D.ear Jon;

I read one of your articles on mastery. I really
enjoyed it. I also enjoyed your f.ree sample of
"Fit Over 40", too.

While all this is great, it doesn't apply to me.
I'll tell you why.

First, I own my own business. I'm constantly
running from one place to the next, so there's
no way I have time to cook, let alone "eat right",
whatever that means.

Second, I have three kids. Do you have kids?
I just can't devote the time to this fitness thing
and "mastery living" that you talk about simply
because life is way too busy.

I feel like I'm in over my head already.

Still, I'll keep reading...and thank you for what
you and Tom are doing for others.

Robert Kramer (name changed)
Dallas, Texas

- - - - - - -

D.ear Robert;

Do you really think I'm going to let you get away
with that? : )

Okay, let's see what we can do...but first, I want
to ask you a simple question: are you willing to
admit that you may be mistaken?

Have you ever been wrong before, but thought
you were absolutely correct prior to learning of
your misunderstanding?

Well then, let's just assume it can happen more
than...once!

You started by telling me why you cannot do
something. Right off the bat, I'll concede: you
are correct. You cannot do what you believe
you cannot do.

I'm going to challenge you: email me back and
tell me why you can do this. I know, that's a
tough assignment, but give it a shot. In fact,
I'm about to help you answer it.

You mention your children. Do you want to
live to see them have grandchildren? Do you
want to be able to play with them when you're
55, 60, or even 70 - without restrictions? Do
you want them to grow up and believe that
they too must become victims of their own
schedules rather than masters of them?

No. I didn't think so.

All statements are opinions until verified, then
they become facts. So, h.ere are the facts:

I own five businesses. I can easily make the
time to train and prepare my meals - however,
I can just as easily decide not to. That is really
what you're saying to me, Robert. You've just
decided not to. Please, rethink that decision.

I'm not Superman. My name is not Clark Kent,
nor do I freak out around green rocks. I'm just
like you... with one small exception.

I've decided not to allow life to master my
schedule, but rather to allow my will for
living to manage it. I call this The Art of
Quality Living.

Big difference, my friend. You can do it, too.

I'm not the only one. We have multi-millionaires
in Fit Over 40 with grand kids! Heck, wait until
you see Maria Cortes. She's got the body of
a 20-year-old at almost 50, and four kids to
boot! No surgery...just hard work, and the
principles we teach in Fit Over 40, along with
the absolute conviction to dictate her own
schedule.

Oh...she works full-time as well!

This is just one example...there are dozens
more, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt
that age is not a matter of "time", and time
is not a master of any of us but those who
are willing.

Choose right n.ow to believe you could be wrong.
Choose right n.ow to be willing to manage your
own schedule so that you will lead a live, and
leave behind a legacy, that will be full of the
most enriching moments possible.

Sincerely,
Jon Benson
Creator/Co-Author, Fit Over 40