And even if you don't celebrate Christmas, it's hard not to notice the effect this holiday has on our culture.

But what amazes me about Christmas is how much it has become commercialized and materialized. It's now more about "what can I give or get" rather than "what is it I already have that I can be thankful for".

And the important thing is, every one of us gets a gift, each and every day of the year. The gift of another 24 hours to do whatever it is you want to do.

In my eyes, each and every day I wake up, that's a gift. It's just up to me to decide how to use that gift to its fullest.

I think one of the biggest reasons people do not realize their fullest potential when trying to achieve their fitness goals is this:

They take their eyes of what's really important. They fail to see the "big picture" of what life is really all about.

Life is not just about getting to work on time. Or making dinner for the kids. Or getting laundry done.

Sure, those things are important (believe me, I know hungry kids are NOT happy kids) But what's truly important is how you decide to use your time during the day to realize your fullest potential.

In other words, you've been given a gift. And your ultimate responsibility during each day is to use that 24 hour gift the best way possible. To make yourself happy and to have piece of mind that you're really doing what you need to be doing to get what you want to get.

You know, I happen to overhear so many people talking about the bad in their lives. These folks always seem to seek out and find the negative in everything. I'm sure you know someone like that yourself.

You know, I too used to complain about my legs being sore the day after a tough leg workout. But now I think about the person confined in a wheelchair that would give anything just to be able to feel those sore legs for one day.

And I have friends that seem to always complain about their job. But they fail to give thanks to the fact they have a job, when many unemployed people would do anything to find a job to support their families.

And speaking of families, I'm sure you've heard people say "My husband did this and now I'm mad" or "My wife did that and it really irritated me".

But what about those people that go about their daily lives alone, with no one to talk to or share with. They'd give anything to even have someone in their lives.

So what does this have to do with fitness?

Everything. Whether or not you achieve your fitness goals is up to 2 things:

1. Your attitude

2. Your actions.

Think of it this way. Like I said earlier, each and every day is a gift. It's up to you to use it to its fullest potential. Because whatever it is you want to achieve, you have the same amount of time available to you that everyone else has.

So if others have the same amount of time and are reaching their fitness goals, that just means one thing: They're using that time better than those not achieving what they want.

So whether you want to lose weight or gain muscle, those results start and end with you. You, me, and everyone else receives the same 24 hour gift each and every day. And many people will take action and do something that will lead them to the results they want.

They'll leave work, tired after a long day, and still stop by the gym for their workout. After working out, they'll go home and make up a healthy, nutritious meal instead of indulging in junk food.

Bottom line, they use the gift they've been given.

Right now, you have everything you'll ever need to achieve what it is you want. If you have the drive, motivation, and discipline, there's nothing that can stop you -- except for you.

And are you waiting for the traditional "New Year's Resolutions" time like so many other people do? Don't be like so many others. Many others fail.

Be different to get different results and start today. That way, you'll be so far ahead of those just starting out in January.

You shouldn't have to wait until January 1st to start getting the physique you desire. Think about how much better you'll feel next week if you start now.

And if you're full of motivation but are lacking direction, become informed and educated about what it really takes to get in shape. That way, you can cut out all the trial and error and instead, just do exactly what works.

Ask a friend how they were able to lose weight. Read some books on fitness and nutrition so you can learn what it truly takes to achieve your fitness goals.

But again, it starts with you deciding to use the gift you've been given. The gift that so few people truly use each and every day:

The gift to make this 24 hours the best possible 24 hours you can.