I recently read "The Snowball", a biography on Warren Buffett. Many books have been written about this successful investor, but this one was appealing to me because it delved into more than just his investment ideas. Beyond his uncanny ability to crunch numbers and value companies for their investment potential, Mr. Buffett offers fascinating insights on a myriad of other topics. As a physical therapist, one particular analogy stuck in my head that I'd like to share with you.
Buffett asked the reader to imagine going into a car dealership to purchase a new car. In striking the deal, the salesman provides one caveat. "This will be the only car you will ever own, so please make your decision thoughtfully." Now, you've purchased the car and you've driven off the lot, knowing that it's you and this automobile for a lifetime. Buffett asks, "How would you treat this car? Would you give it only the finest oil and highest grade gasoline? Would you take it in for regular tune-ups? Would you make sure the pressure in the tires was always right? Would you take extra care in driving it where ever you go?" Most common sense folks would say, "Absolutely!" or they'd find themselves with a prematurely broken down car, with no way to get around other than their feet, a bike, a bus, etc. "Okay", Buffet asks, "If that is the case, then why would you treat your own body with any less care? After all, we are only given one per lifetime, and we're expected to make it last."
I wanted to share this with you because we're on the cusp of yet another new year, and it's the most common time when people vow to start taking better care of themselves. Gym's around the country salivate at the annual spike in memberships, knowing full well that by the end of January, usage will be right back to normal. I've had conversations with friends my age (I'm 39) who express that they want to get in better shape and eat better. Usually these goals are put on the back burner because of other obligations, mainly family and work. "I just don't have the time" is probably the biggest excuse not to get started. However, I would argue that by being a little bit more selfish about your own health, you will be more productive at work and at home with your kids. What do they always tell you to do on an airplane in the event of an emergency? Put your own oxygen mask on first before taking care of others around you. Otherwise, you will be of no help to them. Use that same mentality with your health.
I chose to write this blog at the risk of being preachy about the importance of taking care of yourself. It's certainly not news to anybody as we are all bombarded with constant reminders. Rather, I wanted to plant a seed of realistic encouragement. It is a daunting task to make significant changes in your life that will have long-term health benefits. Therefore, my advice is to pick something small as a goal rather than setting yourself up for failure. You'll be much more likely to throw in the towel if you set the bar too high and don't achieve your target right away. Whether it's a change in diet or an increase in physical activity, start small. That way, when you have one success, you'll gain the confidence and encouragement to set a new target. Eventually, these small achievements will begin to snowball into significant changes. And remember, the first few weeks of any new exercise routine are generally not too fun. Soreness and fatigue spike, while motivation wanes inversely. Stick with it though, because it WILL get better as you adapt to your new normal.
As I've stated in the past, it's never to late to make a change. If the idea of taking better care of yourself from a "you first" standpoint sounds selfish, think of how your kids will thank you one day. They will appreciate that you made the commitment now so that they won't have to take care of you later on in life. So, in 2012, I encourage you to invest in yourself so that the future dividends will pay you and your family for a lifetime.
Happy and Healthy New Year to all!!
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