to you this is like your life. You are the engineer and the builder. Prepare for the future; design a future life that is so compelling, you can’t help but smile. Then, take MORE action than necessary to ensure that what you design will come to fruition. Yes, be mindful and grateful towards the present, but be future-focused. After all, the present will be the past in a moment. Being focused on the future will give you the ultimate fulfillment.

Give Me Problems

On By seancovellIn business, Health and WellnessLeave a comment

One thing that I’ve learned in life is to not ask for fewer problems. Life is too dynamic, the universe too unstable for us as humans not to experience problems. No, problems will come. Everyday. I will no doubt encounter some obstacle that I have to overcome to reach an outcome. So, I’ve learned to not ask for fewer problems—to do so is pointless. I do, however, ask that I experience newer problems. You see, I hate old problems. They frustrate me to no end. They show me that I haven’t grown as a person, or that I just have not cared enough or put enough effort in to getting the old problem solved. Old problems stop me from fulfilling my potential, my greatest fear.

New problems, on the other hand, show me that I am in fact growing. I love new challenges, new obstacles waiting for me to overcome. I want new problems every single day and I believe you should as well. You may be thinking that you want a life free from problems. One doesn’t exist. In fact, as you grow and as you take on more responsibilities in your life, you will encounter even more problems. That’s the formula: the more you grow, the more problems you will face. Just ask that they be NEW problems, not the same old ones. That’s the true measure of growth. As an exercise (and just for fun) I’ve listed many old problems below and then what a new problem would be instead. You see, they are both problems, but which ones would you rather face?

Old Problem: sales or income are flat. New Problem: the cash register is overflowing.

Old Problem: My car won’t start and it’s filthy. New Problem: I can’t decide which car to buy.

Old Problem: I can’t keep a relationship. New Problem: Everyone wants to date me.

Old Problem: My strength is lacking. New Problem: It takes too long to re-rack all the weight plates after my sets.

Old Problem: There’s dirt all over my room. New Problem: It smells so clean I can’t stand it.

Old Problem: I don’t communicate well. New Problem: People won’t stop talking to me.

Old Problem: I can’t lose fat. New Problem: I have to spend hundreds for new, smaller clothes.

Don’t ask for fewer problems into your life. Ask for newer ones.

In health,

Sean

On Virtue

On By seancovellIn business, Health and Wellness, PoliticsLeave a comment

I’m going to talk about virtue in this essay… stick with me.

When’s the last time you heard the word virtue? Maybe you remember the term from philosophy class in high school or college? What do you think of when you hear the word? I bring up virtue, or moral excellence (high moral standards), because it’s something I think about often. It’s such an important ingredient to living a fulfilling life. Virtue is also needed when building a great family or relationship. I think virtue is even more important in building a lasting business that serves the marketplace. Something I ponder, the same question the ancient Greeks raised: “Can you live a successful life without being a virtuous person?” Our society’s current standard for what success is has virtue so far removed from it. I think we must move in a direction as a people that declares the only successful life is one lived with virtue. Ironically, if there is one value lacking in society today, it would be virtue.

I believe that businesses especially must return to the philosophy that virtue—incredibly high moral standards are the cornerstone of a successful, lasting business. Sure, anyone can make money off of other people by scamming them or selling them inferior products or services, but that kind of business will never last in a marketplace that values integrity and quality. The truth is that we all demand integrity and quality from others, and that is where most people truly fail. You must demand integrity from yourself. If you value morality in people, in the marketplace and in society, you must first demand it from yourself. You can never ask someone to have certain ideals that you yourself do not exhibit.

Likewise, as a business owner, I can never ask my employees to have virtue unless I first demand it from myself, and I do. I make it a discipline to reflect every night on whether I exhibited virtue throughout the day. Was I someone that other people could learn from and look up to? Did I lead my staff in a way that I would want them to lead others? Did I act in accordance with who I really am and who I want to be? Or, did I allow myself to slip? Being mindful of my successes and my shortcomings regarding virtue is something that allows me to grow as a person of character.

There can be no success without virtue. No relationship or business will last, business or otherwise if both parties do not have a high regard for integrity and moral standards. Every good person interested in the well being of themselves and others seeks to live in a world of harmony and goodness. So, a good place to start is by asking every day: “Who am I?” “What type of person was I today?” “Did I act in a way that others would see as virtuous?” “Am I proud of my actions as a leader, an employee, as a lover or a parent?” These questions, if reflected upon daily, can guide you to leading to a life of incredible integrity and fulfillment—a life of virtue.

Sean

The Quiz On Life

On By seancovellIn Health and Wellness, PoliticsLeave a comment

Want to evaluate your philosophy towards life?  Take the quiz….

The Quiz on Life
1. The number 1 factor in your success and fulfillment in life is:
a. Your family history
b. The amount of money you make
c. How many friends you have
d. Your personal philosophy
2. The number #1 reason for failure in any endeavor is:
a. Fear
b. Lack of persistence
c. Complaining
d. Lack of confidence
3. The biggest reason for failure in an organization or relationship is:
a. Anger
b. Shyness
c. Poor thinking habits
d. Lack of harmony
4. You are responsible for everything that happens in your life
True / False
5. If you want to earn more money:
a. work harder
b. think better
c. add more value to yourself and the marketplace
d. stay at a job for a long time

6. Great leaders:
a. take extreme ownership
b. are compassionate
c. understand what others’ needs are
d.have vision
e. all the above
f. a and b only
7. Don’t ask for it to be easier:
a. ask that you become better
b. ask that others help you
c. ask “why did this happen to me”?
d. just keep going
8. There are only 3 things you have total control over in life
TRUE / FALSE
9. You can learn the most from someone by learning:
a. their family history
b. what they do for a living
c. what their metaphor for life is
d. what they majored in
10. Focus, Meaning, “What Do I Do Now” are:
a. the only three things you have total control over
b. total B.S.
c. a product of your upbringing
d. none of the above

11. You may not be at fault for something:
a. so you shouldn’t worry
b. it’s the Democrats fault
c. Republicans are racists
d. You still should take responsibility for it
e. always blame others
12. Your life is affected mostly by:
a. your past
b. your purpose
c. how you think things are, not how they are
d. what you watch on TV
13. You are your thoughts
TRUE / FALSE
14. In business:
a. a “broken window” can cause great damage
b. the culture of the business is extremely important
c. cash-flows and production matter a great deal
d. the customer’s perception is the reality
e. a spirit of harmony must exist among all associates
f. a burning desire to achieve an outcome matters most
g. all of the above
h. none of the above

15. Biography equals destiny
a. true
b. false
c. if you let it
d. the future matters more than the past
15. Success is a science and fulfillment is an art.
TRUE / FALSE
16. Even if terrible things happen to you:
a. suffering is your choice
b. life’s a bitch
c. it’s because you’re a bad person
d. others will never understand you
17. Life is both a miracle and a struggle for some, but:
a. it all depends on what your personal philosophy is
b. No, it’s just a struggle
c. Life is easy
d. Life has no purpose
e. how people think about life determines how happy they will be
f. A and E
g. A and C
18. It’s best to ignore the bad in life and think about only the positive
a. Yes, that is correct
b. Depressed people focus only on the bad
c. You must recognize the negative and deal with it
d. It’s best to see life as it is, but not worse than as it is.
e. A and B
f. C and D
19. Bad things happen in life and that means there is no God and no purpose to anything.
a. if you believe that, it is true for you
b. expect bad things, but don’t focus on them only if you want happiness
c. to be fulfilled in life, acknowledge that problems are a part of life, but not all of it
d. None of the above
e. All of the above
20. Lack of following up:
a. is a major problem in business, parenting and relationships
b. following up is someone else’s job
c. don’t bother me, I’m busy
21. If you want to increase your value to others and the marketplace
a. work harder on your self than you do on your job
b. work more than you get paid for
c. you reap what you sow
d. the law of compensation is an immutable law over time
e. All of the above.
22. Stress, anxiety, worry, are all code words for

23. You are in control of mind:
a. if you want to be
b. you are not
c. you can only control it if you’re rich
d. it’s the only thing that humans have over other animals
e. none of the above
f. A and D

24. There are two basic fears that hold us back from accomplishing ANYTHING
a. the fear of death
b. the fear of poverty
c. the fear that I won’t be loved
d. the fear that I’m not enough
e. the fear of what others think
f. A and B
g. A and C
h. C and E
i. C and D

BONUS
ANYONE IS CAPABLE OF ANYTHING BECAUSE:
a. even billionaires and bums have the same 24 hours in a day
b. there is no limit on the value you can add to others and yourself
c. by choosing a Definite Chief Aim, you control the course of your life
d. true, but you have to be wise and careful
e. true, but you have to acknowledge problems while identifying solutions
f. yes, but only if you focus on an outcome and make decisions accordingly
g. of course, but you have to take ownership of everything in you life first
h. only if you can stop complaining and blaming others
i. humans can choose which direction they want to go, we are not geese
j. success leaves clues
k. ALL of the above
l. None of the above
m. A, D only

EXTRA BONUS
The biggest “addiction” problem in America is:
a. People addicted to alcohol
b. People addicted to narcotics
c. People addicted to prescription drugs
d. People addicted to their problems

On Marriage

On By seancovellIn Health and WellnessLeave a comment

Seven Ingredients for a Happy and Lasting Marriage

            Perhaps the word marriage does not apply for some people. I don’t want the word to scare you off, so please substitute whatever word applies to you: relationship, partner, lover, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you understand the essence of any great relationship or marriage. Almost fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce. An even greater percentage of dating relationships, around 80% end with break-up. What about just regular friendships? I suspect that friendships end for similar reasons to relationships. I’ve seen first hand how relationships, friendships and marriages end and while a romantic relationship has slightly more elements needed to make it last, the similarities in what makes all human relationships work or fail are fairly simple to recognize and understand. After 12 years of being with my beautiful wife, I can confidently tell you the ingredients necessary for a happy (very happy) and harmonious relationship. I’m not saying things last forever, but I will tell you that if something bad happens in my marriage, it’s going to be my fault. The reason… #1.

  1. Taking Responsibility—How much is each person in a marriage responsible for keeping it going? 50/50? 60/40? The answer is 100%. Each person must take extreme ownership of everything in a relationship. Each partner is responsible for 100% of what they do and the situation he finds himself in. Don’t like that? Too bad. Own your life and take responsibility for it. 100%.
  2. Desire for Harmony—First and foremost, there must exist a desire to get along with another person in order for a relationship to exist or a marriage to thrive. Believe it or not, I don’t think most people desire harmony. They look for problems. They look for drama because they know others can relate to it. They know their friends will love to hear about everything wrong, so they secretly want problems. You see, many believe in the fallacy that “all marriages have problems.” Or that “the seven year itch” is real. The truth is, whatever you look for, you will find. If you look for harmony, you will find it. If you look for issues, you will find them. Be careful what you focus on and…
  3. Know Your Outcomes—What do you want out of this relationship? What does your partner want? If you don’t know your desired outcomes, or they don’t jive with what your partner wants, your marriage will end. No exceptions. My wife and I talk about what we want and where we want our partnership to go at least once a week. My outcome is to live an incredible life by being in an incredible state with my wife and children. I want my family to always feel my love. I want my wife and I to be partners in our journey together. I know that my wife wants the same. How do I know that? We talk to each other about what we want. Communicate or expect your partner to seek it out elsewhere. Here’s a hint, you should not have to talk to your friends because they “are the only ones who get you.”
  4. Value and Values—All relationships must add value to the individuals involved. If you are not getting a significant amount of value by being with someone, or you are not providing value to another, you don’t have a relationship, you have an acquaintance. Along with bringing value to the marriage, you must value the other person. This almost goes without saying, but you’d be shocked at how many people take their partner for granted, or worse, detest them. You must value your partner as well as provide value to them. Beyond that, you must have similar values in how to live life. If your values differ to an extreme, the path your lives will take will be very different. That doesn’t bode well for a successful and happy marriage.
  5. Empathy—This is the area of life I think most people are lacking. I admit, even I have trouble with this at times. Seeing something from another’s point of view is very difficult to do and it’s likely the main cause for violence and despair in the world today. Do you know what’s going on in your husband’s or wife’s head? What’s the story they tell themselves about what they are doing here on Earth and who they are? I suggest that if you don’t know the answer to these questions, try to find them out. Empathy is the main ingredient to a lasting relationship. Without it, and without understanding your partner, you won’t have a partner for long.
  6. Passion—Let us not deny that passion is vital to a marriage. Attraction to your partner is a must. Sexual intimacy that occurs often and is fulfilling is how many relationships bloom and grow. The lack of it is how many relationships end. You should look forward to being close with your partner. It shouldn’t be a chore or a hassle. It shouldn’t be embarrassing. It should be a staple of your marriage. If passion is lacking, work to make it great. It’s such a vital and fulfilling part of the human experience, to miss out on it is a crime… in my opinion.
  7. Love—Its the strongest word in any language spoken in the world. Everyone wants love. We crave it from our families, our partners and our children. It’s vital to a happy marriage. Love, though, is very difficult to define. The dictionary definition doesn’t quite do it justice. Some define love as a feeling, but I believe it’s more than that. I believe that love, in addition to a feeling of deep affection, requires sacrifice. Whatever you love, you willingly sacrifice for. You go the extra mile, you give up opportunities, and you put their needs before your own. I know many in marriages that have deep affection for their partners, but are not willing to sacrifice anything in their own lives to make their partner happy. Is that true love? I would suggest that it’s not. I think love requires deep affection and the willingness to put another’s needs before your own.

So there you have it. The seven ingredients for a happy and lasting marriage (or partnership). I hope this helps. As someone who has never been unhappy for more than a few hours in my marriage (my fault), I think that what I’ve written above is true and valuable. Above all, if you don’t want a relationship to end, do what you did at the beginning of the relationship and there will not be an end.

In health,

Sean

Blueprint for an Incredible Workplace and Business

On By seancovellIn Health and Wellness, UncategorizedLeave a comment

What follows are the notes I delivered to my staff. I think they are worth sharing and I’d like to give people some insight into my life as and entrepreneur and owner. If you can learn something as a staff member, manager or partner, I’ve done my job. For my clients, I’d like to even give you all a behind the scenes sneak peak of the philosophies that go into the business.

Fitness System meetings are anything but normal. I take pride in that. I don’t want there to be anything normal about us as a company. I want us to be remarkable. Incredible. Outstanding. Therefore, here are the notes from the last meeting. Follow these principles and we will all thrive and have an incredible workplace and life!

A. Outcome: It’s imperative that all associates know and work toward achieving their desired outcome every single day, every single shift. Outcome based work will yield immense results, while focusing on trivialities will destroy morale. (Example: Clean toilets = incredible environment. So cleaning the toilet is done with the outcome of providing an incredible experience.)

B. Focus: Most people focus on their problems and what is wrong. They focus on themselves and their own needs. I would suggest that focusing on how to deliver more value to others will give everyone a greater sense of accomplishment and well being.

C. Values and Adding Value: What are your values as a person? What is your personal philosophy? What are you doing to add value to others? WE DON’T GET PAID FOR OUR TIME. WE GET PAID FOR THE VALUE WE PROVIDE TO THE MARKETPLACE.

D. 3 Triads That Drive Everything in Life and Business:

1. Character, Positive Attitude and Willingness to Learn—These are the 3 traits of an excellent coworker

2. State Story and Strategy—The story you tell yourself about your job, your coworkers and your clients along with the physical state you bring to work and the strategies you employ will determine how successful and fulfilled you are.

3. Confidence Energy and Enthusiasm—All three are necessary to provide MAKE-YOU-HAPPY CUSTOMER SERVICE.

All of the above require all three parts of the triad to work. Without one, they are a two-legged stool. With all three triads working, you will be living in an incredible state and have and incredible work experience and life. You will also be adding incredible value to everyone around you.

E. Operating by the Golden Rule Principle: Who you are and what you do to provide the value to your coworkers, managers and customers that you wish they would reciprocate to you. “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” Don’t expect your co-workers to perform if you are not willing to step up for them.

F. What Destroys a Workplace: Negativity, Gossip, Focusing on Problems, Lack of Harmony, Lack of Discipline among ALL staff, AND ABOVE ALL—not getting enough leverage on yourself to make sure you do what you say you will do. In other words, what are the consequences for not achieving something? Those with massive leverage accomplish a great deal.

“The path of least resistance makes all rivers and most men crooked.” Most take the easy road. These choices lead to a lack of self-discipline that begins to destroy a person’s humanity.

Words to Know:

Entropy: a lack of order or predictability; gradual decline into disorder. All businesses, relationships and people will naturally turn to disorder and chaos unless there is deliberate action to avoid it.

Habituation: the diminishing of a physiological or emotional response to a frequently repeated stimulus. Whatever we do repeatedly we get used to and we get bored or tired of. This is true for most people in a workplace, a relationship or even with something like driving a car. Habituation causes us to stop paying close attention to things and allow entropy to ensue.