Life Changers is a feature on my blog where I ask individuals to answer the question: “What is an idea or habit has changed your life?” Health and Wellness expert, entrepreneur, author, and Emmy nominated TV personality Jillian Michaels presents today’s life changing story.
Jillian Michaels is a Daytime Emmy nominated television personality, entrepreneur, and one of the nation’s leading health and wellness experts. She is also a New York Times bestselling author of numerous books, including Master Your Metabolism, Unlimited: How to Build an Exceptional Life, and her most recent bestselling release, Slim for Life: My Insider Secrets To Simple, Fast, And Lasting Weight Loss. Jillian’s fitness DVDs are consistently top sellers as well. You can find her web site at JillianMichaels.com, and check out her weekly podcast, The Jillian Michaels Show, for free via iTunes.
Jillian presented a keynote address at this year’s Press Ganey National Client Conference (read my review of day one here) and truly offered the audience some outstanding insights. The following story is shared with her permission.
It’s important to practice what you preach.
I remember a time when my little sister, who was just about 3 years old at the time, told my father that “you’ve got to get happy.” I was amazed that she was able to get through to him and say something that I wish I could have said – she got through where I was not able to.
You’ve got to get happy.
And it’s true. When we are upset or bothered by things, we need to turn it around.
We need to ask our self “How can I take some of my own advice?”
How can I work on me?
When you do this, you are that much more inspiring to others.
It can be too easy to get wrapped up in just giving to others, and then we end up neglecting ourselves. At some point you have to be able to say “enough is enough – I’m going to be selfish, and do something for me.”
You do this so that you can be the best that you can be. You are your one true obligation.
The one thing that you can control is your own health and happiness.
Needed to see this advice, especially at this time of year. I’ve been running a full stop and this is the time I reflect on last year and plan for the next. What will be different. This is an important area of focus.
Skip – you are absolutely right, it is so easy to overlook our own needs. Next thing I know, I’m empty, cranky, and resentful.