Ironman Alaska

Practice Extreme Ownership of Your Life

Have you heard the phrase “extreme ownership” yet?

It means accepting that you are responsible for all the factors determining whether you successfully reach a goal, not just the elements you directly control.

Those factors in your control can include your thoughts, actions, decisions, responses to emotions, and how you communicate with those around you. 

Those factors outside your control? Well, that’s just about everything and everyone else!

Just working, having a family, taking care of yourself… it can all seem so overwhelming, like you are being pulled in a dozen different directions all the time, with outside forces playing havoc all over the place.

Add a triathlon training program to the mix, and things can spiral, but you don’t have to!

How can you be expected to take any kind of ownership amid all of that?

Well, it’s capsulized in the book “Extreme Ownership” by two Navy Seals, and some of its lessons are summarized in this list of 7 takeaways we can all apply to our own, non-combat situations – including our determination to build a healthy lifestyle.

1. Seize accountability, don’t avoid it. When something goes wrong, figure out what happened so you can learn from it. 
2. Standards are what you tolerate. So, stand for excellence – which still allows you to have an off day sometimes.
3. Understand your WHY. Be sure you’re clear about your motivation. If you’re not sure, take the time to gain that clarity. Share it with anyone who needs to know.
4. Develop a simple plan. This means understanding the difference between “simple” and “easy.” Look for ways to remove complications, roadblocks, and doubt.
5. Make choices based on your priorities. The authors were war veterans, so they know all about living amid chaos. In high-pressure situations, prioritize the most important tasks and do them first.
6. Trust yourself and your advisers. You know when you can rely on your own expertise, and when it’s necessary to seek outside advice.
7. Discipline brings freedom. By practicing little acts of discipline, like making your bed when you wake up, you’re creating the mindset that will drive you through each day.

“Take ownership of everything in your world. Take ownership of your mission, of your future, and your life,” the authors say. “Lead yourself… to victory.”

Curious about Full Circle’s Triathlon Transformation program?
You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of!

Use this link to apply.

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Know Your Why

You know what you want; Health, look good naked, increased energy, cross the finish line in a triathlon, get faster, etc, etc.

It’s just as important to know WHY you want it.

Check-in with your values and motivation for the answers.

It’s simply not enough to just WANT to be healthy, to be at the right weight, to do an Ironman, to stay fit and strong.

If that’s all it took, then we would have no health problems in a society of lean, supple people achieving all their goals simply and easily.

Yes, it’s important to want to develop healthy habits, but without knowing WHY you want to reach a goal, you’re less likely to reach it.

So, think about it right now. What drives you? What is your why?

What keeps you going when things get hard? How will it feel to achieve that goal and tap into the emotions of it now!

• Maybe you want to train for a triathlon, 5k, or marathon
• Maybe you want to slim down to be able to move with freedom and love the way you look
• Maybe you want to prevent future health problems your parents had

It doesn’t matter WHAT your WHY is — only that you know what it is and can clearly focus on it whenever you need to.

When you know your why you are much more likely to do the hard things that come up on the journey to accomplishing these goals and dreams.

Now, get to work. You got this.

Curious about Full Circle’s Triathlon Transformation program?
This program can help you with all of the above goals and more!

Use this link to set up a call today

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Self Care? Check!

Life gets hard sometimes, doesn’t it? 

Overwhelming sometimes, too.

Or just – well, A LOT, right?

Between the stresses of daily living and trying to make smart improvements, you can forget to press the “pause” button every day to take care of yourself.

That’s why I want to talk about making a Self-Care Checklist to help.

Now, let me emphasize that there’s not “one size fits all” approach to self-care, the activities you deliberately practice on a regular basis to promote your overall wellbeing.

But I want you to consider these categories and how they apply to your life, routines, and desires. Make a list of what resonates for you, particularly the needs that are currently going unmet. We’ll use that list to create your own personal self-care checklist.

1. Physical. These needs include general health, exercise, diet, and sleep. Schedule time daily to exercise? If you are training for a specific event- a 5k or triathlon- block it off. Seek coaching or nutritional advice? Eat more fresh vegetables every day? 
2. Emotional. Take time each day for mindfulness or meditation to check in with your emotions. Don’t judge yourself for any need or desire. Your needs matter. Write in a journal. Speak to a trusted counselor. Express affection – and your need for it. Take time FOR YOURSELF — away from work, the kids and your partner. 
3. Financial. If you’re anxious about money, then start making a budget and tracking your resources and expenses. Check with a financial adviser to make sure you’re planning for retirement appropriately. If you have a short-term savings goal, make the deposits on schedule. Whatever the worry is, taking action will help.
4. Personal growth. Some people want to study for a degree or certification. Some want to enroll in a spiritual program, learn an instrument or language, or go to a seminar. Lifelong learning is essential, so do what you need to do for your intellectual or professional ambitions.
5. Social connections. We all need each other — whether it’s family, friends, a religious community, or some other group. A lot of people feel adrift at some points in their lives, and it’s important to make the effort to connect. So, call or write someone you care about. Let them know you’re thinking about them.
6. Nature. Spend time outdoors every day. Go for a walk, play with the dog, wash your car… the sun and open air will do you good.
7. The basics. Simple habits like brushing teeth, showering, going for regular health checkups, and keeping a clean house are important to maintain. If you find yourself slipping on any of these, stop yourself and remember to get back on track.

Now review the list you’ve made. Narrow it down to items you want to incorporate into your routines. Try to be realistic about what you can really do right now to make sure your self-care needs are met. 

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s being responsible. When you are coming from a full place having met your own needs, you have more to give others.

And this isn’t meant to be a complete, un-editable List of Rules. It’s just a guideline to help you care for your most important asset.

YOU.

Curious about Full Circle’s Triathlon Transformation program which includes almost everything on this list?
You too can live the triathlon lifestyle you have always dreamed of!

Use this link to set up a call today

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.