What's Your Point?

Today I met an older gentleman named Joe. A few years ago, Joe --- then in his 60s --- was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He was now in his 70s and the situation had grown worse not better. I could see the look of concern on his face. I have a strong tendency to encourage, so I felt compelled to tell Joe that it wasn't over. This isn't how his story has to end. He could change. If he took the necessary steps and did so long enough, he could eventually get off of his diabetes medication. But then, as I continued to talk to Joe, I realized that something was wrong. He wasn't at "the point" and until he reached it, he wouldn't see a significant change in his health.

You see, Joe's doctor has given him some specific guidance on what he needed to do but each time he goes in for a checkup she "gets on him" for not doing what she asked him to do. I quickly realized that although Joe didn't know everything there was to know about leading a healthy lifestyle, he knew enough. He just wasn't doing it. Finally I said, "Joe what is it going to take for you to change?" He looked at me with a blank stare and said "I don't know." I pleaded with him not to wait until it's too late.

The point is not a physical location on a map but a psychological one. It is the place -- the point when you've had enough. You're tired of making excuses and you're really and truly ready for change. At the point, failure is not an option. It's no longer a matter of "want to" but "have to." It's a mental resolve that "I can't, I won't stay here anymore."

I wanted so desperately to help Joe but I realized I couldn't until he was ready to help himself. He now has my book and I pray he reads it and begins making the necessary changes.

Enough about Joe...what about you? What is it going to take? When will you take the steps necessary to reclaim your health and your life?

The progression is this: Change your mind. Change your body. Change your life. Rather than jumping to the body, address your mindset first. Get to the bottom of your problem. What are you telling yourself about your ability to change? What childhood issues haven't you addressed? What is your mindset towards healthy eating and exercise? These are the questions that you must ask and answer. Spend some time talking to the man (or woman) in the mirror and watch everything around you change...for the better.