So yesterday was a really exciting day. I’ll try to explain this as succinctly as possible:

My mom was a high school English teacher. One of her former students is Terence Winter. He credits my mom for inspiring him to pursue his passion of screen writing.

Terence wound up becoming an executive producer and writer for the Sopranos.

Terry has since blown up. (In a good way!)

Yesterday, we were at the set of his own show that will be airing on HBO in September, entitled, Boardwalk Empire. He is the creator. This is HIS show and Martin Scorsese directed the pilot episode. It’s nuts!

It’s been unbelievable to watch and hear about his career progressing ever since that call to my mother when I was in 5th grade.

You can read about that call, if you’re interested, here: http://www.gurugilbert.com/2007/06/27/my-mom-and-the-best-article-anyone-could-ever-hope-for%E2%80%A6/

Anyway, my mom’s inspiration was to make an impact on her students. That’s why she got up every morning. She says she can die happy now because of Terry. I believe it. I’m extremely grateful to Terry for making my mom so happy.

The reason why I get up in the morning is to make a positive impact on you. That’s what drives me.

I’ve been living what I’m teaching since I was in 4th grade. I know that there are no secrets. The only secret is to do the right things over and over again.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized first hand how hard that is. That’s why I’m truly excited to read your Daily Feedbacks because I know how important every day is.

In fact, let’s think of each meal as a brick. Whether it’s a meal on a Saturday or a workout on a Wednesday evening. Brick after brick we’re laying a solid foundation. Building a stronger and stronger base. As we lay each brick, it gets easier and easier. We build momentum.

Until one day, we get off our ladder and step back and say, “Wow, this is really paying off.” Or maybe we’re still on the ladder and someone says, “Nice building!!! I see all of the work you’ve been doing!!!”

However, going one day without laying any bricks whether it’s with your diet or exercise is wasting time. It’s one day of zero progress. One day of not feeling as good as you can.

Which leads to the someday disease. What are you waiting for? Don’t you want to enjoy the benefits of your house or building now?

There is a sense of urgency!

Don’t you want to feel and look as good as you can sooner rather than later?

Sure, missing a workout from time to time is fine. But every workout matters just as much as the last one. And if I keep missing workouts, I won’t make any progress.

When you give it your all every day, not only do you feel awesome for having done so, but you are making progress.

And at the end of the day, I’ve never felt better from taking a day off of laying bricks than I have from a hard days work of laying them. Ever.

One brick at a time.

Why do you want to lay the bricks in the first place? I told you my inspiration for why I do what I do.

What’s your inspiration for ‘laying bricks’ every day? What’s your reason for wanting to eat healthfully and exercise?

When you know the why, the strength to lay those bricks appears.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. The weather here was gorgeous. And when the weather is gorgeous in NYC ice cream seems to be everywhere!

Let me introduce you to a very scientific term I like to call: “The Difference”.

One of my favorite lunch foods is tuna. I grew up on it. It happens to be very healthy too. (Of course, like anything, moderation is key. Gotta watch out for the Mercury.)

On the weekends, I like to make myself some tuna salad. I add mayo and celery and sometimes carrots. It’s delicious.

However, a long time ago, I remember hearing about light mayo so I started using it. “Oh tuna and light mayo, this is unbeatable now!”

Or so, I thought.

After a little while, I realized that I was no longer eating tuna fish. It was because I couldn’t stomach the taste of light mayo.

It took me a while to realize this but finally I chucked the light mayo and in came the regular mayo. Once again, I was as happy as ever with my tuna.

I realized “The Difference” right then and there. Some foods aren’t negotiable. Mayo is one of them for me.

But if you ask me to choose between a beef burger or turkey burger 90% of the time, I’m just as happy with the turkey burger.

If you ask me to choose between a whole wheat bun and regular bun, I’m just as happy with the whole wheat bun.

If you ask me to choose between frozen yogurt and ice cream, I’m just as happy with the frozen yogurt.

There’s many examples where the healthier version is just as good. Sometimes it’s even better! Many times, “The Difference” isn’t all that different. It’s worth it to choose the healthier version.

But for some foods “The Difference” isn’t worth it. No matter what, I need the real deal version.

What foods can you compromise on the full fledged version for a lighter version because “The Difference” isn’t that significant?

Examples:

Egg whites instead of whole eggs?

Turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Baked chips instead of regular chips?

Dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Turkey hot dogs instead of regular hot dogs

Baked chicken instead of fried chicken?

Skim milk instead of whole milk?

Think about that this week.

Seek the difference when possible!

…you have a spotless future.

-Author Unknown

Here’s a question I’ve been noodling on:

When am I happier?

Let’s explore: I’m not saying I’m not happy when I’m shoveling a burger and fries into my face. I’m not saying I’m not happy when I’m eating ice cream. No. Not at all. That makes me very happy indeed. At least, while I’m eating it.

I’m saying I’m happier when I eat healthfully.

I’m not saying I’m not happy when I’m lounging around watching TV. That’s fun!

I’m saying I’m happier when I’m moving around and enjoying my fitness! That’s more fun!

I’m not saying I’m not happy when I have a great meal and overeat because the food is just so good.

I’m saying I’m happier when I leave the table feeling satisfied and not stuffed.

When are you happier?