Shocked Elvis fans around the world asked why? How can a superstar that seemingly had everything kill himself with a drug overdose?

Those of you that follow my column know that I believe in the power of choice- making choices and taking action on those choices. I believe that you make a choice, take action on that decision, and your life changes as a result. You begin moving down a path in a new direction. Every outcome and result in life follows this pattern.

What was it that Elvis Presley wanted? I believe his need was basic, the same need you and I share. He wanted to be happy. Elvis was not always a drug addict. But on a given day in a given moment he made the decision and he took action on that decision. He consumed drugs. In that moment, the king of rock and roll started down the dark path of drug addiction. Decision, action, outcome. His outcome ended on the floor of the upstairs bathroom of Graceland.

We all want to be happy but in our quick-fix society we too often look for the shortcut. We accept shallow happiness over life-long genuine happiness. People use drugs, commit adultery, skip school, eat chocolate, spread rumors - you name it, people do it for a quick blast of false happiness.

We get high from a mouth full of junk food instead of getting high from walking down a beach in Florida with a flat stomach and so much energy that you feel like sprinting down the ocean's edge! Why does this happen? Why does the shallow happiness and destructive cycle repeat itself over and over? The bottom line is that the quality of our lives is for sale. Sadly, we sell ourselves out to the cheapest bidder. Some people do not even know they are doing this. Many of us know, but have been unable to take a stand against it.

So, in our pursuit of happiness, what will satisfy that need? What is it about ourselves that is for sale? What is it that we are selling out but should be holding onto with all of our might? The answer is tied to our value system. For example, the goal is happiness. The value is your health and appearance. The sellout is the momentary pleasure of junk food. You thought the food would fulfill the goal of happiness, but the ultimate happiness was really tied to your pride in how you look and feel and the food actually brought the opposite. Instead of happiness, you feel guilt. Instead of pride in your appearance and health, it's another step backward. It's a sellout of what you value to a cheap disappointing substitute.

Whether it's food, finances, relationships, or any value that is important to you, there's always a compromise waiting to steal your ultimate happiness. DON'T GIVE IN!! You know what will bring you long-term happiness.

My personal revolution that I began last month is a prime example. I divulged that my being overweight really causes me to be embarrassed and unhappy as well as very unhealthy. As a former world record holding power lifter and strength coach everyone excused me as just being a "big" guy. All power lifters are. But I finally hit the wall after years of unsuccessful yo-yo dieting and committed to you that I've now begun my final revolution. I'm no longer selling out my values!!

I want to start by thanking those of you that emailed me. Your support is awesome! Thanks also to Dr. Joe who developed my nutritional program and continues to coach me with changes based on my progress. Yes, even us coaches need a good coach! My last thanks is to those of you that emailed and "officially" joined me in your own dream of a total revolution. It's great to have some company on this trip and I look forward to hearing about your progress each month - keep me posted!

I started at 261 pounds and now, one month later, I'm 249 pounds. I would prefer to have lost 20 pounds in a month as I have before, but Joe is doing what's best for me physically and long-term. My energy level has gone through the roof and it's kind of funny the things you think of doing and desire to do once you're in the mindset of self-improvement. I'm now having my teeth bleached! In general, I'm improving more areas of my life because I'm gaining confidence and happiness.

I am walking every morning for 30 minutes and lift weights 3 days per week for about 45 minutes. I'm reconditioning my body by doing upper body on Monday, lower body on Wednesday, and my whole body on Friday. I use almost all free weights. I do abdominal and low back exercises each of the 3 days. I'm averaging 210 grams of protein per day, 150 grams of carbs, and 40 grams of fat per Dr. Joe (based on my structure, activity levels, and goals.) Joe will help me adjust these numbers based on my weight loss and my body's response.

For those of you that are ready to make a change in your health and/or physique, please email us. We want to help and be a part of your success story. Take a stand and start living the life that you deserve!