Let’s first define what we mean by “prioritization.” Our aim is to create effective health strategies for our goals, then be efficient at them. It is about choosing the right things to focus on (better priorities), then becoming good at executing them.
Too many of us struggle to define what the “right” health markers to focus on might be; for instance, what should our macros be? How much water should I drink? How much should I run? Should I be lifting more? Organic? Supplements? It can be quite overwhelming.
The problem usually lies in our nature to want to go specific right away. We want granular answers to complicated questions, trying to be too efficient rather than become habitually effective. It’s not an all or nothing game; usually getting it “right” most of the time can move the needle on good health forward. We like all or nothing games though, don’t we?
We like elimination diets, 30 day challenges, etc. We’re wired to think in terms of absolutes; however, your health doesn’t work like this. It’s a sliding scale of “good” vs “bad”, and the scale doesn’t reset tomorrow. Whatever you choose to do today will affect how you wake up tomorrow. If you’re going to “start on Monday”, you better hope Sunday was also kind of productive or else you’re starting from a deficit, making it that much harder.
Health Priorities
Let’s start with some health priorities:
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Sunshine / Nature Exposure
- Play
- Mindset
- Community / Connection
- Self-Development
These eight areas are a solid framework to begin your review. You’ve likely set some lofty 2022 resolutions, and we’ll bet at least one of them is “health” oriented in some way. Looking to meditate for the first time? See “Mindset (#6).” Trying to read more? See “Self-Development (#8).” Notice that we didn’t put a recommended amount or time to any of those areas.
Your first step is to simply review all eight categories and in your terms decide where you might be lacking. Better health starts with improving on your weaknesses, not doubling down on your strengths. For instance, you can’t make up for poor sleep by working out twice as much.
Everyone has a weakness in at least one category relative to the others, and we can all improve in every category. If you’re really focused on exercise, what could better nutrition do for your exercise performance? Could improving a mindset of resilience, grit, and focus improve the way you look and feel? Could reading more on your fitness goals help to improve them? What about taking that physical goal outdoors?
Once you’ve got the basics nailed down, then you can work on becoming more efficient with your time, energy, and money. You can improve and develop a new skill until it’s working well without it being your primary focus.
There are always (multiple) ways to get better. That is why our business name is Live “Better”; the process of learning, improving, and adapting never stops. You know what you’re good at, but what are you worst at? This is your starting point.
Today is the best day ever because we choose to make it so; go out and make today great – with better priorities.
