A New, Healthier Lifestyle

I just read an article in Fast Company entitle “Change or Die“. It reminded me that most of America’s health problems come down to 5 preventable causes: too much smoking, drinking, eating, and stress and not enough exercise.

The thing is that we know these things are not good for us, but we go ahead with that ridiculous behaviour anyway. Even after recieving bypass surgery, 90% of people fall back into their old habits, even though they know they have a life-threatening disease. The odds for change are stacked against us 9-to-1. The problem is backsliding.

Change is not just limited to health though. Behavioural change in business is also difficult.

Preventative steps are required. Two principles apply:

• Prevention is better than cure.
• The wise man does at once what the fool does eventually.

The article also highlights that the most effective way to make any change is to nurture a positive lifestyle, filled with life’s little joys. The most effective way to change is to make life more pleasurable in constructive ways – regular walks, time in nature, wholesome food, positive work evironment and habits, respect, gratitude for small and large things… and so on. Change is driven my positive emotions and experiences that support the change.

Ironically, making small incrimental changes in our diet, work habits or lifestyle is more difficult than making radical change! The reason being that we often don’t see the benefits of the small, incrimental changes soon enough for it to be emotionally engaging enough to reinforce the changes. This is why stopping smoking can’t be an isolated act – it needs to be a part of a lifestyle makeover which might include yoga, raw food and daily meditation!

Lastly, fundamental to change is the ability to learn. The stronger our learning muscle, the better we’ll be at change. Take up a language or learn to play an instrument. Everything is related.

We get into bad habits that don’t serve us, although we could just as easily get into healthier ones that do. As my karate instructor often reminds me: “Practice makes permanent“

Spirituality and Stress

Let me remember what’s truly important.

True spirituality is found in moments of quiet, and in nature.

When I don’t make time for quiet and nature I become stressed.

Stress is my number 1 anti-value. Stress has a debilitating effect on me. It sucks!

Even though my business is very successful and a great source of pride and joy for me, it is not nearly as meaningful as having a joyful heart, loving friends and family, and a good life. These are the most important things.