This fortnight I’m feeling completely inspired by the people in my life. 

I get a buzz from seeing my clients achieve their goals.

And for anyone that knows me, you understand that my mind is always racing with new ideas and plans for the future.

At the moment, I’m working on a new (very exciting) project in collaboration with some other Bendigo fitness professionals.

So what I am most enthused by this week is having the opportunity to spend time with other like-minded people who share my passion for health and fitness.

It’s thoroughly motivating to spend time with others who share that common ground with you.

As the conversations unfold, it’s like you feed off one other and the energy builds around you.

You walk away from such time feeling not only inspired, but also energized, and it all comes from sharing your ideas and experiences on that collective passion.

I’ve been a little down on my own running of late after dealing with a niggling calf injury for months.

So much so, that I haven’t been sticking with my usual running regime.

I haven’t entered in fun runs because my mindset was telling me that if you can’t do it well then maybe don’t do it at all. If an event has a 5km, 10km and 15km option, if you can’t do the 15 comfortably (as I usually would have) then maybe give it a miss until next time around.

And that’s where I was going wrong. It shouldn’t be an all or nothing scenario. I am quite capable of running the 5 or 10 kilometre options.

My calf sustains that distance, just not much above that.

Running either of those distances would have been better than doing nothing at all!

Here’s where the penny dropped; I was having a conversation with a friend who shares my love of health and fitness and upon chatting about healthy food, about running, yoga and boxing, and about simply getting in what you can - my mindset shifted.

Later that day, the running shoes went on.

It wasn’t my fastest and it certainly wasn’t my usual half-marathon distance – but it was a run. And boy did it feel good!

It’s quite ironic that I spend my days helping others to strive towards their fitness goals. Motivating and guiding towards better health, fitness and wellbeing.

Yet on this occasion, I had failed to do this for myself.  Perhaps it’s like the old saying “builders have the worst houses”…and I guess I’m only human.

We all need a little reminder now and then.

The moral of the story here is to surround yourself with positive influences. Join a club or team, or even a group that reflects your interests.

Catch up with a likeminded friend regularly.

You’ll be more likely to stick with a regular exercise routine if you’ve got other people to share it with.

Time is precious and the people you choose to spend it with will influence your happiness, your motivation and your overall wellbeing.

Spend time with people who inspire you to be your best and live your best life.

Amy Holmes is the owner of Shape Health and Fitness. See www.shapehealthandfitness.com.au