The holidays are quickly approaching and many people wait until they are over and the new year is upon them to set goals and make changes in their health. Did you know that less than 10 percent of people actually accomplish the goals they set during that time. If there’s something you want to change or accomplish, I encourage you to start today.
Making changes starts with identifying the problem and coming up with solutions or goals that you can realistically accomplish and then being consistent with your plan of action. I recently heard a statistic that about 70 percent of people in our country are so focused on their chronic illnesses that they don’t think about much else other than getting better. But where should they start?
Over 18 years ago, I observed that our family was struggling with more health issues and developing allergies. Our solutions at the time were making them worse. We were covering up symptoms, instead of figuring out the root problem. When a friend introduced me to the Weston Price Foundation, and taught me about traditional foods and cooking, it completely transformed everything for the better. Praise the Lord. My solution to our problems quickly changed, and I knew that I wanted to start solving our issues with traditional foods and plants as medicine. I made changes over the years to get to where we are today, and I was very committed to each one.
If there are things that you want to do to improve your health such as exercise, healthy eating, reduced stress, or better sleep, then I want to help you succeed. I pray that you find some of these suggestions helpful.
I have discovered that taking time to think through how I can accomplish my goal is the first step to long-term success. This sounds easier than it really is. Most of us don’t like planning because we don’t feel like we are actually accomplishing something during that time. While I’m in the planning process, I start by reflecting on the time we have available to meet this new goal. This may mean saying “no” to other things, but often it just requires being more efficient with what we are already doing. I also consider the cost and weigh the benefits and disadvantages. If it’s something worth trying, I get started right away.
We are all influenced by the people we associate with and the content we bring into our lives. Taking in content and being with people that motivate us to get working on things that are important to us, and avoiding that which makes us feel sorry for ourselves, fearful, or just plain lazy is critical to success. Even more important for our family is to pray and seek the Lord’s wisdom and let Him work through us.
It usually takes 30 days to get into a new routine. Using reminders on our phones or writing notes where we can see them, can help us with those plans that are a little hard to remember. Once it becomes part of our routine, and we don’t have to think about it anymore, things often become easier and more efficient.
Most of us are guilty of thinking that things will slow down at a particular time, and we will start then. Sometimes it’s helpful to wait, but most of the time, we just need to get started right away. There will never be a perfect time. Do it today.” – Unknown
For the last several years, I have felt better over the holidays, and I want that for you too. We are committed to our goals through the holidays and throughout the year., You can be too. We can still enjoy the holidays with delicious, traditional food prepared with good quality ingredients, feel rested and energetic, and have peace during this busy time. We may need to say “no” to some of the good things that cause us to be too busy and set us back in our health journey. Whatever your strategy is to improve your health, I pray that you get a good plan to meet your goals, surround yourself with good influences in your life, be consistent, get started today, and feel great this holiday season.
Do you have a goal that you are working on or hoping to start? I encourage you to share in the comments.