Danger Ahead

What if I were to tell you that were in serious danger and unless you take steps to avoid the danger you will be hurt or even die?  Truth is, each day we make choices that place us danger. We eat too much, eat things we know are harmful to our bodies, refuse to exercise, sleep too little, smoke, drink and practice many other harmful vices.  The funniest part of this is that we know what the end result of these practices will be yet we do nothing to change it.  We expect to have the same results as those who actually take care of themselves.  It is as if we are in denial.  

Some say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.  Maybe we all suffer from insanity because we do the same harmful things over and over again expecting different outcomes.  Proverbs 27:12 says that a wise man sees the danger and avoids it but a foolish man continues on and is punished.  We see the danger of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, premature death, joint pain and many other diseases but the pleasure of the moment convinces us that we are not truly in danger.  It will happen to every one but us.  We will be the exception.  Let me tell you you are lying to yourself.  You are in great danger and its time to wake up before it is too late.  How do we avoid the danger? We must make a change .

In order to succeed you must be ready for change and want to change.  Here are some steps that has helped my patients and others who have been successful at avoiding the dangers.  

1. Decide today to make a change:  you may have moments of failure but as long you keep moving ahead you will succeed.
2. Make a plan as to what you want to accomplish:  no one builds a house without plans.  They do not have to be detailed and can change as your needs change.
3. Set goals utilizing the SMART goal setting principles.
• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable 
• Relevant
• Time-bound goals
  Example:  I want to lose 20 pounds in the next 4 months so that I can walk with less knee pain.
4. Begin small and build
5. Dedicate time for yourself
6. Don't let the seed pickers in
7. Challenge yourself
8. Stick with it
9. Maintenance
10. Avoid the dangers

This journey is not for the faint of heart, but if taken can lead to a new and better you.  A new you who faces the dangers head on and turns from them, one who becomes wise.  Make a wise choice today and choose to change, choose to turn from the dangers.  

Disclaimer:  before beginning any lifestyle change or exercise program, speak to your physician and get his approval prior to the start of the program.  Once you have been give the clearance, proceed at a pace that is safe for you.