IT IS UP TO ME (YOU)!
I struggled a bit with using this quote knowing there are many individuals out there battling diseases and health issues that are in no way of their own doing but it is absolutely applicable in my own case and I am guessing in many of yours as well. To those that are fighting the good fight against what ever may be ailing you – you are an inspiration. Your strength and perseverance is something I can only hope to emulate. Everything I need to do to bring the “Health” point of focus into balance is completely in my power to either succeed or fail. I will succeed!
MY PLAN
Here is my plan to bring the “Health” focus point into convergence. The image shows the requirements to move the “Health” arrow inward towards the convergence point with green designated as complete.
- Quit Smoking: “I don’t understand what’s so hard, just don’t light it up” – that has been my wife’s favorite line as far back as I can remember. Easy for a non-smoker to say, but in the end she’s right. I am actually embarrassed that, knowing everything there is to know about the health effects of smoking, I have been so unsuccessful in kicking the habit for good. It really is a testament to the inability of “Compulsion” to create a lasting effect. Add all the warnings and pictures you want – at the end of the day the individual has to want and commit to quitting. My latest trip onto the “wagon” was triggered by two things. Waking up in the morning hacking as if I had just walked out of a burning building and a trip to the doctor by my wife. During an appointment with our family doctor he asked her how I was doing and if I was still smoking. When she told him I was it was one simple candid reply that stopped me in my tracks………..”Well, tell him to make sure all his affairs of state are in order”. Wow, no lecture, no pictures, no pamphlets, no taxes – one sobering comment is all it took. That was October 11, 2010 and I had my last cigarette at 6:38 p.m. I haven’t quit nicotine all together yet as I still use the lozenges and an e-cigarette to curb the cravings. I dont even intend on trying to completely kick the nicotine in this first convergence target as there are other more pressing issues that need my focus. It can wait until the next set of goals. I am no longer inhaling carbon monoxide, arsenic, cyanide, formaldehyde, tar or any of the other roughly 4000 damaging chemicals into my lungs and that is HUGE! It is the only reason I consider the “Health” point of focus to be at the first ring of this convergence target.
- Blood Sugar in control: Yes, I was doubly stupid! Not only was I a smoker but a diabetic smoker. Everything I have read says there are very few more deadly combinations. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes about 5 years ago and my commitment to managing it has covered the entire spectrum. When first diagnosed I immediately began researching all the variables that impact blood sugar levels and how I could impact them. I focused on doing everything right. Since then its been a roller coaster both in my commitment as well as results. I will get this under control first with the meds my doctor has me on and eventually in a future convergence target – without any meds!
- Excercise routine / 20lb recomposition: Steeeeerrrrike THREE! YOU’RE OUT! – Add overweight with a sedentary lifestyle to the mix – aren’t I just the picture of good health? 🙂 Its going to be a little difficult to keep progressing in that great career from the inside of a BOX! In total I need to recompose ~40lbs but for this first convergence target I am looking at 20lbs and a solid excercise routine that I stick with. I actually love working out. There is no better high than immediately following a great workout. The hard part is MAKING (not finding) the time and getting through that first dip.
That is a high level look at my plan to bring the “Health” point of focus into convergence. As is the case with many data sets with multiple variables – correlation vs. causality can be difficult to identify. The three variables in my “Health” focus are no different but being a statistics junkie I plan on measuring the goals of this focus point very closely. The opportunity for improvement is limitless. I will keep my progress updated here. Next up is “Career” which is an easy one for this first target with so much else so far out of convergence.
What are your plans to improve your health and fitness this year?