Your individual health and wellness journey is just that, your individual journey. It can be easy to get caught up in the minute details and the 5%, but it is important to take a step back and look at the big picture from time to time. Pareto’s Principle, commonly referred to as the 80/20 rule, suggests that 80% of one’s success is due to 20% of their causes. Simply put, a few, key aspects contribute to a majority of your success. With that in mind, I encourage each and every one of you to keep these three keys in mind:

Patience

Any change is going to take time. I commonly reference the importance of not just physical health but physical, mental and emotional health. Each one of these vital pillars to overall well-being takes time to become aware, understand and improve based on your individual needs. Realize your starting point and set tangible goals along the way. Consistent assessments will help you remain patient by appreciating your progress and understanding your journey.

Perspective

Perhaps the biggest game changer on the mental side of things is perspective. Perspective allows one to see things for how they truly are and not let the voice in your head discourage you. Where are you today in comparison to yesterday, last month, last year? How far away from your next goal are you? Gratitude and perspective go hand and hand. Be grateful for where you are and patient with where you are going.

Discipline

Despite today’s social media climate, not everyone should adopt a “no days off” “sleep is for the weak” and “you can always do more” mentality. Obsession, in my opinion, is just as bad as restriction. Two sides to the same coin, the are rooted in lack of discipline. Physical, mental and emotional health come from a consistent balance sustained over a period of time, a lifetime. Doing what is best for you, when it is the best time to do it, is a discipline that is developed over time. Managing your overall health requires Patience, Perspective and Discipline and each is unique to your journey.