How Attitude Effects YOUR Success

“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect it’s successful outcome.”
–William James

That virtually sums it up. It doesn’t matter what the goal is, but rather the attitude with which we approach it.

If you have a positive outlook, and believe that you’re going to accomplish what you set out to do, then you will. No doubt about it. Unfortunately, we usually tend to think of all the things that hold us back from accomplishing our goals…. including me.

I’ve always been “thin.” I graduated high school the same height I am now, but only weighed 140 lbs. Yet, as a freshman in high school I played for the varsity baseball team and lettered all 4 years as the starting catcher. I was pretty good too.

But I felt like I would never get a shot, because so many people told me I was too skinny to be a catcher, even for the college level. I remember as a 16 year old going to a MLB scouting tryout with a bunch of high school seniors and college kids.

As a catcher, we were all timed on our throws from home to second base, simulating a throw we would make to try to catch a potential base stealer. I out threw every single other guy there… as a 16 year old.

Several scouts talked to me that day, but all of them said the same thing… “I wish you had 40 more pounds of muscle. You’re just too skinny to play at the ‘next level’.”

The wind was out of my sails and I began to accept their prediction. My attitude became that of someone defeated…not determined.

Even though I earned All Conference and All State honors my senior year, I was not recruited by single four year university. I decided to go tryout for a small junior college. And I’ll never forget when my attitude made the change for the positive.

The junior college coach looked at me and said, “Well, you can come play here without a scholarship and at best you’d be our third backup.” That did it!

I took the approach right then and there to prove him wrong… to prove them all wrong. I simply said, “Where do I sign?” I hit the weight room the next day, determined to get bigger and stronger.

Long story short… I started both years at my junior college earning All-Conference honors. I was recruited by many top universities and went on to play for a four year university on a full ride scholarship. And eventually, I signed a professional contract with the New York Yankees and played for 2 1/2 years in their minor league system.

I chose to go after my dream (goal). And took what was always a negative, and made a conscious effort to have a positive approach and belief.

I eventually did gain that 40 pounds of muscle. In fact, my last year with the Yankees I weighed 203 lbs (at 12% body fat.) I’m obviously not that big anymore. I don’t need to be and my workouts are much different now too.

So remember, your attitude greatly affects your level of success. If you sense negative thoughts about the task ahead of you to reach your goal, throw it out…get rid of it.

Focus on being positive and believe that with hard work and persistence you can and will achieve your goals.

To your continued success,

Clint Barr

Lifted Spirit

All to often I get caught up in the busyness of the day.  I am constantly swatting away whatever comes at me next.  Whether it’s the numerous emails I receive on a daily basis, or trying to meet my self imposed deadline on the current project I’ve outlined for myself or the business.  In all that, I fail to see things for the absolute blessing they really are, and in the process lose out on what is really important… LIFE!

And more so than that are all the little things in life that I find simple enjoyment in… my family, my exercise, time with my dogs, my quiet time in the morning with devotional in hand and heart steeped in prayer.  Those are the things I can lose sight of when I get caught up in the world that is rushing to and fro around me.

Last night I got home early (well earlier than I normally do) and for the first time in months I put on my running shoes and decided to go for a run.  It hadn’t been since before my hip surgery almost 11 months ago that I’d been on the road…alone…with iPod in ear and nothing to think about.  I felt a little awkward on my first couple strides.  Literally had to re-train myself how to jog, but before I knew it I was striding smoothly and consistently with a nice rhythmical cadence.

At first I felt invigorated.  I was moving at a relatively fast quip, but my time away from running on the road soon became apparent.  About a mile into it I started to struggle and my pace dropped off dramatically.  I was considering just walking the rest of the way back to the house, but I decided to press on.  I didn’t like the song that was playing on my iPod so I started surfing through the songs.

I landed on one of my favorite Mercy Me songs…”Sanctified”.  It’s such a powerful song that speaks an even more powerful truth.  As I was crossing an intersection in my neighborhood the song was building to it’s crescendo.  The music, gradually building in intensity, comes to a pause when Bart Millard (lead singer) sings the following: “Sanctified….I have been set free!”  The instrumental comes blaring back right at the point of ‘I have been set free’.  Powerful.

At that moment I could feel my spirit lifted, and it was as if my feet were not even touching the ground.  I felt a rush of warmth come over me and all I could do was smile.  A BIG smile!  The car that drove past me at that moment was probably wondering what was wrong with me…I mean, how can anybody enjoy running enough that it makes them smile?  Well, I’ll tell you I wasn’t smiling because I was running.  I was smiling because of who I was running with.

Wait a minute Clint…weren’t you running alone??

True.  I did start out on my run alone, but at that moment someone joined me…actually he’d been there the whole time.  GOD.  His Spirit came over me right there, right when I was about to “cash it in”.  He met me right at that moment and reminded me that He is always with me.  Sometimes we just have to step away from the world we get caught up in so we are aware of His presence.  After all, our time here in this world is merely a vapor in the wind…a wave tossed in the ocean.  Just a “blip” on the radar.  In the grand scheme of things, and I need to be reminded of this as much as anybody, circumstances in our every day lives are an even smaller speck on the map of time.  That project that seems so crucial… it can take one more day.  And you know what… work will be there tomorrow.

The rest of the run was a breeze.  Heck… I could have probably kept going, but my hip would not be happy with me today if I had.  I’m gonna go for another run tonight, and probably the night after that.  And I don’t expect to have the same experience every time, although that would be nice.  I know that when I take the time to “shake off” everything the world throws at me… I feel better, I act better, and I love better.  That is all the reason I need.

I hope you find that ‘something’ that lifts your spirit.  And I would love to hear your comments about that, or this post.

God bless,

Clint Barr

Listen…Be Inspired!

Earlier today I was sent an email from a friend who told me about this video.   An exceptional montage of clips with actor Will Smith talking about his belief system and using a positive attitude to achieve his goals.

I didn’t know he was so inspirational.  And what he says resonates with everyone, doesn’t matter whether you aspire to be a famous actor/singer, a successful business person, lose weight, or even be a better spouse and parent.

If you want to be inspired, and if you want to know how to change your life, then take 10 minutes and watch this video.

I think you’ll especially like what he says about running on a treadmill…

Be inspired,
Clint Barr

P.S.  Lots of women who are looking to get in great shape have found inspiration for reaching their health and fitness goals at our Boot Camp’s for Women.  Maybe you can too.  At less than $17 per session to look and feel great, it’s a steal.

P.P.S.  Lots of busy professionals are knocking down barriers in their fitness journey as well.  Check out our private one-on-one training programs and request a no obligation health and fitness consultation to learn how you can do the same.

Paying attention makes all the difference!

Have you ever been driving down the road and your mind sorta wanders?  Obviously not a good driving practice, but it happens.  Sometimes it’s things going on in your life, or an amusing character that you saw walking down the road, or even a breath taking view of God’s majestic beauty displayed in the form of a sunset or sunrise.

Today as I was “sprinting” around town getting some errands done and I had one of those moments.  I was completely aware of my surroundings, that is all the other things that were going on around me (how far the other cars were in front of me, the road I was on, etc.)  But I was totally oblivious to what I was doing in terms of my speed.

Yep.  You guessed it.  Popped over a hill and there he was… the man in blue.  Of course at the time I wasn’t even considering how fast I was going.  Heck, I even hesitated to check my speed when I saw him, because I didn’t even know I was speeding.  Long story short, I received a “citation” from our very noble and protective civil servant.

My mind, consciously, was not on where I was at that moment.  And this is exactly what happens to our health over the years.  We lose touch with ourselves.  We essentially stop “checking our mirrors” and assessing where we are at and what we are doing.  It’s a dangerous place to be, just as dangerous as it is to let the mind wander while driving.

Sometimes we just need to be pulled over.  Be reminded that we are speeding through life and not fully aware of the damage we might be inflicting on ourselves.  Slow down… reflect.  Where are you health wise?  Can you remember what you ate today?  Do you even know when the last time you had a fitness assessment?  Have you ever had one?

It’s easy to stop paying attention to your health.  Just like it is easy to lose focus of how fast your going in your car sometimes.  Both could potentially have devastating outcomes.  If that policeman was not doing his job I could have seriously injured myself, or worse, someone else.  If you don’t take control, or better yet, if you don’t take ownership of your health and fitness, then it will end up hurting you.  And eventually those you love.

I know I will be more alert behind the wheel after today.  I hope you’ll be more vigilant with taking a more proactive approach to your health and fitness as well.  Looking in the mirror and figuring out where you’re at is the first step.

To your health,

Clint Barr

P.S. I’d love to get your comments about this topic, or even answer any questions you have.  Just post them to the comments section below.

My life changed in an evening…

After I picked up the 15 passenger van from the rental car agency and was heading towards downtown Jackson, I began to feel a little discomfort. Not from fear, but from not knowing what to expect or what I was about to see.

I don’t go downtown very much at all. In fact, I rarely go down there. I didn’t even know how to get to Gateway Rescue Mission until 30 minutes before I left when I looked it up on google maps. The plan: pick up the homeless from Gateway, the Opportunity Center, and other shelters and take them out to Pinelake Church to eat Christmas dinner and watch the final dress rehearsal of the Christmas program.

As I turned onto S. Gallatin street the reality of what the world really looks like slapped me right in the face.  Several people were huddled together in different groups and standing on the sidewalk around the area where Gateway is located.  I had heard that there were homeless and knew they were downtown, but had never seen it with my own eyes.  I didn’t know it at the time, but my transformation had begun.

When I pulled into Gateway my heart was pounding (still haven’t figured out why.)  Some of the other guys who volunteered to help with transportation were there and we walked inside.  Several men were checking in and getting there bed assignment for the night.  Immediately many of the individuals who were staying there came up to greet us.  All of them were smiling and genuinely pleased to see us.

We started to load up the vans and it wasn’t until I started to get to know the 4 men who were in my van at that time that my guard came down, and with it my heart rate.  One of the guys said something that I still can’t get out of my head.  He said, “A good meal will stick with you for a couple of days.”  Wow!  I’ve never had to view a meal that way. My eyes were beginning to open, and so was my heart.

Once we had everyone from Gateway that wanted to go we headed over to the Opportunity Center.  The Opportunity Center is a place where people can gather and wait for employers to come by who need laborers for the day.  They also have a telephone and computer with internet for them to use.  But it’s only open during the day, and there are no beds there.

As we pulled up, there must have been 70-80 people waiting for us to arrive.  They literally engulfed the van and almost made it impossible for me to pull all the way into the parking lot.  They quickly filled the van, as well as the other vans in the convoy, and we were ready to go.

Before we left I prayed with those in my van for a safe journey and that the evening would be a blessing to them.  They all suggested 95.5FM as the radio station of choice, and with the soul gospel blaring out of the speakers we started our trek down Lakeland Drive at the peak of rush hour traffic.  After about a 40 minute van rocking, hand clapping and gospel singing drive, we arrived at Pinelake.  Everyone piled out of the van and went inside to warm their bellies with Christmas dinner.

While they were eating I had the opportunity to get to know some of the men and learn more about them as individuals.  I sat with one gentleman that had only recently found himself without a place to live.  He uses a cane to assist him with an injured knee and suffers from back and neck pain.  But if not for the limp and the cane, you wouldn’t have known he was suffering at all.  His spirit was one of thankfulness and gratitude. It was an absolute pleasure sitting there and becoming acquainted with him.

Shortly after that the program started and for the next two hours I had the privilege of seeing the worries of the world be washed from their faces and replaced with happiness and joy.

On the trip back toward downtown everyone was talking about how blessed they were to be there and to get a hot meal.  Can you imagine?! They felt blessed!  They were happy to be alive, and not one of them was complaining about what tomorrow might bring.  One of them in the seat behind me leaned forward and said, “I love you Clint.”  I was speechless, and even a little choked up.  As I dropped them off back at Gateway and another shelter in west Jackson, everyone of them thanked me and I even got a few hugs.

I went that night to help serve and to be an influence in what ever small way I could on the lives of those I would encounter.  The truth is, they were a much bigger influence on me.  My life literally changed in an evening.  I will never be the same and I thank God for ushering me into the service of those less fortunate.

In the season we find ourselves it is easy to get caught up in the things that we perceive to be a hassle… the lines at the department stores, the traffic on County Line Rd., how we’re going handle the in-laws, or what ever minor issue we blow out proportion.  Now, for me, what I already have seems like too much.

I am forever grateful for the blessings in my life and my prayer for you is that if given the opportunity to serve, you will cease it and be blessed as much as I was in my experience.

With humble sincerity,

Clint Barr

Wounded Warrior Project

Joshua just happened to be passing through Ridgeland today on his way to North Carolina, and when I learned what he was doing I felt compelled to help him out. By supporting the Wounded Warrior Project you can give back to those few who have given so much to ensure your everyday freedoms.

Sincerely,

Clint Barr

Eat More Fish…Lose Body Fat!

Orange roughy is definitely my favorite white fish.  Great flavor and texture, with little to no “fishy” scent.  Tonight I combined my fish with some fresh baked green beans….  Mmmm!  Another easy, clean, and healthy meal.  Won’t you join me?!

To your health,

Clint Barr

Raising The Barr, Inc.
103 W. Washington Street #B4
Ridgeland, MS 39157

Baked Salmon and Asparagus…Clean eating at it's finest!

Ingredients

• (2) 3 oz Salmon fillet
• 3 cups of fresh asparagus
• Juice from one half freshly squeezed lemon
• 2 tbls extra virgin olive oil
• Sweet basil
• Ground pepper
• Sea salt

Preparation

Preheat oven 400 degrees.  Place salmon fillets in a baking dish.  Drizzle 1 tbls of olive oil over the salmon, season with basil, pepper, and sea salt.  Set aside.  Place the asparagus in a separate baking dish, drizzle with the other tablespoon of olive oil and season with pepper and sea salt.  Bake the asparagus initially for 5-10 minutes before you put the salmon in the oven.  While the asparagus is cooking, prepare the salmon by cutting 1 lemon in half and squeezing the juice from one half over the fish.  Place the salmon in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.  The asparagus and salmon will finish at the same time. Remove from oven, serve with a lemon wedge.

Enjoy!

Servings: 2-3

Calories: 300 per serving

Clint Barr
Raising The Barr, Inc.

Change, The Secret to Your Success

Have you ever noticed how you pick up on things in the most unexpected places?  This past weekend I had to make a trip to Orlando for a business conference.  It was fabulous! (Orlando’s not so bad either.)

The conference was held in a brand new Hilton in Point Orlando right next to the convention center.  I was just a few short miles from Disney World, but unfortunately didn’t take any time to go see my good friend Goofy…

…that’s right, I said Goofy.  Mickey is great, but Goofy’s my “dawg”!  Haha.

The weather was as near perfect as it could get (70 degrees, dry and breezy).  But I only know this because of my morning routine of watching The Weather Channel… I love that channel, and all they do is repeat the same thing over and over.  I like ESPN’s Sportscenter too.  Huh! Go figure, they’re both on repeat.

Anyway, enough about the weather and the different TV programs I like to watch.  One of the presenters at the conference was talking about current trends in the fitness industry and something he said resonated with me.  He said, “If you want to see a change, you have to make a change.”  A pretty obvious statement, but it got me thinking…

…It doesn’t matter whether it’s your personal life, your work, or your health and fitness.  Everything comes down to these two choices–you can either make excuses or you can start making changes!

Finding a reason NOT to do something is no way to live, trust me I’ve been one of the best at doing this in the past.  And I bet if you examined your life there are areas where you too have made excuses for why you couldn’t do something or make the change you wanted.  Fact is we all do it.

So I’m issuing a challenge, not only to you, but to myself as well.  I want to challenge you to make the change.  Look at the things in your life that you want to change, take a step forward, and make the necessary changes to get the result you want.

A positive approach to life and a “CAN DO” attitude can take you far in life.  Just look at my good friend Goofy.  No matter how tough the obstacle or impervious the task, he attacks it with zeal and exuberance.  He never makes excuses.

Start saying I Will and let that empower you to bring about real life change.  You may just find that you had it in you all along.
To making the change,

Clint Barr
Raising The Barr Fitness
103 W. Washington St #B4
Ridegland, MS 39157
www.bestjacksonpersonaltrainer.com

P.S.  If you’re ready to start making changes with your health and fitness but need some direction I would be glad to help.  You can schedule a no-obligation fitness consult by calling me at 601-201-3823 or visit www.JacksonFitnessConsultation.com.

Eat Less Red Meat…Save Your Health and the Environment

Want to Save The Environment and Your Health? Eat Less Red Meat…

There is a new buzz word floating around and it’s name is “locavore?” That’s right, it sounds as wierd as it looks on the page or your computer screen. This label was born to describe those individuals who only eat food grown within a 100 mile radius of where they live. Proponents argue that this is a tastier and more nutritious alternative.

There are significant benefits to this idea. I encourage you to shop local, support your local farmers at a nearby farmer’s market if you have one, and agree that locally grown fruits and vegetables almost always taste better. There’s something about a green tomato traveling 2,000 miles on a truck that ruins the experience don’t you think?

Proponents of this type of eating also argue that this is better for the environment. They argue that eating locally promotes less greenhouse gases needed to produce food, harvest it, process it and transport it in those trucks. They believe that everyone should be eating this way and that in turn the world will be a better place.

As good as that may sound, it’s not always true and I could write a dissertation on the subject if needed. Today, I just want to make a quick point…

First, I’m a big proponent of buying locally and shopping for the freshest stuff you can find while at the same time being realistic about what is possible and what works for the long run, and in your busy life.

Not everyone lives close to a farm, variety will be limited most of the year if you’re only buying what’s in season, and just because a farm is smaller doesn’t mean the carbon footprint is lessened. Lots of small trucks traveling to lots of places can add up as much as big trucks going long distances. Efficiency is the final word on something like this. And no one is entirely sure yet, how to accurately compare the small operation to the big operation. Not only that, there are a lot of people to feed in the world and a lot of potential for problems and shortages when you start thinking about going local 100% of the time. Not to mention the economic importance of food imports and exports.

So, in the mean time, here is one thing you can do what will make you healthier and reduce the carbon footprint of food production. Eat less red meat, or stop eating it altogether. Beef is the most environmentally expensive food of all. According to the Berkeley Wellness letter this month, a recent article in The Scientific American pointed out that the annual beef diet of the average American emits as much greenhouse gas as a car driving more than 1800 miles.

Equally important is the fact that people who eat too much red meat are 30% more likely to die prematurely.

So, eat red meat once or twice per week or less and you will increase the chances that you will live a long and healthy life and still be able to breath

Clint Barr
Raising The Barr, Inc.
www.bestjacksonpersonaltrainer.com

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