Nicholas J. Perri MA, NASM-PES
When does change occur? At times, change happens when we want to learn something new or try something different. And there are other times where change happens out of necessity…because we’ve bottomed out or the price of staying the same is simply too costly for us. The common thread between these two reasons is that as a result, we can evolve and become better versions of ourselves. And in terms of health…it can mean the difference between living a long, active and happy life or not.
There are a lot of reasons many of us don’t change our unhealthy behaviors…even though our bodies are telling us to get our act together. You have a choice to listen to it or make excuses why you can’t tend to it and your own personal health. Maybe you’ve said, “I don’t have the time,” or “work is stressing me out.” In the end, your body is not going to care about how little time you had to take care of it. However, all of that stress you subjected your mind and body to without finding an outlet for it, will definitely negatively manifest itself in various ways over time.
There are two very important factors when attempting to effect change in your life…
1. Change has to come from within! You have to want it for yourself! No one who wants it for you can force you to change and any external motivations may only be temporary. A support system in the change process can also be very important but unfortunately things may not always work out that way. Ultimately, you and you alone are responsible for your health and happiness.
2. You have to work for it! Develop a plan and stick to it! Not something half baked but something well thought out, detailed and that will assure you the greatest chance of success in attaining your goal. You may not like it and it’s probably not going to be easy. But it’s better than the alternative.
“Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.”
~ Tony Robbins
