Understanding your philosophy of life is the next critical
step towards changing your habits. Lifestyle patterns such
as attitudes and fixed habits of inactivity fall into this
category. As defined by Clinical Psychologist, Joseph Nicolosi,
Ph.D., "A philosophy of life is a global and all encompassing
view of the world. One's attitudes and beliefs are shaped
from childhood experiences as a reaction to their role model's
consequences. Moreover, these beliefs are felt to be absolutely
true, and take on life directing consequences for one's
behavior."
Dr. Nicolosi cites the example of a hedonist whose view
of life is to obtain as much pleasure as possible and to
avoid all unpleasant feelings. He states, "A child
who loses a parent at an early age may develop the belief
of, 'live today for there may be no tomorrow."' Clearly,
this child losing a parent is a rarity, but for this little
person it was a painful reality. Nicolosi concludes, "such
individuals may develop an over indulgent personality that
only seeks pleasure, convenience, and effortlessness in
order to compensate for such an early and devastating loss."
Dr. Tristany adds, "a belief system supports and validates
an individual's philosophy of life. These beliefs, derived
from early learning, take on 'religious like convictions'
which are felt to be 'the absolute truth.' Thereafter, these
conceptual absolutes become life directing." Dr. Tristany
warns that, "Belief systems are not always valid, nor
do they necessarily correspond with reality." This
is where inaccurate beliefs can get an individual into serious
and life threatening trouble.
Undoubtedly, misbeliefs can steer your life in the wrong
direction. As a personal trainer, part of my clientele consists
of overweight individuals that are "at risk" for
heart disease. One sixty year old client believed that eating
egg yolks was the secret to long life. All was well--until
she started having chest pains. Her cardiological exam revealed
that she had coronary artery disease. The doctor recommended:
lose 50 pounds, change your diet, and start an exercise
program; otherwise, the results could be fatal. The moral
of the story is that the right information can save your
life.
15 STEPS TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Knowledge is power, and knowing what works is very important.
Understanding the factors that contribute to habit formation
will provide you with the basics to change your behavior.
However, you must know how to apply this information correctly.
Beginners are easily confused while attempting the difficult
task of changing their lives. Therefore, Below is a priority
checklist to help keep you on track:
- Keep a Journal;
- Set the goals that you wish to attain;
- Develop a plan of action;
- Make a list of habits that you absolutely must change;
- Note what beliefs that you have associated to these
unwanted habits;
- Carefully define your philosophy of life;
- Judge whether it is based upon reality;
- Take small daily steps towards making these changes;
- Expect set backs and disappointments;
- Stay focused, learn from your mistakes, and make the
needed adjustments;
- Take it one day at a time--and do not rush;
- Take on only what you can handle effectively;
- It takes time and consistent commitment to accomplish
your goals;
- Take detailed notes on your progress; and
- Visualize your success while practicing your new skills.
If you take yourself seriously and remain committed, you
will make these needed changes.
To help, support your newly acquired lifestyle, I suggest
the following: Find a role model who you wish to emulate,
and imitate their lifestyle. Develop a support group to
help keep you focused on your new goals of change; and do
not let family or friends sabotage your efforts. Accurate
information will go along way towards reshaping your attitudes
and beliefs. However, you must remain consistent and practice
your new behaviors.
Clearly, healthy lifestyles require discipline and effort
to be successful. Nothing should be left to chance. An excellent
example is Senior fitness expert Dr. Bob Delmontique. At
78 years of age, he is lean, muscular, and athletic. He
is as strong as a 30 year old man, and is in excellent health.
His secret for longevity is simple: take an active involvement
in your health, get medical checkups, exercise regularly,
take nutritional supplements, and develop the psychological
and spiritual basis to carry on a balanced lifestyle. He
has maintained this outlook since he was fifteen years old,
and he intends to continue well past the century mark.
Sadly, my father's death taught me an important lesson:
Commitment to health is everything, and wishful thinking
means nothing. You must invest personal energy into your
new lifestyle. You can't rely on luck to keep you healthy,
you must depend on your intellectual resources. You have
the power to make these changes--the decision is yours!
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