When people are asked about their satisfaction levels in various dimensions of their lives, “Health” consistently shows up as an area where they are dissatisfied. Why is it that even though we desire good health, we can’t seem to attain it?
In my experience, there are two factors that contribute to this:
1. Thought habits and patterns that hold us back from improving our health.
2. Lack of knowledge.
Throughout my 30 years in the health and fitness industry, I have received thousands of emails and talked to many people about their journey toward better health and here is what I have seen makes the difference between success and failure – Our Thoughts!
So many are going through life without energy, strength and health which negatively impacts their joy, purpose and even their ability to love and serve others. The problem for most is not that they don’t have access to healthy food or effective exercise programs, the problem lies within their mind. Their thoughts are keeping them from moving towards better health.
In Mark 2:22 we are told,
“no one puts new wine into old wineskins, if he does, the wine will burst the skins”
Although this verse isn’t about making healthy changes, it made me think about how our old thought patterns damage our attempts to do something new and different.
YOU CAN SUCCEED
The first thought change we need to make is believing we can succeed. Too many start a new diet or exercise with negative thoughts because of past failures. They don’t believe God’s promise in Philippians 4:13 applies to them and their ability to make lasting, healthy changes.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Instead of holding on to the truth of scripture we allow the words, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” to echo in our minds. If you are like most, your past includes multiple attempts to start a diet or an exercise plan. You heard of a new diet or workout that guarantees weight loss so you jump on board. You go through the motions for a few weeks and experience a glimmer of hope for a moment, but when you miss a few workouts or eat a big piece of chocolate cake, you let the too familiar words slip into your brain, “You’re just an old dog, give it up”.
This way of thinking sabotages our health journey. This way of thinking also puts restrictions on what you believe God can do in your life. God is Big, He created the world, don’t limit what He can do in your life.
Another important thought change has to do with our “why”. Why do you want to make healthy changes? Take a moment to think about this, be honest with yourself. Do your motives line up with God’s will? Although, there is nothing wrong with wanting to lose weight and having a strong, healthy looking body, our motives need to include more.
Don’t let your thoughts limit what God can do in your life.
Let God change the way you think.
If your goals are solely based on the look of your body you will most likely fail. My hope is that your motives include things like – energy to finish all that God has planned for me, strength to go when and where God asks me to, health so I can love and serve others until God takes me home.
We also need to change our thoughts when it comes to what we believe this journey will look like. Very few decide to make healthy changes and never fall into temptation or mess up a bit. Think about a concert pianist who is learning a new arrangement. They start from the beginning and most likely make a mistake when the notes are configured in a challenging pattern. When their fingers stumble, they don’t quit and walk away convinced they’ll never learn the song. Instead they continue to practice. They start again and hopefully make it a bit further the next time.
At first, they have to carefully read each note and consciously move each finger, but if they continue to practice, their fingers begin to move effortlessly over the keys, barely having to think about what they are doing.
Your journey will hopefully resemble that of the pianist. When you stumble you won’t start to think you’re an old dog who can’t change. Instead you know it just means you need to keep on practicing. You start again, believing you will make it a bit further and eventually get to a point where healthy choices require less effort and become your new way of living.
When we believe we can change, when we realize that stumbling doesn’t have to lead to falling, when our desire for energy, strength and health are greater than our desire for comfort, pleasure and self-indulgence only then will we be able to make lasting, healthy changes.
The Bible tells us that change begins with our thoughts,
“Let God change the way you think, then you will know what to do”. (Romans 12:2)
What thought changes do you need to ask God to help you with to help so you can break free from past behaviors?
GAIN KNOWLEDGE FOR A LASTING CHANGE
Ok, now that your thoughts are hopefully in the right place, I’ll address the ‘lack of knowledge’ issue. Quite frankly, this is actually much easier to overcome than our limiting thoughts.
1. What to eat?
Don’t overcomplicate this. God made you. God made food. Eat what God created in its most natural state. If you focus on eating whole foods you are well on your way to better health. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, beans, meat, chicken and fish – all these 1 ingredient foods will bring health to your body.
2. How to exercise?
Exercise at least 3 times a week (more is even better). Make sure your workouts include these 5 components: core, cardio, strength, balance and flexibility. If that’s too confusing, just click on the workout calendar that is best of you and start following the workout videos today.
You can also sign up for Faithful Workouts’ Free f3 Plan which includes inspiration and education on faith, fitness and food.
A healthy lifestyle begins with your thoughts. Lasting change happens from the inside out. I pray you learn to trust God with all of your life because He is there ready to help.
