Update: Your editor has been taking a pastry class this summer. He's learning the fine art of working and kneading dough: why it sticks to the rolling pin, why it sticks to the countertop and why it doesn't rise like it's supposed to. His latest attempt at making croissants made him appreciate the local donut shop even more.

Yet he knows that if he continues working the dough, he will have the flakiest, most flavorful fancy French butter croissants this side of the Atlantic. Whenever he wants. Every time. Because that's what he desires.

This same desire can propel you to achieve your goals. To reach this, you decide to look at things from a different angle, take a different action step, study the results, and then repeat. In time, people will wonder if there's anything you cannot do.

Feature Article: Slack, Lack and Back on the Attack

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Insanity...

I watched an infomercial for Insanity, a gut-wrenching fitness program designed for the fitness fanatic wanting lean body mass, rock-hard abs and enough stamina to outlast the entire U.S. Army. Fitness trainers to stay-at-home moms and everyone in-between who thought this was "just" another fitness program struggled throughout the warm-up session. For the first couple of weeks.

Is this insane or what?

But the results are absolutely amazing. Those who complete the program drop pounds, lose inches and are poised to outrun and outdistance triathlon winners. Not bad for surviving two months of training.

Are you ready for Insanity?

If you are -- great. I'm not.

Not because I don't want those fantastic results. And not because I'm exercise-phobic. It's because once you've achieved a higher level of fitness and training, it can be a struggle to maintain it. No?

Let's take another look at this in today's feature article...

Slack, Lack and Back on the Attack

Dear Associate,

If you think you're making progress and moving forward... you may want to rethink that thought. You could be operating in reverse without knowing it. Which is exactly what I was guilty of.

Let's head to the scene of the crime...

When I decided to get serious with my body, I enrolled in a fitness class and began working out with Gilad's "Total Body Sculpt" program on Fit TV. For the most part, I was able to keep up with the routines. I was very pleased.

After changing addresses I developed a custom fitness routine for myself. And the results were amazing.

I could see muscles that were never there before. Injuries would heal faster. Clothing would feel looser where they needed to be and fit tighter in areas that gave my body a nice definition. For the first time in my life I actually enjoyed looking in the mirror.

And people would notice...

Total strangers would offer compliments. Lady friends tended to flirt. This was the proof that motivated me to continue my daily workouts.

I thought I was doing all right. I thought I was making progress. I thought I was on the right path. If mom could see me now.

Suddenly, reality smacked me upside the head...

When I returned back to working out with Gilad—I got a rude awakening. I couldn't keep up with him. He was kicking me in the fanny. I was in disbelief. At times, my muscles were burning so much I couldn't finish the reps.

What happened?

I had slacked off. I did my reps at my own pace. A half-hour routine would somehow turn into an hour and thirty minutes filled with water breaks, restroom runs and checking e-mail. Yes, I get lots of e-mail.

Without a trainer I swayed to the path of least resistance. I nudged myself off-course. My positive results became the placebo that lulled me to believe I was still moving forward.

But I wasn't...

And you may not be either. If you find yourself slacking off because you're lacking something or someone, it's time to get back on the attack.

Here are three strategies of attacking your slack:

1) Reconnect with your coach, trainer or mentor.

They always say results are what really count. If you've gotten great results before, it's time to return to the person(s) who helped you get there. Pronto. There should be no debate.

2) Party's over.

I like parties, but if you've been partying a little too much, it's time to adapt a new mindset. The party mindset gets you party-type results. The kinds that are loose and lax.

On the other hand, working hard often delivers beneficial results...

The farmer has to work hard. He can't relax if he wants that harvest. If he did, he'll reap a crop that no one wants.

3) Contributing to others.

Teach what you know. Become the teacher students want to learn from. One of the highest compliments you will ever receive is when people say that you made a difference in someone's life.

I'm getting back on the attack. You are too. Don't let slack and lack run your life ever again.

Warm regards,