challenge is to create a clear vision of what your dream of success and health looks like that is so compelling that it gives you the energy and motivation to push through obstacles. You may have setbacks, and when the going gets rough you start telling yourself you weren’t feeling that bad and that you really don’t mind taking so many medications because it is easy. You convince yourself that some of the things you are experiencing are not so bad. This type of rationalization will set you back into old habits that will derail you. To develop new habits takes some time and effort. You can make it hard, or you can make it easy. Resistance can make it hard. A sense of curiosity, play, and experimentation will not only make it easier, it can make it fun.
Getting Ready: Assess
Motivational Self-Assessment: Are You Ready to Leap?
Answer these questions. These will serve as the foundation for what is motivating you to change. When you come across an obstacle or setback, you can refer to these to recapture the motivation and inspiration that got you started. (These are listed in Appendix A with room to write your answers.)
Where am I now?
•What am I most afraid of?
•What is bothering me the most?
•If I changed one thing, what would make the most difference in my life?
Where do I want to go?
•What does it look and feel like to reach my goal?
Why do I want this?
•What is my ultimate goal?
•Do I want to start small or get to the bottom of all of my issues more quickly?
•What am I willing to do to reach my goals?
Getting Set: Plan
Create a Vision
What will it look and feel like when I improve or reach my goals? How will it impact the different areas of my life?
•Physical
•Emotional
•Financial
•Social
•Other
Conceive it and Create a Compelling Vision
A vision is something lofty and big, not bound by our limiting beliefs. Stretch, and have fun with this. You can get more specific and realistic later. All things large and small start with a conception of it — a vision or picture in your mind. That vision can be something as simple as what you want for dinner or as big as creating an empire. Big or small, it starts with a thought.
This is your life, your health, your mind, your body, and you are the master of your destiny. What do you want to create? Some ways to conceive of your being able to do this are to read or listen to inspiring stories about ordinary people who did extraordinary things. Oprah has gained such popularity and power by inspiring people and letting them tell their stories. This makes it real and makes it seem possible. Do whatever it takes to begin creating your vision. Just picking up this book is a good first step. Perhaps stories and news article about cutting-edge science would give you some inspiration. Dream and create your vision of health and how it will impact your life.
Examples: Ready, Set Go!
A 48-year-old overweight woman who is getting hot flashes, doesn’t sleep well, and no longer feels desirable is on medication for sleep and high cholesterol. She is slightly depressed and wants to feel like herself again, as well as regain her self- esteem. Her vision might look like this:
My vision for my life and health are:
•I see myself 30 pounds lighter in a beautiful, form-fitting dress. I am cool and calm yet energetic. I feel sexy and vibrant. My sleep is deep, and I control my cholesterol with healthy food that I really enjoy. My activities are stimulating, make me feel good and I lose weight. I feel great and enjoy my newfound health and lifestyle. It is easy and effortless. Now I have the confidence and clarity to start that coaching business I have always wanted to, and I can write about my success and share it with others.
Achieving this vision will impact my life in the following ways:
•Physical — energy, better sleep, no medication side effects, fit into clothes
•Emotional — improved self-esteem and confidence opens more opportunities in both my personal and professional life
•Financial — decreased risk of heart attack and other disease related to weight, less money for medication and doctor’s visits to monitor it; I can start a business that is both personally and financially fulfilling
•Social — better relationship with husband and children because I am sleeping better and more refreshed; I feel better able to get out and network for my business
•Other — in going through this process I am learning more about myself
A 52-year-old male is balding, developing a paunch, and lacks motivation. He is losing his edge at work due to his memory not being as sharp and clear. Stress levels are high, and he finds it hard to keep up. He was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure, and the medications are dampening his sex drive. He now has borderline diabetes and his joints ache, so he is tentative about exercise. All of this is demoralizing and he doesn’t know where to start.
My vision for my life and health are:
•I see myself fit, mentally sharp and clear, and as competitive and capable as ever. I am trim and fit as well as energetic with a satisfying sex life. As the pounds slip away, I find I no longer need medication and my health is fantastic. Fitness and health have become my lifestyle, and the more I do, the more I am capable of doing. I ask for and get a promotion and can get that Porsche I always wanted. I have an ample amount of money to send my kids to a good college, which will relieve a lot of my stress.
Achieving this vision will impact my life in the following ways:
•Physical — mental quickness and clarity, competitive edge, strong, fit, energetic
•Emotional — improved self-esteem and confidence, less stress, better sexual relations with my wife
•Financial — I’ll ask for that promotion and get make more money
•Social — status, family cared for
•Other — I feel like myself again and now want to do some philanthropic work
Goal-Setting
A lofty vision can seem overwhelming and unattainable unless you chunk it down into small steps or goals. Each chapter of this book focuses on a different area, and you can decide on steps for each area. No vision will carry you unless you believe it and know it is possible. The stories, the explanations, and the guidance in this book are meant to make a believer out of you.
