Don't Ignore Your Biggest Asset - Why You Should Prioritize Health and Exercise
There was a recent article in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that addresses the drug Ozempic. For those unfamiliar, Ozempic was created and approved by the FDA to help adults with type 2 diabetes.
But now many physicians are prescribing it to patients to help with weight loss.
As the US has the highest level of obesity among all the high-income countries in the world, I can see why this drug has exploded in popularity.
From the WSJ article:
The drugs, which suppress patients’ appetites, have exploded in popularity in the U.S., straining manufacturing capacity.
Morgan Stanley has projected that 24 million people, or nearly 7% of the U.S. population, will be taking such medications in 2035.
Doesn’t really surprise me. Let’s face it, Americans love pills. And if it helps with weight loss, load up the cart!
And thank goodness for Karyn Carlton, who was able to cut back to a single jelly bean:
“The other day I had a single jelly bean, which is unheard of for me,” she said, adding that she also recently ordered a kids’ meal from a fast-food restaurant and felt satiated.
I sympathize with those in the lower income levels who have to resort to cheaper food options, which typically are the least healthy (i.e. ramen noodles, snacks, fast food, etc.)
But for the rest of us, what’s your excuse?
Everything comes back to your health.
It doesn’t matter how much money you accumulate, your health will dictate your life trajectory.
Unhealthy individuals often incur substantial expenses throughout their lives in an attempt to address and improve their health.
That is why it’s important to find ways to consistently improve your health (and swallowing pills is not the answer, sorry…)
For me, it was important to change my mindset around being healthy. I went about 3-years without seeing the inside of the gym or having a consistent workout routine.
I had to be honest with myself. If my beliefs were, “I am someone that is healthy and committed to treating my body well” I had to back that up.
I wanted to be healthy - but I was lazy and able to consistently rationalize as to why I couldn’t work out today or take one action item to improve my health.
It’s important to understand you don’t need to break any records here. Lifting the heavy weights or following the absurd workouts you see on Instagram to try and get the bigger arms or chest is not needed (it’s ok if that’s your style).
The key is to find the right balance and consistently take action.
If you try to push the limit and create a routine where you are not comfortable or happy, then it’s not sustainable.
Try and view exercising and working out as a happiness technique - the feeling of a good sweat or the satisfaction of being able to say, “I worked out today and got after it”. You become proud of yourself and develop purpose.
Arthur Brooks hit on this in his recent Tim Ferris interview, “[working out] doesn’t make me happier. It makes me less unhappy. That’s what physical fitness will do - it’ll buy you less unhappiness.”
For those that think they don’t have the time to work out, yes you do.
Lets face it, there are people who are much busier than us that still prioritize their health.
Whether it’s going for daily walks, completing 30-45 minute workouts, or just getting outside, these activities can significantly improve your health and mental state.
If you don’t think you can hold yourself accountable, hire a trainer or a coach. For me, that’s made the biggest difference. I need someone to hold me accountable on those days I’m not motivated.
Not to mention the people you meet in your workout classes or at the gym who offer words of encouragement or maybe you can relate to the issues they’re experiencing.
You just have to start. Sign up for a class or a gym membership today, if you haven’t already.
And make this convenient on yourself. Maybe there is a gym walking distance from work or your home. No matter the cost, invest in your health and be consistent.
I’m not trying to be a ‘hardo’. I have my days where I just want to lay on the couch and do nothing, which is completely ok.
But stop neglecting your most important asset, which is your health and your time.
Eat good, get outside, go to the gym or a workout class, get enough sleep.
Be proud of yourself; ask, “did I get after it today?”
If not it’s ok, just admit it, wake up the next day and don’t fall back into bad habits.
Disclosure: This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.