From My Brother

"So since you didn't go to the gym today or yesterday, you are getting yourself into bad habits of making excuses... they seem logical, "well i walked a mile and a half" but that quickly becomes "oh i walked half a mile."

The other day Jacob and I were listening to Zig Ziglar on motivation, he talked about this exact thing, download some of his speeches on motivation and goal setting, its amazing! Starting Monday, I am going to be waking up at 5:30 or 6 (have not decided yet) and go for a run every morning. I decided to do this because of Zig, so you should really listen to him and keep listening."

My brother, my loving sweet brother, is actually correct. This can become a bad habit, quickly. The snowball effect can roll you into your fat pants and that shirt that never looks QUITE right on you...you know the one...with the stretched button holes.

Its easy to logically think to yourself "I don't have to go to the gym today because XYZ." Especially when its hard for you to do it already.

As for Zig Ziglar...It sounds like a porn star name. I have downloaded his stuff before. He is no different than Anthony Robbins and the rest of the motivational speakers. They do work, if you like those sorts of things, but have become hard for me to listen to.

Adam, don't worry about what Zig has to say. He just regurgitates information he has heard or has put common sense to work. The same thing has been said by Rabbis and Torah personalities for years. Don't do things by rote (Prayers). Take responsibility for yourself, your actions and for others (any of the Bavas AND anything mussar). Take care of your health (Halacha). Your body is a wonderland (John Mayer).

The Torah was given as a blueprint to life. The things you learn in the Bavas (Bava Kama, Bava Metsia, Bava Basra) can greatly affect how you view your life and responsibilites in it. With people, with G-d,with money, with your family and most importantly, with yourself. Understanding how you function in this world helps you greatly understand that falling and making excuses only hurts you in the end. A real man (or woman) stands up and tries again. That is the making of a great person. Not how much money you make or what you own, but saying "I screwed up, lets try again."

Zig Ziglar has nothing on G-d.

Happy Hunting.