How do you live a win-win life? It all comes down to your goals. Are they competitive or cooperative? Humans are complex beings with complex needs. But what are your core definitions of success for yourself? What do you strive for? What do you stand for?
Think about these core definitions of success. If you achieve that success, will it tend to harm anyone else? Or will it naturally contribute to the success of others?
One definition of success that I have recently added to my own list is to reach a higher level of physical fitness. I find that as I am getting older, my general level of fitness is becoming more important to me. Fitness is a great win-win goal because raising your own fitness level will never detract from anyone else's. In fact, it is likely to encourage others in achieving the same goal.
Of course, it is important not to set the goal of being in better shape than someone else. This kind of thinking will only encourage the comparison game, which will lead you straight into the win-lose arena. (See the article, "Bringing out the best in yourself and in others.")
It is also important not to judge yourself for whatever shape you happen to be in now. Engaging in self-criticism will also lead you back to win-lose thinking. (See the article, "Breaking down the walls of judgement.")
But if your goal is simply to increase your own level of fitness, without judgement against either yourself or others, then you are squarely in win-win territory. Achieving this goal can do no harm to anyone, and is in fact likely to lead others to succeed in the same way.
If you decide to get in shape with a partner, all the better. Whenever you work out together, you will naturally be contributing to each other's success. But even on your own, achieving your goal may end up inspiring others.
I know that whenever I see a woman my own age (or older for that matter) who happens to be in fantastic shape, I find myself thinking, "Well, look there! Forty (or fifty, or sixty, or seventy) can look absolutely fabulous! I don't have to settle for a body I don't like just because I'm getting older!"
And whenever I'm driving along and happen to see anyone running or biking along the side of the road, I find myself thinking about getting out for some exercise myself. It puts it in the front of my mind, and it inspires me.
So if you've been thinking about putting your fitness goals a bit higher up on your agenda, go for it! It's never too late to get in better shape. It's never too late to become inspired, or to become an inspiration.
