“Vision. Commitment. Choices.” If you were to ask me, “Dr. Walter, how can I make a lasting change with my health and well-being?”, I would answer with those three words – “Vision. Commitment. Choices.” Read on …
Vision – know what you want and why?
Commitment – commit yourself to do whatever it takes to achieve your vision.
Choices – once committed, make the choices that are aligned with your life vision.
A couple a years ago I ran my first marathon in Toronto. The day before the race I went pick up my race packet at the expo and I was looking at some pictures of past marathon runners. I was impressed to see a picture of a 90 year old man running that exact same marathon. Yes! 90 years old and he ran a 42.2 km distance. Imagine that. It was thrilling to know that he accomplished it. That’s when I said, “One day, when I’m 90 years old, I shall do the same and run a marathon.” This is my vision.
At that instant when I made that declaration, my mind started racing. I started asking questions like, “What do I have to start doing today to help me reach 90 years of age and be physically fit to run a marathon?” My choices instantly became clear. Exercise and run regularly. Eat wholesome nutritious foods. Keep an ideal body weight. I realized that I would have to start make choices today consistent with my vision to accomplish that dream. I also realized follow-through, that is commitment at every step of the way, would be essential.
Last week, I was giving recommendations for care to a patient. I knew she had a busy schedule and that she was coming to our office from a distance away. When I asked her, “Are you able to make the recommended 3 times per week?” She answered succinctly, “I will make it work”. That is what I mean about commitment. I knew in that instance that this patient was willing to do whatever it takes to get healthy and stay healthy.
Let me ask you, what is your vision and what is the ‘why’ behind your vision? Are your prepared to commit yourself and do whatever it takes? How will you choose in the face of tempting and conflicting options?
When it comes to your health, your relationships, your family, your job, or whatever else is of value to you create a clear vision of how you want it to look. Commit yourself to achieving it and choose in the direction of your vision.
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