Stephen R. Covey's best selling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has great lifestyle tips that can be applied to any part of your life, including your fitness. In Part 1 we discussed focusing on yourself and your inner battle, but this set of tips focuses on your interactions with others. It may seem like you fight the battle alone, but we all know that our relationships with others have a lot to do with how we feel. For most of us that affects how we eat, and how we work out. Your relationships can help or hurt your goals. The last habits help you make sure they help.

1. Think Win/Win The principle, as explained in the book means everyone can win. How do you apply this to your fitness goals? Instead of being angry at the coworker who always offers you donuts, offer to bring a healthy snack for everyone to enjoy instead. That way, not only do you get to stick to your diet, you will be a good influence on your coworkers. It means don't give in just to fit in. Be strong and do what you know is right, and encourage others instead of discouraging them.
   
   
2. Seek First To Understand, Then to be Understood In day to day relations, this just encourages us to stop talking and listen more. Don't try to turn others into you. Don't look down on everyone else who hasn't caught the healthy bug yet. You were them once. Be compassionate with the people who have to deal with you when you're in a bad mood because of cravings. Understand them, before you try to get them to understand you. Your friends and family are important.
   
   
3. Synergize Don't fall into the trap of going it alone. Be open and welcoming by inviting people to join you in your endeavors toward a better life. Include your friends and family in your goals. Let them support you and support them too. People need each other. Never underestimate how much relationships matter and can help you when things get rough.
   
   
4. Sharpen the Saw This is probably the most neglected, yet most important of all of the habits. Sometimes we get too busy driving that we don't have time to stop for gas. What happens then? We break down. Don't forget to renew yourself regularly. Do things you like. Read, get a massage, or go to a movie with a friend. Give yourself a treat. If you don't treat your heart well, it will reflect on everything you do. A fit spirit will take you further than a fit body.