Why Some People Don't Take Investing in Their Health
Seriously
by Emily Clark
zone3
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 abundanceof energy, be more
self-confident, more productive and discover amore 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 mindsetwhere 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 offailure? 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 orboring. 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 aparticular 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 new comers 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 some thing 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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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