​I haven’t always been a coach, motivator or mentor.  In fact there was a time when I was cynical, negative and someone who gave just enough effort to get by in life and if it weren’t for the help of a few key people throughout the years, there would be no Integrated Wellness Concepts, Fit To Hunt or BJC WellAware Center.  Their influence on me was pivotal in who I became, how I manage, coach and look at life so it is high time they receive some praise.  Naturally, you have to have mom and dad at the top of the heap but this list is a little different and like any good story, it all begins with a girl.

The Girl: High school was a rough time for me.  I had zero confidence and to say I did not apply myself is an understatement.  In my senior year I somehow managed to catch the eye of “The Older Woman.”  Not that much older but she was a freshman in college.  That alone caused my confidence to skyrocket but watching how she handled her business with her classes also showed me that school was important.  Being smart and applying yourself wasn’t lame; it was actually cool.  Very, very cool.  We only dated for a cup of coffee but I don’t think she ever knew the influence she had on me and how it served as the base for the future Jeremy.  It completely changed the course of my life and for that, I am forever grateful.  

The Client: As a fitness professional, it’s my job to help people but sometimes, they end up helping me.  Case in point a year after graduation I was working a low paying job in the fitness industry and was whining (yes, a cardinal sin in the fitness industry) to a client about my job, life and whatever he would listen to me complain about.  An extremely successful business man, he had the grace and patience to mentor me in the way one might teach a little one how to walk.  He took baby steps.  Instead of saying suck it up he spoke these words: “God has you here for a reason.  You may not understand it now but you are here in this moment to learn something or help someone.  That someone might be me or it could be someone in the future but rest assured, you are here because he needs you to be.”  I think he was right but in this case, it wasn’t for me to help anyone.  It was to learn patience and big picture thinking.  For that simple piece of advice which I have passed on to many, I am grateful.

The Professor: When I met Bob in my master’s program I did not like him one bit.  He was aloof, never appeared to take anything seriously and a bit weird.  He became one of my favorite professors of all time.  An adjunct instructor at Webster University, Bob had come from big business where he brought a wealth of information.  In the classroom, he treated us like adults.  This meant if we acted like grown-ups he treated us like grown-ups.  If we acted like children, we were treated as such.  He is also the reason I am always looking for opportunities in life.  A big fan of multiple revenue streams it was his wisdom that helped me decide to create Integrated Wellness Concepts and eventually Fit To Hunt.  His take?  I might lose my job at company XYZ but if I have other irons in the fire, I’ll never fall on my face.  I took that to heart so for my financial know how, three businesses and the future of my 401K, I am forever grateful to Bob.

The Colleague: Come on, who hasn’t done a network marketing business?  Nobody wants to talk about it….but we have all done it.  I partnered up with Jeff to change the world in 2009 and we did pretty good for ourselves.  We never hit the mother load when it came to only working 10 hours a week and jet setting around the globe but the time spent working to develop a team, being told no, stepping outside our comfort zones and learning how to really talk to people served as a testing ground for the businesses we each created ourselves and are running today.  Quite successfully I might add.  Jeff was the heart and to this day is someone I look at when I need a metaphoric kick in the pants.  Thank you Black Lion.

You are a few days away from opening some pretty cool Christmas presents and spending time with family and friends.  Make sure you let them know you are grateful for their influence on you.  Then if possible, share it on with the next generation.  It’s part of the circle.

Also know I am extremely grateful for you.  For the fact you read our blogs, follow us on social media and for the ability to be a tiny piece of the puzzle on your journey to better health and wellness.  
​
Thank you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  We appreciate each and every one of you!

Jeremy

by: Jeremy Koerber

I recently read an article by finance expert Dave Ramsey on holiday finances that asked three important questions we need to ask ourselves before buying ourselves a gift this holiday season.

1. Will this purchase strain my budget?
2. Would someone else like to gift this to me?
3. Am I robbing myself of greater joy?

As I read this blog I started to think about how the same principles can be applied to how we snack this holiday season.  You already know there are going to be a lot of opportunities to eat holiday junk food at every turn so use these three tips to help keep your consumption in moderation over the next five weeks.

Before you mindlessly grab another sugar cookie ponder these three questions:

1. Will eating this strain my calorie budget: We all have a calorie budget.  Go over and we gain weight.  All foods fit in moderation.  One treat is no big deal.  Five or six treats and your budget is blown.

2. Before purchasing holiday junk food, what is the likelihood someone will buy this for me: Even though I am not a huge consumer of sweet treats I always seem to come home with many variations of holiday candies, cookies, cakes, etc. from clients, co-workers and friends.  You will as well so before buying holiday treats know you will come home with a lot more than your fair share of the same holiday goodies you are contemplating buying yourself.  

3. Is instant gratification robbing me of achieving my long term goal: This is where mindless eating comes into play and it can happen before you realize it.  There will be a lot of delicious options available to you at home, at work and at social events so be mindful of how you eat throughout the day and at parties.  Don’t make the excuse that it’s the holidays.  You can still enjoy foods in moderation and not blow your goals.

Remember the 85% Rule: Eat clean 85% of the time leaving 15% of your calories to be used any way you choose.  This concept works the other 10 ½ months a year.  It will work throughout the holiday season as well!