Do you know what you believe in any given situation? Why do you believe those things? It takes some deep reflection to answer those questions. As I pondered my health journey, which led to my journey as a health coach, I had to answer those questions for myself. Here is what I learned.
I believe health matters more today than perhaps anytime in recent history
When I decided that taking ownership of my health was a priority, little did I know the impact it would have on my life. I just wanted to “lose some weight,” and I did. But what came next would forever change my life.
Losing 120 pounds in 2018 led to a healthier overall lifestyle, thanks to learning healthy habits while I lost weight. Many prescription drugs were removed from my life. I began to move my body more. I started handling the stresses of life in different ways. Then 2020 hit all of us.
When the world changed due to COVID-19, I remember hearing the risk factors for those with “underlying health problems.” I used to have many of the things they considered “high risk.”
I truly believe I lowered my overall risk of complications from COVID-19 as a result of my health journey. In fact, when Tina and I contracted to Omicron variant in early 2022, it was very mild. This may or may not resonate with you, but it reinforced the need for overall health in my life.
I believe nutrition is one area of life where we can take control
Look, I get it. Eating healthy is often more costly than hitting the drive-thru for the value meal. However, the cost is more than the immediate out-of-pocket expense. If people would really look at the cost over the long-term, including medical care as we get older, we would learn that healthy nutrition is a cost savings over time.
Other excuses that keep us from improving our nutrition include: taste, environment, habits, relationships, and the list goes on and on. As a self-confessed “picky eater,” I can say with 100 percent conviction that you can get used to, and even enjoy, just about any type of food if you set your mind to it. Ask my wife about my relationship with vegetables over the years. Many of the other “objections” can be answered with one simple directive. Be proactive in your nutritional decisions and you can navigate just about any situation.
I believe once you get traction in one area of life, you want to take on other areas
Losing 120 pounds was only the beginning. As the weight came off, I began to see the world through a different lens. I wanted to help people gain the traction I had gained. That’s why I became a health coach.
Since entering that world, I have been consistently challenged to show up as the best version of myself. This has led me to improving my skills in so many areas of life. I have hiked mountain trails. I have consumed libraries of personal development and leadership books. I have hired coaches for other areas of my life. All of these would not have happened if I had not improved in my health first.
You see, life is a journey. How you navigate that journey is highly dependent on what you believe and why you believe it. I encourage you to take some time to ask yourself those questions. Your future lies in those answers.
Until Next Time…