How to build your best life

I have a question for you, and it’s a hard one…

Why do you do what you do?

On the surface it seems like a simple question, but when you dig a little deeper you find it is way more complicated than you thought.

We have lots of reasons for doing what we do – maybe we go to the store because “we need to,” but behind that big need is a lot of smaller ones –

“We are out of laundry detergent, which we need to keep our clothes clean.”

“They just came out with a new issue of the magazine I like, and I want to read it on my upcoming trip.”

“My son has a school project due this week, and I want to help him get good grades, so I have to buy him some supplies.”

They are all true, and they all lead you to the same course of action: going to the store.

This question of “Why do you do what you do?” is also complicated because sometimes we have interests that conflict with each other.

You have no doubt had a friend who says they want to lose weight, says they must eat healthier, says they want to make a change for the better, and then you find them enjoying some cake the next time you see them.

Probably, you don’t assume they stopped wanting those things they talked about. You know that something else became more important to them in the moment they saw the cake.

These battling desires can make it very hard to work toward a goal or live in a way that supports our greater priorities – and getting healthy is one of those goals that people put off, often until it is already impacting the quality of their life.

So, to keep my purpose in mind, I like to write down my top 5 “smaller” reasons to get healthy. I will tell my own story throughout, but while I do, make your own list to keep you making healthy choices.

1. I want to have enough energy to live a good life.

A full life, a really good and well-spent life, requires a lot of vitality. Kids, grandkids, work, hobbies, vacations, and special occasions all take up energy – and I cannot spend it if I do not have it.

Healthy, nutrient-rich foods and exercise support the full life that I want to enjoy.

2. I want to look great and feel great about the way I look.

I want to be physically fit enough to run away if I’m being chased! (haha!)

But really, I want to feel comfortable in my own body and not bogged down or self-conscious because of excess weight. Increased weight can also affect my brain function, and my brain runs everything I do, so I need to take care of it by keeping my weight down.

3. I want to make wise decisions for myself and others.

I am a doctor; I advise my patients all day on what is best for them and how they should take care of themselves. I have to be alert, aware, and bright in order to do my job safely.

4. I want to retain my memory.

I do not just want to live a full life and then let those treasured memories slip away once I get older. I have to be aware of how I treat my brain because I want it to last a long time.

5. I want to set a good example for those around me.

Brain health awareness is a subject very close to my heart – I speak with my patients about it in my practice, I speak with my clients about it as a brain health coach, and I write to you about it every week, because I want everyone to know that if you change your brain, you change your life (as my mentor and colleague Dr. Daniel Amen says).

I can only communicate that if I am living it out in my daily routine. People are moved by what you do, not by what you say, so I continue to try to make healthy choices to let my lifestyle send a message.

I encourage you to write out your list. Why do you do what you do, and what “little whys” could there be behind your decision to make good brain health choices? Lay them down like a strong foundation and build your best life on top of it!

Make today your masterpiece!

Florina