By Mike Thomas, NBHWC April 11, 2024
In the bustling world we live in, our lives are often cluttered with commitments, tasks, and distractions that can veer us away from what truly matters—our health. As a health coach, I’ve seen firsthand how adding more to our already full plates, even with good intentions like improving our health, can lead to increased stress and ironically, less progress. That’s why the principle of elimination, inspired by Greg McKeown’s “Essentialism,” is a game-changer in the pursuit of a healthier, more energized life.
Start with Elimination
To really get better at taking care of your health, it’s important to figure out what matters most to you and to cut back, lessen, or put off other stuff. This isn’t just about cleaning up your room or house but also making your daily schedule and your mind less busy so you can focus on being healthy.
For example, when you want to start walking for 30 minutes three times a week, you might wonder how you can fit this into your busy life. I often suggest to my clients that they move more, and a common reply is, “Where am I going to find the time?” That’s why it’s important to look at what you can change or get rid of in your life to make room for this good new habit. Start first by doing that, and then begin your walking routine.
Saying Yes to Health Means Saying No to Lesser Priorities
Putting your health first makes everything in life clearer and helps you make decisions easier. It lets you feel okay about saying no to stuff that doesn’t help you stay healthy. This could be saying no to hanging out late when you need to sleep, or not doing things that take away time you could use to exercise.
Remember, it takes bravery to say no, and you get better at it the more you do it. When I think I don’t have any time, I take a closer look at my day or my whole week. There are always 24 hours in a day and 168 hours in a week, right? When I really pay attention to how I spend my time, I have to admit, I do find moments I’m not using well. Like, maybe spending too much time watching Reels on Facebook. Lol
Where Are Your Efforts Yielding Results?
It’s crucial to be aware of the areas where you’re making real improvements in your health goals. Reflect on which activities and habits genuinely contribute to your well-being. Are you spending time on things that merely serve as an escape or don’t align with your health objectives?
Recognizing these patterns allows you to concentrate on effective strategies while reducing the less beneficial ones. I purposely avoid saying “eliminate” here. Elimination can be effective, no doubt, but remember, progress can also be made by simply cutting back. For instance, I might choose to watch Reels for just 10 minutes after lunch instead of 30 minutes.
Know Your Target
Understanding what “better health” means to you personally is crucial. It’s not just about the abstract idea of being healthy but knowing the specific benefits you’re aiming for, such as having more energy to play with your kids or managing stress better. This clarity turns your health goal into a powerful motivator, making it easier to say no to distractions and lesser priorities.
Three Strategies to Bolster Your “Yes” to Health
1. Eliminate: Actively remove tasks, commitments, and habits that don’t support your wellness goals. This might involve cutting down on mindless screen time to make room for meal prep or exercise.
2. Minimize: Reduce the time and energy spent on less critical activities. For instance, if you can’t eliminate certain commitments, try to streamline them to free up more time for health-related activities.
3. Delay: Some commitments can be postponed. If a project or task isn’t urgent, consider pushing it back to focus on your immediate health goals.
Setting Clear Boundaries
Boundaries are essential for maintaining the focus on your health. This includes setting limits with others about your availability and commitments, as well as imposing boundaries on yourself to avoid overcommitting or indulging in harmful habits.
The journey to better health is not about doing more but about doing what matters most. By embracing the principle of elimination, you can create the space needed to focus on your health goals. It’s about making intentional choices that align with your priorities, giving you the clarity and courage to say no to the non-essential. So, take a moment to assess what you can take off your plate. Remember, every “no” to a lesser priority is a resounding “yes” to your health and well-being.
Learn more about Mike
This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to CoachMikeThomas.com.