ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Ty Howard, a motivational speaker, author, life coach, habits consultant and military veteran, presented "Tying Into a Better You" to the APG community during "Take Control of Your Life 2014," a free event March 6 at the Myer Auditorium. The event was sponsored by the Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic, Army Substance Abuse Program, the Community Health Promotion Council and the Office of the Post Chaplain.
Howard, who grew up in Baltimore's Cherry Hill neighborhood, spoke about the "knots" or challenges that hold people back from living a happier and more successful life. These knots include fear, stress, toxic habits, negative attitudes and difficult relationships. Howard recommends that every 30 days, people should reflect on and evaluate different areas of their life. These areas include eating habits, exercise, sleep, spirituality, time spent in solitude, time spent with family, finances and personal growth.
"You can always make your best better," he said.
Howard said many people do not get the results they want out of life because they get set in their ways and become caught up in procrastination and excuse making. He encouraged audience members to adopt an "A-Day" mindset, which is when you choose to adopt positive, progressive and healthy attitudes.
"The reality is, not every day will be an 'A-Day.' However, if you approach each day with the expectation for it to be an 'A-Day,' you will find yourself stringing together more 'A-Days' than any other days," Howard said. "In turn, you'll find yourself empowered and creating greatness."
Howard said successful people are able to reach their goals despite obstacles and stress. Howard recommends relieving stress by using proven stress-alleviating techniques including deep breathing, affirmations, guided imagery, walking and talking to positive people.
"With less stress, you will be able to bounce back more quickly, and be the best you that you can be," he said.
In addition to self-evaluations, Howard recommends giving yourself ongoing "relationships tune-ups." These include evaluating how healthy a relationship is, listing your contributions, and finding ways you can improve the relationship. He said healthy, vibrant relationships are never stuck in the past.
"The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence," he said. "Elevate and accentuate what is healthy, respectful, reciprocal and renewed."
Howard concluded his message by encouraging everyone to enjoy their life, have fun and be happy.
"When life is fun and you're happy, it feels good and you look forward to living and enjoying more of it," he said.
Freestate ChalleNGe Academy Cadet Thomas Ventura, from Aberdeen, said he benefited from learning how to adopt an "A-Day" mindset.
"I learned that if I start off my day with a good attitude, it will affect the rest of my day," he said.
The event also included representatives from ASAP, KUSAHC and the Office of the Chaplain, and a behavioral psychology expert from the Kennedy Krieger Institute. The vendors handed out information on stress, divorce, anger management, dating, parenting, substance abuse, suicide prevention and more.
For more information about Ty Howard visit www.tyhoward.com/. For more information on upcoming free Community Health Promotion Council events click the CHPC link on the APG website, www.apg.army.mil/.
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