Core strength. Athletes and strength and conditioning coaches certainly know how important this is to overall physical health and performance, but what about the rest of us?  How much are you training your core? What’s your routine? Situps, extensions, side bends?  Yes, we know there are many great exercises for strengthening your mid-section, but what I’m talking about here is not your physical core, but your inner core.  Your spirit,  your mind, your personal brand.  I just read a great article this morning by Darren Hardy, publisher of SUCCESS magazine, who blogs about these types of things all the time.  The article on branding I liked can be found HERE.

What are you doing to strengthen your personal relationships –  you know who I’m talking about.  Your spouse, children, parents, neighbors.  Who are the most important people in your life and how are you doing with them? How often are you talking about more than just the weather and what you ate for dinner last night? How often are you able to connect with them on a deep, personal level where you both are sharing equally about what makes you human and feel alive?

What are you doing for yourself on a regular basis? How often are you taking some time out to reflect on how you’re feeling about life, about work, about who you are as a person? How are you connecting with your spirit? Do you feel like something is holding you back? Do you feel guilty about anything? Why? If you do, explore that guilt and make steps to correct it; like I mentioned in last week’s post, do what’s difficult. The feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment you receive, regardless of the outcome, is something to be valued. When you do what’s difficult and with the right intentions, you win no matter what the result.

For me, I enjoy the time in the morning when I’m up early, having a cup of coffee, making lunch, reading the morning news. I also enjoy those few minutes right before bed when everything is quiet and still. I’ve got these few minutes at the beginning and at the end of the day to myself to actively reflect on who I am as a person, to gather strength and to ask for forgiveness. There is always time for yourself, no matter how busy you might be, no matter how much attention your kids or job might require.

Take some time today for yourself.  Schedule it in your calendar and make it a priority.  It won’t happen unless you do.  Go forth!