I’ve never said the words, “I’m old.” I’ve never even thought them. I don’t think like that, it’s just not part of me.

I’m 56 years old and since I was a kid, I knew that thinking old was a prescription for self sabotage. I’m not suggesting that aging isn’t a reality of life. I’m saying that we send ourselves mental messages that make us feel older, less capable. We become programmed.

Stop thinking like an old person. I know in-shape people who are in their 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s who don’t think like old people. And I know plenty of people in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s who have thought of themselves as old since they were in their 30’s.

My wife, Pam, always tells me that I can’t expect people to be like me because I’m a freak. I agree with her, but I also know we sell ourselves short and we have more power than we realize. We tell ourselves we can’t achieve our weight loss and nutrition goals, just like we allow ourselves to think and become old at young ages.

You’re always talking about reaching your goals and you never do. Time to stop thinking “old.”

I want you to take these action steps, now:

• Watch your thoughts carefully and shift them when you see a negative thought surface.
• No matter what your age, what shape you’re in or how much body fat you have to lose, begin where you are, and don’t look back.
• Develop a nutrition and workout plan that’s based on foods you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle.
• Write down one goal and give it a time frame and stick with it.
• Recognize that inspiration is simply the match that lights the fire; the initial fuel to get you going – but it won’t always be there.

Embrace your energy, vitality and youthfulness. It’s there, but you have to work for it – with your body and your mind.