The secret to feeling fulfilled and happy

Before you read this post, please watch this awesome video of John Mayer talking about what it takes to succeed. It’s absolutely worth the 13 minutes.

I’ll wait…

Seriously, this post will be a lot more enjoyable and make more sense if you watch it.

Okay, now that you’ve watched it (really good right?) let’s get to it.

It’s interesting. We all hear (and sometimes even preach) this advice. “Start with the end goal in mind.” “You can’t reach the finish line if you don’t know what/where the finish line is.”

After watching this video it made me realize 2 things:

1) Ultra successful (of course success in itself is a very subjective word) people don’t necessarily know a lot more than us. What they do know is how to apply their knowledge. (The application is the hard part.)

2) Successful people aren’t successful by accident.

[Side note: I was never a fan of John Mayer. I liked a few of his songs but that’s about it. It’s interesting how this candid talk made me like and respect him. I think it’s because vulnerability is a key to likability.

It’s like when you go to a concert and afterward all your favorite songs sound even better. They mean more to you. Because you know the person behind the songs. You feel a connection.]

So, we know to start with the end goal in mind. But do we really do that? Do we really know our finish line?

And is our finish line what we REALLY want? Or is it an ego driven finish line?

Something he said really resonated with me:

“Defining success is the difference between people who walk this Earth happy and people who walk the Earth constantly unfulfilled because they never defined the finish line. I know artists who’ve sold 2 million records. It’s not enough. Because they never said what making it was going to be.”

Setting the end goal. Defining exactly what success looks like. That’s the key to feeling fulfilled and happy.

After all, happiness is the end goal right?

The challenge for me is knowing exactly what I want.

I wrote about this 5 years ago. I call it “The interior decorator problem.”

I haven’t read that post in years and it still resonates with me. (The more things change, the more they stay the same. It’s just on a different and bigger scale now.)

I think the most successful people know EXACTLY what they want. They have one mission. They are laser focused.

I’m very fortunate to know that I love helping people look and feel great through diet/exercise.

But what does that look like? Do I want a company that serves 1,000,000 people. Do I want a company that serves 10,000 people?

What is enough?

Another challenge for me is this:

I’ll set a goal for myself. I’ll define “success” and the finish line…

…and then…when I reach it, I’m already looking at the next goal.

Here’s the challenge we wrestle with: the very thing that makes people successful (let’s call it ambition) is the very thing that makes people want more. And that’s what causes people to feel unfulfilled.

How do we know when enough is?

As we progress and become more and more successful, we’re constantly looking at the next mountain to climb.

This is known as the Hedonic Treadmill.

It’s something I’m very aware of. We quickly become used to our new way of life. Our new way of living.

I look at some people I know who appear (and by I appear I mean they clearly work very hard on crafting this image of success by consciously signaling how amazing their life is) and wonder if deep down they’re truly happy.

What do they really want? What are they really after?

Perhaps they don’t know? So, in the meantime, they’re racking up accomplishment after accomplishment and showing off the lifestyle their ‘success’ affords them – but it seems like that’s playing in quick sand. It’s like chasing fame.

How do you define fame?

How do you define success?

How do you define happiness?

How do you define enough?

There aren’t right or wrong answers to these questions. To each his own. And the answers to these questions are going to change as we all (hopefully) continue to progress in life.

I think the only right answer to these questions is to keep asking these questions…

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BTW: It’s good to be back! The last post I wrote here was on September 20, 2011. I’ve been very busy with MyBodyTutor and have been writing over at the MBT blog. A lot has changed since then (thankfully all good things) and I look forward to sharing some of those things with you in the near future.

Don’t miss any new posts! At the top left of this page is a box with my picture in it. Under it, there is a box that reads, ‘Don’t miss a thing! Enter your email address for free updates.’ Enter your email in that box, click ‘subscribe me’ and you’ll get an email to confirm your free subscription. Go to your email and click the link, and you’re done. You’ll never miss another post again, and it’ll take 9 seconds.

Interview with singer/songwriter Mikey Wax

mikeywax

Today, I have a special treat for you.

I’m very excited to be interviewing singer/songwriter extraordinaire, Mikey Wax. If you don’t know who he is yet, I’m certain you will, soon enough!

Who said a picture is worth a thousand words?

Before you continue, I strongly suggest you listen to these two songs (my favorites).

“The Last Great Song” and “In Case I Go Again”.

You’ll immediately hear just how talented Mikey is.

Mikey and I went to the same high school. We were in a Peers As Leaders (PAL) class together and he always loved music (and I always loved fitness) so I thought it’d be really neat to feature him on my blog – as we’re both pursuing our passions.

Today also happens to be a BIG day for him. Read on to find out why.

1. When did you start playing music?

I started playing “the desk” in Kindergarten. I remember my Kindergarten teacher would send me to the quiet area cause I kept tapping the desk like a piano. I’d say for real I started playing piano when I was 8, writing songs when I was 10, and picked up guitar and singing in high school.

2. When did people start giving you positive feedback?

My sophomore year of college I wrote “Last Great Song”. My friends would keep coming to my dorm room and ask me to play it and that’s kind of when I knew I could write a song that people would actually want to listen to.

3. When did you decide that you want to pursue music as a career?

Very early on. Playing and writing music has always been a huge part of my life. As soon as I finished college, I knew I had 12 songs that I wanted to record for an album and wanted the world to hear.

4. If you had to describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before (and if you haven’t you soon will because Mikey is blowing up), what four artists are you a mix of?

haha. Um – I always feel like this gives me more credit than I deserve – but, 4 of my biggest influences would be spread out between classic rock of the Beatles to Billy Joel, all the way to more modern music like Dave Matthews Band and Coldplay. Keep in mind, the first music I ever learned on piano was classical. I used to break strings on my home piano like I was Beethoven or something.

5. When would you advise someone to stop going after their dream?

I don’t understand the question. Kidding. They say if you do something for 10,000 hours you can make a living from it, so don’t stop – just keep perfecting.

6. How does one go after their dream if they’re not able to make money from it at first?

Sometimes you need to invest in yourself and believe that all the other stuff will come down the road. When I graduated college I worked for my dad and lived at home. Instead of asking for a pay check I asked for studio time. It took me a year and half to finally finish my first CD “Change Again”. I didn’t have much of a social life either. I put it all towards that first album.

7. Do you think it’s easier or harder to become a famous musician today than it was 15 years ago?

It’s interesting. Probably both. It’s more flooded now because of outlets like YouTube and other social networking sites, but at the same time there’s a new YouTube sensation every week. And I can’t really complain because my feature on the homepage of YouTube was a big step forward for me!

8. What is your most proud music accomplishment?

Having my music video get featured on YouTube and receive so many hits was a big thrill. Being asked to open for artists like Howie Day or Elliott Yamin and playing for a few hundred people a night is also up there.

But in terms of my own personal growth, getting over my stage fright and just being able to perform without having a nervous breakdown was a big accomplishment. I owe that to doing over 100 intimate house concerts and to fans of my music who stood by me and allowed me to progress as a performer. Now I live to be on stage, and I feel at home when I’m out there.

9. Who are your biggest inspirations music wise and why?

The Beatles would be my all-time biggest musical inspiration. They took all the good melodies though and left every other musician to steal bits and pieces. I love jazz. I could listen to Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald all day. Especially in Winter. Same with Frank Sinatra. I love the simple lyrics from that time period.

I’m inspired by the piano work of everyone from Billy Joel to Coldplay. Vocally, I love how pure James Taylor sings, or Neil Young. Their voices are immediately recognizable. Even early Dave Matthews.

10. What would your dream music career look like?

That’s tough. I guess the dream is always to be selling out Madison square garden 10 nights in a row like Billy Joel did. So let’s go with selling out MSG and writing some songs that can live on forever.

11. I love your song “In Case I go again“! It’s so cool that you filmed it at the Syosset train station. Every time I watch it, it brings back a lot of memories of going to and from NYC when I was in high school and college. What made you decide to shoot it there?

The song is all about those college years of coming and leaving home. I liked the traditional concept of a train…for some reason it made the song feel and look more like home. The Syosset train station has this vintage feel to it, and really gave a lot of meaning to the song once we filmed it.

12. Do you ever get writers block?

Not really. If I’m not inspired, I won’t push it. I often put myself through music starvation, where I don’t touch an instrument or sing for a few days. I’ll just go out, hang with friends and be an observer. I usually come back with fresh ideas. Lyrics are my biggest challenge. You want everyone to understand what you’re saying while saying it in a unique and non-cheesy way.


13. I love how grass roots you are. I think your idea of doing small private concerts with at least 25 people is brilliant. How’s that working so far?


The house concerts are amazing! It’s really become a huge way of touring for me and has helped me build a nice following in a lot of cities. I’m always amazed by the people who put the concerts together. They are so cool and down to earth, and so welcoming to have me in their home. It’s great as a performer to have that direct interaction with my fans. No venues to deal with, no booking agents. Just me playing my music for fans in their home.

14. You have an amazing voice. Could you create a little jingle for MyBodyTutor?

haha. my body tutor la de da de da. I’m onto something, give me a couple days.

15. Tell me about your new album? Who produced it? What inspired you? What’s different about it than your last album? What can we expect? Where we can we buy it?

The New album comes out Tues, Sept 20th!! It’s called “Constant Motion”. I recorded it in LA with a producer named Warren Huart (the Fray, James Blunt, Aerosmith). My first album was a very artistic/melodic and reflective album.

This new album over all is much more up-beat and forward-thinking album. It definitely leans in more of a pop direction, but songs like “Marion” and “Fall For You” still hold elements of that artistic/melodic side.

I feel this album was a natural progression for me. The album will be available on iTunes starting today, Sept 20th, and you can also order physical CD’s from my website, http://mikeywax.com. All my current tour dates opening for Elliott Yamin are on there as well!

Thanks, Mikey. This was a lot of fun! And good luck with your new album!

Do you always sabotage your weight loss efforts? Read this… (plus a very limited time special offer)

Self-Sabotage

Whenever a new client joins MBT, I always ask them a bunch of questions so I can learn more about them. One of the questions I ask is, “What have been your biggest obstacles in the past when trying to reach your goals?”

And, by far, the most common response is some sort of variation of: “I’m my own biggest obstacle. I’m constantly sabotaging my own success, and I don’t know why.”

Well, I do.

And it’s why I’ve been able to help 100’s and 100’s of people of all ages, shapes and sizes throughout the US and world get the body they’ve always wanted – and most importantly, keep that body.

It’s also why MBT has been featured on Good Morning America, Conde’ Nast, Shape, Thrillist, Fox, Inc. Magazine, AOL.com, MSNBC.com, Yahoo.com, Mashable, Huffington Post and countless other national media.

MBT doesn’t just focus on the tactical part of losing weight. That’s fairly easy. At MBT we focus on the critically important mental side of losing weight.

So, if you’re interested in knowing why you constantly sabotage your weight loss efforts, and what you can do about it, email me —> adam at mybodytutor dot com with the subject line, “I want to know why I sabotage my weight loss efforts.”

Why am I doing this?

Because what I’m going to share with you is very, very good. And because I’m obsessed with getting my clients results, I want to know that you’re at least willing to take some action and email me.

Here’s the kicker though: If you email me by Sunday at midnight, I’ll also include a free 10 minute phone call with yours truly, and we’ll talk all about you and your goals and challenges.

Why am I doing this? (Well, I just got free long distance. Kidding!) I’m doing this because I really do live for this stuff. And it’s a lot of fun for me to help people.

So, if you’d like to know why 95% of this world is amazing at starting AND stopping diets, and how you can overcome your self-sabotage simply email me at adam [at] mybodytutor [dot] com right now with the subject line “I want to know why I sabotage my weight loss efforts.”

As I said, what I’m going to share with you is very good. It’s helped my clients tremendously!

I look forward to speaking with you! 🙂

Are we going to live on forever because of the internet?

LivingForever

I’ve become fascinated with websites of the deceased, who are generous enough to share their final thoughts with the world.

Never before has there been such an easy way for people to express themselves. And of course, once something is posted on the internet, it will live on forever.

Derek Miller, who passed away on May 3rd, had a prepared message for his blog – where he had been documenting the progression of his cancer.

You can read his amazingly powerful last post by clicking here.

Then there’s the suicide note from Bill Zeller, a talented computer programmer who left an explanation of why he took his own life. It’s a 4000 line note that’s heartbreaking as well.

And we all know Randy Pausch – who became famous for sharing his wisdom at his last lecture.

These people all had the unfortunate (or fortunate?) knowledge of their impending death. They were able to plan for it.

But most people aren’t able to plan for their death…

Which leads me to the question, should we?

Pausch was able to share as much of him self as he possibly could with his children. He made videos for them, wrote letters for them in the future, and even wrote a book.

As all premature death is absolutely heartbreaking and tragic, I’d hate for my nephew, Landon, to be left without any of my thoughts.

Not because I think I’m so brilliant but because I’ve lived for a lot longer than he has, and with that comes some insight and experience and wisdom.

Ernest Becker’s classic, The Denial of Death reminds us that when it comes to our mortality, there is no uncertainty principle. We will die, he reminded us. We cannot not die.

Yet, it is what we do in a doomed attempt to refute the irrefutable first principle that defines us and gives our lives meaning.

Becker believed that each of us makes sense of our existence through an “immortality project” – a personal mission that allows us to cheat death. Whether it is by turning out babies or books or blog posts or students, creating companies or helping to build them, or collecting model trains or Facebook friends – whatever they might be – we all have our immortality project(s).

Here’s a question: If you knew you were going to be dying soon, and had the choice for your kids or nieces/nephews to have videos of you talking to them would you? Would you write letters for them?

What’s on the internet will live forever, and that’s a crazy thought. Things that are said about me today will always be available. That brings into the discussion of legacy. When you die, how do you want people to remember you?

(What also astonishes me about this is how many people on the internet are willing to tarnish their reputation for a quick buck. Reputation is truly priceless. For example, I offer a 100% money back guarantee for MBT. I’m very proud of that the fact no one has ever asked for a refund because my program actually works – but if they did – I’d be a complete idiot not to honor that – wouldn’t I?! Yet…)

Not only would my prospective clients be able to see those complaints online but my nephew would see that one day too.

I’m amazed that more people don’t consider what they do online to be a part of their legacy.

What if you God forbid passed away tomorrow?

While we’re on the topic, if you’ve ever wondered what the regrets of the actual dying are you must read this post by Bonny Ware – who worked in palliative care for many years. When her patients were questioned about any regrets they had or anything they’d do differently 5 common themes came up again and again.

It’s my birthday, and I want to celebrate with you! (Limited time promo ends on Tuesday 2/15/11 at midnight)

NevBeforeandAfter

“That went really well!” I said to myself after getting off the phone with one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our generation.

1 week before the call, I got an email directly from him. He said that one of his friends is a client of MBT (I had no idea they were friends) and that he was very intrigued by my business. I couldn’t believe my eyes; I read the email about 5X!

We talked about all sorts of topics ranging from psychology to happiness to entrepreneurship to fitness. I kept trying to talk about his business and he kept bringing the conversation back to mine.

After I told him my story of why I started MBT, he was amazed at how I’ve been living what I teach since 4th grade.

“Your story is so unique! I don’t know anyone who started working out in 4th grade. And the fact that you’ve been able to live the lifestyle you teach for all of these years proves just how sustainable it is. You are the definition of consistency! If I were you, I’d tell everyone your story.”

MBT is what I believe to be my life’s work.

Since opening our doors in 2007, we’ve helped 100’s and 100’s of people throughout the US and world get the body they want with our proven methods and system, and because it’s my birthday, I’d like to share my program with you.

Why?

Because helping you get from where you are right now to where you want to be is thrilling for me.

If I’m able to help my client, Nev, (case study coming soon) look like this (see above before and after) or my client Stephanie lose 87 + pounds – why won’t it work for you?

stephanie-ba

Why wouldn’t someone try a program that has been proven over and over again to work with a risk free proposition? This question truly fascinates me and is what marketing is all about.

Any business in the world has the challenge of trying to get people to try their product/service.

That’s why being featured in major national media helps. That’s why having case studies helps. That’s why having countless testimonials helps.

It helps because it builds credibility. But of course, that’s not everything.

People (you!) want results!

I know my program works better than anything else out there, and I back it up with a 100% guarantee since I’m that confident about it.

I spent tens of thousands of dollars, and over a year developing MBT, testing it, and improving it. And I’m constantly refining our methods.

If you are in great shape, it’s because you’re staying consistent with your diet and exercise. This is as unadulterated as 2 + 2 = 4.

And I know that if you aren’t in great shape it’s because you aren’t staying consistent with either your diet and/or exercise. Our body never lies.

However, we constantly lie to ourselves. “I’ll start next Monday!” “Eh, I’ll just go tomorrow.” The excuses and lies we tell ourselves are endless. And before we know it, next Monday becomes next month and before you know it – summer is here.

It happens over and over again.

We delude ourselves. If you’re not changing your actions, how can you expect your outcomes to change?

And no – it’s not about more tactics or another fancy exercise contraption or video. A lack of knowledge isn’t the problem. If anything there’s too much information out there!

The real problem is a lack of consistent action. But if consistency were so easy, we’d all do it.

Accountability matters. Support and guidance matters. Setting expectations matters. And most importantly, having a proven program and system and methods matters.

You know when you have a friend who’s complaining about something – maybe her boyfriend -and you know exactly what she should do!?!

The only thing is, it doesn’t matter if you tell them or not. They won’t listen until they’re ready.

That’s how I feel with MBT. You’ve been reading my stuff. You know me. And I KNOW 100% that my program will help you get the body you’ve always wanted.

Just yesterday, Deborah writes to me, “Your system is the most effective and efficient way I have ever seen to get fit and healthy.”

I get emails exactly like this all the time.

So…what’s stopping you?

Skeptics always have an excuse because it’s easier to be skeptical than to take the risk of trying something and possibly failing. (Here’s where I’ll point out that there is no risk because I offer a 100%  money back guarantee) Skeptics say they don’t have enough time (when everyone has the same 24 hours per day).

They’ll complain about having “already tried everything.” They’ll blame it on their lack of finances only to find out they spend $100’s a month on food and entertainment.

Is $38 per week really going to hold you back from getting the body you really want?

There are a 1001 excuses to not take action. And that’s what it comes down to. If you’re not ready to take action, you’ll question anything and everything.

You’ll question the program. You’ll question the results. You’ll question the guarantee. You’ll question anything and everything until you can find something to latch onto to so you feel comfortable not taking action.

Why?

Because change is scary! I understand, believe me.

But as I always say, “the monster is never as scary as it seems.”

If I’ve been able to help all of these people and all of these people – – I’m certain I can help you.

Okay – enough!

Because it’s my birthday, and because I really want to give you the push to try MBT, I’d like to offer you $75 off if you take action and sign up by Tuesday, February 15th.

If you’re interested in taking me up on this rare opportunity (I hardly ever offer discounts) simply email me at adam at mybodytutor dot com with ‘Birthday Promotion’ in the subject line and we’ll get you going!

Here’s my final question to you: If you’re truly honest with yourself, and base your future results on your past performance, where will you be 6 months from today?

My Most Popular Blog Posts of 2010

Lando2011

What’s up world?! It’s been a long time since I’ve written here. I apologize! (And thank you to all of those who’ve emailed me asking me where the heck I was.)

I’m here alright. In fact, I’m writing more than ever. You can catch me on the MyBodyTutor blog where I write at least 3x per week.

I do have lots of interesting posts planned for 2011, so please stay tuned. (If you don’t want to miss any posts subscribe here for free and every time there’s a new post, it’ll automatically be emailed to you.)

2010 was an interesting year.

Our beloved George passed away in March which was so heartbreaking. He was the biggest teddy bear in the world.

I moved – which is always exciting, yet nerve wracking (still in NYC – just moved 14 blocks), and my nephew is getting so big! Ugh, I love him so much.

As far as MBT, this has been another terrific year, thankfully!

More and more people are starting to understand that no matter what diet or exercise plan they follow (even if it’s the “perfect” one) it’s pointless, if they can’t stick to it. Consistency is very hard.

I truly believe (and know!) our proven methods and system can help anyone finally stick to their diet and exercise plan – which is always exciting. Yet on the flip side, it’s also a very daunting thought. (A lot of responsibility comes with believing and knowing that.)

As far as press for MBT, it’s always flattering to be featured on prominent blogs.

MizzFit reviewed our service and wrote a glowing review. You can check that out by clicking here.

#1 NY Times Bestselling author, Gretchen Rubin, of the Happiness Project interviewed me about my thoughts on happiness (a subject I think and write a lot about) on her blog. You can read the interview by clicking here.

AOL.com requested an interview where I share my thoughts on why I started MBT, and why I started exercising at such a young age. You can check that out by clicking here.

And finally, a client, who also happens to be a writer for the Huffington Post, blogged about her experience of meeting me. This was the most interesting write up of MBT to date. Check it out by clicking here.

As far as GuruGilbert, let’s keep the tradition alive, shall we?

As I’ve done for the past 2 years, I compiled a list of the most popular posts of 2010 based on your comments, emails and tweets.

Here we go…

One. Observing what people say and actually do is fascinating. In this post I explore the difference between our revealed and stated preferences.

Two. After seeing the movie, Hurt Locker, I was really inspired and wrote a post. As we grow older, I think it’s very easy to lose sight of what we really love.

Three. Dating and relationships are something I love thinking about. In this post, I wrote about the paradox of dating very successful people.

Four. Self-made people are my heroes. People who work for what they have, as opposed to having things handed to them are so much more interesting. In this post, I explore a simple litmus test of how to find out what you’re really passionate about.

Five. Comparing yourself to others can destroy your happiness. Life isn’t a competition. In this post, I explain why relativity can make you very unhappy, if you’re not careful.

Six. In what is one of my most popular posts of all time, I argue that most people do what they do for a living only to be able to signal that they’ve “made it” while deep down they’re extremely unhappy. I plan on writing a lot more about this in 2011.

Oh man. Sad story. Only six posts compared to the 17 of 2009 and the 25 in 2008.

As always, I thank you for reading. I’m very lucky to have such a loyal readership and I appreciate it. If ever you want to get in touch feel free to email me. I love hearing from my readers!

Lots of exciting things to come in 2011. Onwards and upwards!

The story of Matt Burke – How a Chicago rock star lost 39 pounds without changing his rock star ways

MattBurke3

I’m sitting at my desk listening to the Matt Burke Band’s debut CD, “Pretty close to very good” and it has inspired me in many ways.

It’s inspired me to not only tell the story of Matt Burke (with his permission of course) but also to be more relentless when it comes to spreading the work of MBT. See, part of creating is spreading what you create.

I’ve always had the belief that if you build something remarkable people will talk about it. Because MBT’s program and methods work so well, and because of our obsessive dedication to our clients, MBT has grown month after month solely through word of mouth and referrals. We’ve even been featured in countless national media outlets and publications, too.

However, there are lots of people who’d benefit from what we offer – if they only knew a service like MBT existed. What’s going on with our clients is amazing, and it’s time I start sharing more of our successes.

We’re helping people of all sorts, sizes and shapes change their behaviors to ultimately get the body they want, and that’s not an easy thing to do.

If I’m serious about MBT and helping as many people as I can – and I am, then I need to start acting more like Matt because no one has ever made a huge impact by being bashful.

Matt has gone after his dream relentlessly – and has done, and will do – whatever it takes to spread his music, traveling from city to city spreading the word.

I’ve been working with him for the last year and a half and it’s incredible what he’s accomplished since we started working together. He’s setting goal after goal and together, we’re making each and every one of them happen.

Matt discovered MBT after a write up about it on Thrillist. He signed up with a very specific goal – he wanted to lose 25 pounds WITHOUT changing his rock star lifestyle.

Not so easy.

With his late nights (or more so early mornings) and constant traveling we had our work cut out for us.

I worked very hard with Matt to determine what his “non-negotiables” were. At first, he didn’t want to give up all that much, and that was okay. He wanted the drinking and the bar food that came along with it.

After helping Matt discover why he wanted those foods, we came up with strategies that were sustainable and satisfying. Most importantly, a plan that didn’t force him to sacrifice his rock star lifestyle altogether.

After all, he came to me so he can look the part.

MattBurke2

Along with getting him in amazing shape, one of his goals was to write and record his own original music (which is what I’m jamming out to right now) on top of his incredibly busy touring schedule

Matt wasn’t kidding. His music sounds like a combo of Jason Mraz, Ben Harper, Counting Crows and Paul Simon and I’m digging it. But most importantly so are a lot of other people.

Matt has inspired me to be more relentless. If you’re interested in learning more about how he lost weight, without giving up his rock star lifestyle, check out his case study by clicking here.

If you want to hear Matt’s music you can check it out on iTunes and you can also learn more about the Matt Burke band by clicking here.

Matt and his music is far from pretty close to very good, it’s simply amazing.

MattBurke1

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What good is ANY diet or exercise program if you can’t stick with it?

My company, MyBodyTutor, puts our money where our mouth is because we know our program and methods are so effective. Click here to contact us today and learn how we can help you stick with your diet and exercise program so you can finally get the body you want – or your money back!



Are you taller or shorter online than you are in person?

tallerthanyouare

In my experience, having had intimate relationships with literally 100’s of people throughout the US and world solely online via MyBodyTutor and my blogs, and then meeting some of these people offline, we’re all very different offline compared to how we are online.

In what is by far the most interesting piece on MBT, Julia, a client (and blogger for the Huffington Post) writes about her experience of meeting yours truly in person.

Thankfully, I didn’t disappoint. (At least, I hope not.) You can read the story by clicking here.

As our world is rapidly moving online, we’re getting to know people via their written words as opposed to their spoken ones.

I’m certain we’re all braver, tougher, more open, and honest online. And that’s exactly why I started MBT. It’s way more effective (and interesting) to help people understand why their behaviors are a certain way. And in order to help my clients change their behaviors for the long term, I need them to be as honest and open as possible.

In an early interview (unfortunately, it’s no longer online) a journalist asked me if I thought the fact that I don’t meet my clients was a disadvantage. Back then, and to this day, I know it’s a huge advantage.

I remember in college having many intimate conversations with friends via Instant Messenger. It was stream of consciousness. There was no censoring of our selves. We just typed what we felt instantly without over thinking it, or even thinking it!

Then, of course, when we’d hang out in real life it was always enjoyable but it was hard to recreate that intensity. There’s just another layer.

The best public speakers I know are exactly the same when I talk to them in person one on one as they are when speaking in front of 500 people. For most of us, something happens when we’re in front of a large group. It’s those that are able to prevent that self-censoring so to speak who are the best public speakers.

After emailing back and forth with my favorite author/entrepreneur for a while we finally met. I’m grateful that he’s now one of my mentors. But you know what he said to me the first time we met? “Adam, I thought you’d be taller!” Ha! Incredible. Apparently, that was a big compliment.

It’s an interesting question though:  Are you taller or shorter online than you are in person?

MyBodyTutor.com featured on AOL.com, more press, plus 2 things you probably didn’t know

aol

AOL.com in Canada recently interviewed me for one of their web properties – That’s Fit. You can read the interview by clicking here.

Fitness couturess and fanatic, MizzFIT, recently reviewed MyBodyTutor.com. You can read her review of MyBodyTutor.com by clicking here.

All gyms offer weekly or daily guest passes to entice us to sign up. In NYC, if you’re willing to travel all over the place, it’s possible to game the system because there are so many gyms. Not sure who’d want to do that but…

Actually, blogger, Buns of Steal, does that and, of course, blogs about it. So when she signed up, I was really excited (and flattered) because that goes against her entire objective: get through 2010, working out regularly, without ever paying for a gym membership. You can read about the day the gym hopper paid by clicking here.

Choo choo! You hear that? That’s the self promotion train leaving.

On totally unrelated notes, which I add because this post would be otherwise inadequately sized, here’s how to tell if you’re buying the freshest bread possible in a grocery store:

Look at the tie that is holding the wrapper closed. Bread is delivered five days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and the bread maker puts a different colored tie on to designate which day of the week the bread was baked. Here’s the cheat sheet:

Monday – Blue

Tuesday – Green

Thursday – Red

Friday – White

Saturday – Yellow

So, if you’re buying bread on a Sunday look for a yellow tie because it’ll be the freshest.

FedEx.

What a remarkable success story.

It also has one of the most recognizable logos in the world. Did you know there is an arrow pointing towards the right in it? (See the green arrow?)

FedEx

This is fantastic! Now, every time you buy bread or see a FedEx truck you’ll think of me and MyBodyTutor.com.

Now that I’m thinking of MyBodyTutor did I forget to mention we recently launched an affiliate program? It’s by application only. So far our limited partners are loving it. If you’re interested in learning more about it, click here.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming next week.

My Thoughts on Happiness – My Interview with a #1 NY Times Best Selling Author

happiness

As you know, I’m very interested in the subject of happiness.

Here’s a question for you: What is your goal in life?

When I ask people this question, I get a lot of different answers. Whatever your goal is, think about the answer to the next question: Why? And then keep asking yourself why.

What’s so fascinating to me is that if you keep asking yourself, “Why?” enough times, you’ll arrive at the same answer that most people do. We’re all doing what we do because we believe it’ll ultimately make us happier.

I think the end goal of anything we do is: happiness.

As Aristotle said, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.”

However, I think happiness is a very ambiguous term. Instead, I’m very interested in how I can become happier (and how I can help other people become happier). Not that I’m unhappy. I’ve always been a very happy person. But why not be as happy as I possibly can be?

These questions and thoughts are what led me to write all of these posts.

So I was very flattered (and very excited) when #1 NY Times Best Selling Author Gretchen Rubin of the Happiness Project interviewed me on her blog. As you know, I’m a huge fan of her work. Her book is a must-read.

You can read the full interview on her blog by clicking here.

I hope you enjoy it!