Momentum and Superior Health

I firmly believe that momentum is one of the most important wellness strategies.  You can use the concept of momentum to your advantage to help you achieve superior health.

Momentum is defined as”the driving force gained by the development of a process or course of events”.  

You can see the effects of momentum on the small scale… for a football running back to have a chance at breaking through opposing tacklers, he needs to be moving and driving forward with his legs.  His speed and ability to continually press forward are critical if he wants to gain yards.

On a larger scale… a  team of players, a town, a city, or a country may experience momentum from a long standing chain of events or actions.  Our country is now experiencing some “negative” financial momentum caused by events that the experts say dates back to the 70′s.

But in regards to personal health and fitness, you can exploit the principle of momentum for good purposes.  It’s a fairly simple process, but it requires your due diligence.

If you know you need to lose weight, don’t try a new diet.  Diets, by their very nature, can’t work long term.  They are meant to be only used for a short time and then stopped.  After stopping their diets, most people gain more than the original weight back and are worse off than when they started. Instead, use the strategy of momentum and adopt a healthier way of eating… a new lifestyle.  This consistent change in behavior will continue.  

If you know you need to be more active, do some exercise every day.  You can begin with as little as just 15 minutes per day!   As you exercise regularly, you’ll begin experiencing all the physical and mental benefits.  This will encourage consistent behavior… a new lifestyle.  Soon, your body will begin really look forward to the routine. You’ll soon be feeling better and you’ll eventually begin enjoying exercising. 

Remember that there will be obstacles to your health and fitness.  There always are!  Expect them and be prepared.  One of the best ways to prepare is to gain momentum.  

I’ve read that a habit develops after 40 days of consistent behavior.  I believe it.  So be diligent to continue your healthy habits.  Press on in 2009 and build moMENTUM!