Something needed to change. I had sore joints, aching knees, and a stiff back. Some days I swear I’d look at my toothbrush wrong and my neck would be kinked the rest of the day. I’d have to swing my whole body around to look at someone when they called my name.
I had grand ideas of athletic accomplishments I wanted to do at 50. Those were pipe dreams. My kids started looking at me with pity in their eyes, wondering if they were going to be able to get out of the house before I completely broke down. Things were heading downhill!
A Mindset Change
I had tried joining a gym and doing weights. It never lasted and I knew trying again wasn’t going to effect change. I found a semi-private gym focusing on functional fitness, attended one of the classes, and liked it. But, it was a lot more expensive than I had planned.
Would it be worth it? Would I stick with it? I had so many doubts.
I tried to delay the decision and stall for a month. The head coach gently encouraged me to make a decision. I’m not sure exactly what he said, but it was enough. I committed.
That was over three years ago and that decision changed my life. Why? It wasn’t the workouts. Yes, I got stronger. However, that decision led to a change in mindset. I switched from spending on my health to investing in my health.
The Investment Mentality
When you invest in something, you become an owner. The investment has a value and you want to preserve that value, even grow it. You also expect a return on your investment.
I pay a meaningful amount each month for the classes. Because of that, I attend faithfully. I don’t skip and the investment is paying off. I’m able to do more of the things I enjoy such as hiking, running, and being active. I have more energy and enjoy daily activities of life a lot more.
My kids are excited about the progress I’m making. Those pipe dreams aren’t just dreams, they are plans. I’m making them happen because I’m investing in myself and it’s worth it!
Other Ways to Invest
The more you have invested in something, the more you care about it. For me, the fitness classes were just a start. I’ve invested in my personal health in other ways, too.
Exercise is a form of preventative health, as is investing in some professional treatments. I’ve visited a physical therapist several times when new aches and pains started emerging. Those appointments seem expensive, but may prevent a visit to the doctor who says, “you need surgery.” To me, avoiding surgery is a good investment.
If you have a health insurance plan, it should cover preventative health like annual physical exams. Unless your employer is paying 100% of the premiums, you’re paying for this preventative care already. With that mentality, I don’t miss an annual exam. I’ve made that investment, I’m going to get value out of it.
Speaking of health insurance, if you’re on an HSA qualified plan, building up a little savings for health care costs is definitely an investment. My HSA account actually provides investment options for the funds that I’m not planning to use soon. Between working to stay healthy now and putting money into my HSA, I’m hoping to build up savings for future years when I’m more likely to have some health issues.
Think Habits, not Goals
Simple Sundays are about the small things that can have a big impact. Making an investment in your health can lead to healthy habits which can lead to transformation. If you want to explore that idea more, you might start with one of my favorite authors, Mark Manson and his thoughts on goals: https://markmanson.net/goals
It’s good to write to you all again. Now, go and make Monday awesome!
Brian