Deep down in our hearts we all want to be healthy AND have abundant energy to do all the things we want to do in life. You’d think we wouldn’t need convincing to take steps towards becoming more health conscious and improving our overall wellness, but in reality we face a huge conundrum.

If you sift through the evidence, you’ll be shocked to discover that in fact not only are we not getting healthier, we’re moving in the opposite direction. Consider that even though retail sales in the U.S. health and wellness market exceeded $150 billion in 2015, for the first time in two centuries the current generation of children in America may have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

The Health Conundrum

So what is going on in the minds of people not only in the U.S. but also around the world to cause this disconnect between the business of being healthy and actually living a vibrant and healthy life (for real)?

If you want to have great lasting health, feel vibrant, look 10 years younger, see your waistline AND have lots of passion again, you need to hit the reset button.

But let’s stop there. You’re probably wondering how do I even begin to look at my life and health more deeply? Can I do this on my own? Do I need a pro to help me like a health coach, fitness trainer or nutritionist?

Let’s get down to basics and start at the beginning.

Mirror Mirror On The Wall

There is always, always a first step for everything. In the self-change and wellness area the very first step doesn’t involve a doctor, eating vegetables, or going to the gym AND it’s absolutely free… honestly.

All you have to do, all that is required to get the ball in motion on your health, is to make a commitment first and foremost to the #1 person in your life… YOU. That’s it.

It’s OK (and rather healthy actually) to be able to switch off our need to please and take care of others before ourselves, and instead turn our attention to our own needs, wants and desires. As a healthcare practitioner who cares for others everyday, I can relate wholeheartedly to this personal conundrum.

Ask yourself, When it comes to my own personal health, does self-worth go right out the window?  If your answer is “yes”, then a good dose of healthy self-introspection may be just what the doctor ordered.

Before you go off an try to be successful on a wellness or fitness program that will involve behavior change and putting in place new habits, you have to bump yourself to the top of your “people to take care of” list (at least for a period of time).

You have to get to the place where deep down you realize… this is MY time. Remember, the best investment you can ever make is in yourself. You only have this life, one body and if you’re lucky, a few opportunities to reboot things and turn it all around.

You’re In The Driver’s Seat

Did you know that most of our healthcare costs are driven primarily by the choices we make everyday? So it’s important to realize that you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to having control of your health and the investments you chose to make in it.

Good health and making healthy changes in your life all comes down to personal intent and how carefully you selectively apply your energy to the things that really matter. It’s that simple.

If you grew up like me, you probably weren’t taught the skills necessary to build self-confidence, balance life priorities and promote sustained well-being. So now where ever you are in life, you must cultivate these nurturing skills. What’s needed to take back your health is to learn how to develop your own unique blueprint for wellness AND how to be confident in your ability to implement it.

Playing the Wellness Long-Game

It’s just a fact that wellness is a life-long evolving process and not a boat anchor we’re fixed to. So in order to play the “long-game” when it comes to your wellness, you have to shift your attention away from trying to fix what’s not working in your life to what is working… your strengths and opportunities. When you hold on to a mindset that believes that you are inherently broken and need someone to fix you, you sabotage your body’s own innate ability to heal itself.

If you really want lasting change, you first have to align your head and heart and connect the dots between diet, fitness, sleep, lifestyle, and what you value most. Secondly, you need to create a realistic action plan that encompasses your wellness vision, goals, strengths and weaknesses that you can fully commit to being successful with. Finally, you need to let-go and have fun with the process and all that life will throw at you.

Are You Ready to Get a Healthy Vision & Wellness Plan?

The real secret to self-change is to stop focusing all your energy on fighting things that you cannot change or that don’t serve you anymore. Rather if you put your passion, desire and go-getter attitude into building your life anew. Believe me, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what shows up in your life.

If you want to transform your life into one that is full of energy and inspires you to take your health and wellness to the next level, you have to have a big-picture vision. Then you have to figure out how you get to that vision (what steps am I going to take?). It’s your action plan that provides direction and meaning for your day-to-day activities, including your healthy behvavior goals. With that plan in-hand, you are now fully empowered to set your wellness vision into motion.

If you are serious about changing around your life AND getting your health back, one of my wellness coaching programs could be just the thing you need. Find out how you can work with me to transform your life.

Disclaimer: the views and nutritional advice expressed in this publication are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical advice. No information provided should be interpreted as a diagnosis of any disease, nor an attempt to treat or prevent or cure any disease or condition. All information in this publication is for educational purposes only and Aine-Marie and Advesta Health encourages its clients and members to continue to work in a partnership with qualified medical professional. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider or seek medical assistance. Reading, sharing, or downloading this publication does not establish a doctor patient relationship with Aine-Marie or any Advesta Health employee or consultant including any of our licensed health practitioners, coaches, dieticians or nutritionists.