The seven secrets to adopting a happier, healthier and more productive life. Part 1

In our last article - why don’t I choose the apple we began the discussion on behaviour change. One of my obsessions is finding out what works and having helped literally thousands of people over the past 15 years move towards a happier, healthier and more productive life I have noticed that there are many strategies that people who make life long change apply.  In coming articles we are going to discuss the the 7 secrets to successful behaviour change.  Apply these strategies and in no time at all you will making great change.

Remember it’s about the journey not the destination:

Art McKinley was a mountain climber of some repute.  Everest was the last of the big climbs for McKinley and he had worked tirelessly for two and a half gut busting years in the lead up to the big climb.  About to ascend the final frosty path of his lifelong dream Art was confronted with a group of climbers who were in severe need of help. Art’s medical background, cool head and years of experience made him the perfect person to be around.  The desperate sight of these climbers rudely confronted Art with a difficult decision – continue his climb, fulfilling a life long dream and bring a sense of satisfaction to two and half years of devotion or help these critically injured climbers down the mountain.  He chose the later. In the days after Art was asked about the devastation of not making it to the summit and if it would haunt him for the rest of his life.  Art remarked with the same grin that seemed to always light up his weather beaten face “that climbing for him has never been about the summit”.  He relayed the enjoyment he received from the training, the wonderful lifelong friends that he made a long the way and the chance to push himself to the limit.

Focus is everything and finding enjoyment in the everyday activities needed in working towards your goals brings many hours and years of pleasure, whereas reaching summits provides only the occasional short term highs. Don’t make it just about the weight loss – enjoy the exercise sessions along the way, take time to be grateful for the new people that you meet. Be enthusiastic about the new foods that you get to eat.  Focusing on the journey takes all the pressure off and moves us away from the dreaded quick fix.

In part 2 of the 7 secrets to adopting a happier, healthier and more productive life we’ll talk about always add before you subtract.

This article was was created for people wanting proven and simple strategies to live a healthier, happier and more productive life. You can visit us at whatactuallyworks.com.au or become a fan and leave a comment at facebook.com/whatactuallyworks.