Why Some People Don't Take Investing in Their Health Seriously
What if a trusted friend were to tell you about an investment
where you could not possibly go wrong...what would be your
reaction? And what if there was a virtual mountain of credible
information that supported the investment claims...wouldn't you
be inclined to take advantage of the opportunity and not miss
out on the rewards? Although the answer to these questions seems
apparent, when it comes to investing in our health and quality
of life we often choose to ignore what obviously works. Take for
example, exercise...
Physical fitness may be the ultimate investment opportunity.
Think of it this way. If you are willing to make the commitment
(investment), you will feel and look healthier, have an
abundance of energy, be more self-confident, more productive and
discover a more joyous and fulfilling life. These are rewards
that money cannot buy and the substance of high quality living.
And, the investment of exercise becomes even more attractive
when you consider that there is absolutely no down-side risk.
You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. How much better
can it get? How many times can you remember ever having a better
offer? The honest answer is probably never, and yet many of us
fail to act on this extraordinary opportunity. We simply choose
to procrastinate or ignore the proven benefits of exercise!
Here are a few reasons that sometimes inhibit our willingness to
"step out" and make a change or take a chance:
- Sometimes our vision gets clouded. We lose tract of what is
really important. When this happens, it's time to forget the
trees and look at the forest. Try to focus on exactly what you
are trying to accomplish. Sometimes we get so caught up in the
detail that I forget where I'm going.
- If we look at the "big" picture, it can seem overwhelming. And
the bigger the task, the more overwhelming it can seem. Break
the task apart into smaller pieces. Want to lose 50 pounds? Go
for 10 pounds, five at a time! Need to start an exercise
program? Begin with short, simple exercises and slowly expand
your routine. The absolute worse approach to exercise is to
overdo it when first starting the program. We seem to have this
all or none mindset where we end up killing ourselves the first
few times out. We end up stiff, tired, disillusioned, and then
quit. Moderation is the key.
- Have you ever not wanted to start something for fear of
failure? Take the first step and acknowledge the fear, then the
next step will come easier. Fear of the unknown scares us so
much we don't want to even begin. Once fears are acknowledged,
they usually quiet down. Taking the first step allows us to go
past the fear and on to the next step.
- Sometimes we start to think that a task is unpleasant or
boring. Just like any other activity, this can also be true for
exercise. There are days when we just plain lack the enthusiasm
and motivation to continue. It's part of human nature. On days
like these focus on 'why' you are doing it. Think about all the
people you care about and who may need and rely on you. What
would happen if you became ill or disabled and was unable to
work for a period of time, or worse, if you were out of the
picture completely. How would things change? If something
happened tomorrow, how would your family or business manage
without you? What do you want your life to be like in the
future? There are many tasks or chores we do, that we may not
like, but are necessary to live a happen and productive life.
Focus on the bigger picture.
- Indecision can be defeating, but doing "anything" is better
than doing nothing. There are no wrong choices and very few
choices that can't be undone or done again. Can't decide on a
particular exercise program or routine? Pick a few exercises and
start with something simple. If you don't like it, go on to the
next exercise.
- When you lack the confidence to start something new, take a
deep breath and try to figure out why. Are you hesitating
because you really lack the skill or is it just imagined? If
it's real, try to find out where to gain the skills you need or
find someone with the right skills who can help. In the case of
exercise, finding a qualified personal fitness trainer can
sometimes do the trick, but be wary...some PFT's are overzealous
and tend to start newcomers on programs that are too strenuous.
- Life just seems too busy to find time for some activities.
Large, uninterrupted chunks of time are very hard to come by.
And if we're honest, when they do come, we'd rather do something
totally pleasurable! Exercise has to become part of your
routine. It can't be an option. Make it a high priority just the
same as your career, and other areas of interest. You will be
surprised at how easy exercise becomes when approached this way!
- Have you ever subconsciously (or otherwise) invited
distractions so that you have a "good" reason not to get
something done? Sometimes it's the simple things like answering
the phone or sitting down to watch that "one" TV program, that
distract us. When you find yourself doing this, take control of
the situation and make a conscious decision to do what you are
avoiding.
To reap the benefits of exercise, or any other health related
endeavor, you must agree to become a willing participant. This
will require due diligence on your part. And remember, as you
embark on your mission you are investing in something near and
dear to your own heart...your life and a future of healthy
living.
The information contained in this article is for educational
purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat
or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before
beginning any health care program.