Today, I want to share a thought about “What Matters Most.”
It’s a simple idea, but it can profoundly impact your journey towards better health.
Many of us have two things that matter a great deal to us:
– Our Family
– Our Health
We’re all human, and we’ll have our ups and downs. When you’re dealing with daily challenges like feeling sore, frustrated, tired, or tempted, take these moments as chances to remember What Matters Most.
Let me share a story about a 55-year-old man named Ray. Ray loved his three adult kids—an older son, Frank (28), and two daughters, Jenni (25) and Abby (22). Despite his deep love for his family, Ray didn’t take care of himself very well. He was a couch potato and about 100 pounds overweight. He tried dieting in his 30s and 40s but couldn’t stick with it. He eventually gave up and called himself a “happy fat man.” While he loved his kids, he didn’t show love and respect for himself.
About four years ago, his youngest daughter Abby got a nasty infection that led to kidney failure. She needed a kidney donor and had to go on dialysis. Ray was tested and was a perfect match to donate his kidney, but he needed to lose 70 pounds to be healthy enough for surgery. In three months, Ray lost the weight, saved Abby’s life, and has kept the weight off by eating healthier and staying active.
How did he do it? Ray realized that family was what mattered most to him. When he connected his health to his love for his family, he made significant progress.
When Ray focused on his goal of losing 70 pounds to help his daughter:
– Being tired didn’t matter
– Being tempted didn’t matter
– Distractions didn’t matter
– Annoying people didn’t matter
– Not feeling motivated every day didn’t matter
– Not wanting to inconvenience others didn’t matter
– Doing everything perfectly didn’t matter
Ray was very clear on what mattered and what did not matter.
Finding Your “Why”
The good news is that you don’t need a dramatic event to stay focused on what matters most. The key is to connect your actions to your vision and stay on track.
Here are some ways to do that:
1. Identify Your Priorities: Take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you. Is it your family, your health, your career, or something else? Write down your top priorities and keep them in a place where you can see them daily.
2. Set Clear Goals: Once you know what matters most, set clear and achievable goals that align with your priorities. For example, if being more active is important, aim to walk for 30 minutes a day.
3. Avoid Distractions: It’s easy to get caught up in the minutiae of life. An annoying boss, the urge to people-please, or the excuse of not feeling like working out can all derail your progress. Remind yourself of your priorities and let go of the distractions.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: Remember, you don’t have to be perfect. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Celebrate your small victories and be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned.
Real-Life Examples
It’s not uncommon for people to get distracted by everyday challenges. Here are a few examples:
– Annoying Boss: A stressful work environment can take a toll on your health. Instead of letting an annoying boss derail your progress, use your frustration as motivation to engage in stress-relieving activities like exercise or meditation.
– People-Pleasing: Constantly trying to make others happy can lead you to neglect your own needs. Remember, it’s okay to set boundaries and prioritize your health.
– Lack of Motivation: It’s unrealistic to expect to feel motivated every day. On those days, remind yourself of your “why” and push through. Even a short workout or a small healthy meal is better than nothing.
Staying Focused
To stay focused on what matters most:
– Connect Your Actions to Your Vision: Always link your daily actions to your larger vision. For Ray, his vision was to be healthy enough to donate a kidney to his daughter. What’s your vision?
– Regularly Reevaluate: Life changes, and so do priorities. Regularly check in with yourself to ensure your actions align with what matters most to you.
Stay focused on what matters most, and remember to love yourself along the way. You have the power to make meaningful changes in your life. Stay clear on your priorities, and let them guide you toward better health and happiness.
Mike Thomas is a registered pharmacist and a board certified health coach. He helps busy professionals who struggle with low energy, high stress and chronic pain.
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.
Excellent points that inspire me to find focus for my health.
As always great advice from Coach Mike!