The concept of using a written plan to realize a goal is common in other important parts of life planning, but doing so often gets neglected in health and wellness considerations.

Financial planning and goal setting are well known practices in America. Of course it is important to plan for financial security and comfort in your future years. However, it is shortsighted to focus all of your efforts on the acquisition of material goods without paying considerable attention to health.

Each important aspect of your life deserves attention. It is easier to enjoy the substance of your financial efforts when you are healthy, happy, and productive. Without the best possible health, combined with good meaningful relationships, the life experience may seem empty, no matter how much money you have.

Maintenance
Generally speaking, many people do realize that health maintenance is important. Maintenance, however only allows you to keep the same situation that you currently have. But simple maintenance of your current health may leave you short of promoting positive development of your mind, body, and spirit. The reality is that you can choose either to put effort into improving your life, or to allow time to degrade your current level of vitality.

Planning
A Healthy Living Plan allows you to make conscious choices to become the best that you can be. A plan begins with the identification of short-term goals that support your long-term goal of optimum physical, social, and mental well being. Goals need to be written and realistic. A person will greatly increase the likelihood of following through on an action plan if he or she actually writes down a simple plan, even if it is on a card. Written plans get executed far more than idea plans formulated only in the brain. Writing is a first step toward action.

A plan can cover weight, exercise, nutrition, social activity, reading, journaling, and TV habits--anything that is on your list of potential things to get to. Small, consistent, positive changes in your lifestyle can be written down and, with discipline, followed.

Once you are working your plan, picture the best possible health that you are capable of and you will get a good picture of your long-term health goals. A habit of planning shows respect for the gifts of well being and vitality. Of course, there is effort and energy involved in the acquisition of higher levels of health. Planning now lets you take a pro-active approach to health that will facilitate your physical, mental, and social fitness. A plan for healthy living enables you to look ahead and take action to support your current well being in addition to setting the stage for good health in the future.

Health goals can be different for each person, but if you can improve even one aspect of your physical, social, or mental well being, you will have positive effect on your overall health.


Editor’s Note: Dr. Tim Schroeder has a thriving chiropractic clinic and a martial arts school in Tahoe City where he has lived for 28 years. He has been a featured speaker across North America on personal wellness and leading a balanced life.