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Invest in Your Health
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.
Author: Arnel
Ricafranca
More
Fitness Articles by Arnel Ricafranca
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