The more religious people feel comfort in asking for help from above. Miracles happen, and believing that they are possible adds to belief in ourselves. The Creator listens to our needs. We feel more self-confident, more empowered and more resolute in improving ourselves. We are eager to give glory to the Creator by working to improve ourselves spiritually and physically. Our bodies are "temples" and these temples require maintenance!

Even if you don't regularly attend services at a church or temple or mosque, the Creator is always listening. You have nothing to lose by seeking aid from the Almighty! Ask for help in losing weight, fighting disease, recovering from injury, learning to swim, running faster, or staying more committed to your diet. Pray hard and put in the effort, and amazing things can happen!

We often see professional athletes making religious gestures and remarks on television.... Major league baseball players making the sign of the cross, football players pointing to the sky upon scoring a touchdown, boxers or basketball players thanking their "personal savior, Jesus Christ". Sometimes these actions seem staged. Sometimes they seem to be just embedded rituals. But these actions are a form of prayer that each of us can practice and take seriously.

Make it part of your routine!

Just like stretching, warming up, or drinking coffee in the morning, if you meditate or pray at regular times, it becomes part of your schedule. It could be something simple like "Lord give me strength." It could be an appropriate Bible verse. It could be a passage from the Koran. The most important thing is that you are communicationg with "the man upstairs" and remembering that he is with you every step of the way.

For additional inspiration, hang an inspirational poster, which you can find at www.PostersandWallArt.com

- In the morning, before getting out of bed - ask for a successful day

- In the car while driving to the gym - ask for energy or a safe workout

- During a run in the park or on a treadmill - ask for the will to reach your goal

- After the workout (even in the shower) - give thanks for improvement

- Before meals - give thanks for food and ask for help in making healthy food choices

- End of the day - give thanks for people who've helped you, ask for blessings on friends and family