You're The Boss!

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Welcome to the LenDentonThrive Letter, my weekly newsletter focused on helping 50+ Guys lose weight, get fit, and stay fit for life… without crazy diets or grueling workouts.

If you’re a busy, 50+ Guy (like me), you’ve probably got a lot on your plate. Family, work, and other commitments tend to take precedence over our health and fitness. Over time, that lack of attention can sneak up on you. And then, suddenly, you’re faced with a tough conversation about your health and even your future.

This has happened to me.

Eleven years ago at age 55, my doctor told me that I was a poster child for a heart attack or stroke! I was 70 pounds overweight, with cholesterol readings through the roof. And, an ugly family history of heart disease as well. Both my Dad and my younger brother died from fatal heart attacks…in their 30s! 

That frank conversation with my doctor saved my life!

Later that day, I sat in my office contemplating that appointment. First, I knew my doc was right. It was clear that I needed to make a change if I didn’t want to become a cardiac statistic like my dad and brother. 

And second, I realized that nobody was coming to save me. It was up to me to make the needed changes. Sure, my doctor could guide me on the right actions to take. But ultimately, it would be me making the right choices every day that would drive the changes I needed. 

On that day in mid-December 2013, I became the Boss of my health and fitness! 

The Journey Begins

This was the starting point of what became my ThriveLife journey! At that point, I wasn’t sure what I needed to do to get healthier. I just knew that it was my job to figure it out. 

And, I did figure it out! 

Seven months later, I had lost the 70 pounds and my cholesterol readings were 60 points lower. Now, my energy levels were through the roof!

I accomplished this without going on a crazy diet. I changed my diet to eliminate the foods that made me fat while keeping me hungry. I found a way to put my food to work for me instead of working against me as it had throughout my life. 

I didn’t spend hours in the weight room, and I didn’t run a single step. Instead, I started walking. 

The combination of better nutrition and moderate cardio created a dramatic change in me. People started noticing. Friends asked what I was up to. I had to buy slimmer clothes. 

I looked and felt better! It was awesome! 

Best of all, it felt a bit too easy. For the first time in my life, it felt like I was working in harmony with my body instead of working against it. I developed a set of smart (and enjoyable) daily practices (habits) that helped me stay on course. These habits worked well because they fit into my busy life, which at that time, included a lot of business travel. Whether at home or on the road, I was able to stay on my program without interruptions. 

Now, flash forward eleven years. I’m still at my original goal weight. I’m healthier today at age 66 than I was at 50. And, that hard conversation I had with my doctor all those years ago is the reason. 

I am here today because I took charge of my health and fitness.

Who’s In Charge? 

So, here’s a question for you, Brother.

Who is in charge of YOUR health and fitness?

If you don’t have an answer…that’s a problem.

If the answer isn’t YOU… I suggest that that’s also a problem.

Health is our first wealth! Without our health, not much else matters. You could be the wealthiest guy in town, but if you’re not healthy, what does it matter? 

Most of us spend a lot of effort planning and managing our financial accounts and retirement funds. But, too many 50+ Guys aren’t investing in their personal Health Accounts. 

Don’t let that be you. Put as much attention and energy into your health and fitness as you’re putting into your 401Ks and IRAs. Being smart financially means avoiding prematurely running out of money as we age. Being health-smart means avoiding prematurely running out of healthy years.

Take Action

Here are three actions you can take starting today to change the trajectory of your health and fitness.

1 - Make a Decision - it all begins with a decision. 

No one is more responsible for your health and fitness than you. But, don’t start your decision process with “HOW you should do it.” 

Start with “WHY you should do it.”

For me, the WHY was my family. My dad’s death left my family in a lurch that took years to overcome. I didn’t want my family to experience that. 

WHY matters more than HOW!

2 - Get a check-up - if you haven’t gotten a physical exam in the last 12 months, call your doctor and schedule one today. 

American men are less healthy today than they were 25 years ago. The best deterrent to premature death is early detection and treatment. Yet most guys I know avoid doctors and regular exams. This fact hit close to home recently for me. I lost a 52-year-old friend who refused to see a doctor, even though he wasn’t feeling well. Don’t be that guy!

3 - Choose an approach that fits your life - when you begin to focus on how you’ll improve your health and fitness, choose a process that actually fits into how your life works. Most fitness programs only last a couple of months before they get tossed aside. The main reason that guys quit these programs is because they are inconvenient, unpleasant, or require too much willpower. 

What’s the best fitness approach for you?

It’s the one you’ll enjoy the most because that’s the one you’ll do the most. Sustainable healthy lifestyles aren’t built on pain and willpower. They are built on enjoyable, effective daily habits.

Take charge…because YOU are the BOSS!

When you’re ready for a real and sustainable fitness transformation, here are three ways I can help you:

#1 - Sign up for this newsletter. Every week, you’ll receive tested, actionable tips and strategies to help you build your own customized version of the ThriveLife that fits your needs, preferences, and personal style. And, it’s free!

#2 - For a Do-It-Yourself approach to the ThriveLife, download your free copy of my new ebook: 6 Smart Moves To Your ThriveLife. Just click the button below.

#3 - When you’re ready to join a community of other busy 50+ Guys building their ThriveLives together, check out my new ThriveLife Transformation course. The ThriveLife Transformation guides you through a 30-day transformation process which includes online video training and daily support and assistance through our online community. Join alone or bring your friends. To learn more about the ThriveLife Transformation, click the button below.

Do You Know Somebody?

Do you know a 50+ Guy who’s struggling with their weight and fitness? Please consider sharing this information with them. Just forward your copy of this email to them. It might change their life!

(Or, give them a free copy of my 6 Smart Moves ebook!)

Thanks for reading this week.

I write this newsletter to make a positive impact on the lives of 50+ Guys and their families. If you found this information useful, please consider subscribing to receive new editions each week.

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