5 Proven Ways to Safely Make Positive Life Changes

One of the most important aspects of living a healthy and prosperous life is understanding "risk." By this I mean knowing how to understand and analyze situations in life that affect health. Being able to accurately weigh benefits and risks when making health decisions is very important! Too often decisions are based on incomplete or inaccurate information and this is a huge mistake with significant consequences!

Failure to accurately assess risk keeps people locked in all kinds of unhealthy situations including poor eating and exercise habits (lifestyle), relationships and jobs. Sometimes people are just afraid to step out and make a change. They see "risk" in making a change when the REAL risk comes from NOT making a change. From my perspective, living with the stress, unhappiness and frustration of indecision and poor health is the greatest risk of all, and one that is definitely not worth taking!

Accessing "risk" is nothing more than collecting information, weighing the alternatives and then making appropriate decisions based on the information.

Some risks to our health are more "real" than others. For example, it is common knowledge that obesity is associated with a wide variety of health problems. On the other hand, there are some health risks that are so remote we rarely think about them. On a practical level, eating highly processed foods and avoiding a daily dose of fresh fruits and vegetables is rarely considered serious. But, as too many have already discovered, the long range consequences of this practice are real and devastating.

Failure to accurately assess risk limits us in many ways. We imagine the "risk" of talking with our children about drugs, dating or sex and we put off having the "talk," even though the risks of NOT talking are infinitely greater. Fear of flying and public speaking are two more "risks" affecting millions of people. But practically speaking, these fears are unfounded. People ride in cars every day, even though cars are far more dangerous than commercial aircraft! It's a failure to accurately assess risk, and it limits our health, prosperity and pleasure in life.

The goods news is that failure to accurately access risk is reversible! The effects of those decisions to eat inappropriately or NOT to exercise are, as the common expression goes, "do-overs." We can effect positive change in our lives by following a few simple steps to accurately access risk:

1. Accurately define your present situation and access your health "risks". Are you eating a healthy diet? Are you getting enough exercise and good quality sleep? What are the consequences if you DON'T change? Weigh the benefits of healthier living vs the potential risks such as increased cost, inconvenience or discomfort.

2. What do you stand to gain if you change your present circumstances? Assess the "up-side" potential. Too often we look only at the "downside" risk and forget the benefits. What good things might happen if you take the risk and win?

3. Limit the "down-side" if you happen to make a wrong decision. Don't continue down a path if it does not produce results. This is especially important when following weight loss programs. If the pounds are not coming off or if the weight loss is only temporary, find a new program! You not only want to lose weight, but want to sustain the weight loss for as long as possible. Take steps to ensure this will happen. Clear, concise, realistic objectives will definitely help.

4. Reduce your risk by being smart! Understand the situation and seek the advice of experts in the field of health and nutrition. This includes finding and forming partnerships to receive support and get good advice.

5. Have a fall-back position. If the decision you make fails to produce the desired results, be prepared to take a long, hard look at the circumstances and be prepared to change what you are doing.

Everything in life involves some element of risk. Driving your car, meeting someone new, crossing the street...but we do them every day. Winners in life are willing to accept the risk and continue on their way! Get involved, be smart about how you play the game, come prepared for a few failures along the way, but don't quite. You will reap the benefits for your effort and live a happier and healthier life. I like to remember the words of the great Winston Churchill when he said, "Never, never, never give up!"

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

---

Develop Yourself - The Power Within

Living without limits. Living your life to the fullest. Living... Read More

5 Ways To Use Mind Power To Maximise Your Potential

Why do patients who are given placebo pills report that... Read More

Time To Give Up Resentment

Resentment isn't a spectacular emotion, but it is long-lasting and... Read More

Banish Shallow Breathing And Boost Self Esteem!

You know, very often, the manner in which a person... Read More

Prescience

"The knowledge of actions or events before they occur; foresight."You... Read More

If Youre Stuck Then Make a Different Decision

Many people don't really understand the gift they have been... Read More

Magic Mirror Exercise

Good morning I love you.This is a basic exercise, which... Read More

Give Your Attitude A Little Altitude

Need a way to make your life a better place... Read More

Mastering Your Moods: How To Take Charge Of Your Feelings

John Ryder awakens feeling rested, refreshed, and sensing a calm... Read More

Deep Doghouse Communication for Angry Men

Many times when an angry or rageful man comes into... Read More

4 Ways You Can Get Over Your Need for Acceptance and Get on with Your Life

Imagine what your life would be like if you could... Read More

Positive Mental Attitude

Look at this glass on the table in front of... Read More

Courtesy In The Workplace -- Can You Say, Thank You?

Thank you is such a beautiful phrase. When you say,... Read More

Adding Meaning To Your Life

You got up today to go to work, to come... Read More

Never Run Out of Altitude, Airspeed, and Ideas at the Same Time: Lessons From the Vietnam POWs

Bosses can't control many things at work. In fact, they... Read More

My Sunshine

"You Are My Sunshine My Only Sunshine You Make Me... Read More

Firewords: A Dangerous Necessity in Your Life?

There are many stories of people injuring themselves, and others,... Read More

Fearing the Future: I am what I Fear!

When we were children, we were fearless. We would stick... Read More

Turning Fear Into Power

How would your life shift if you moved into what... Read More

Universal Thought Systems/Forgiveness

Philosophy of Forgiveness:The most powerful tool that human beings possess... Read More

Gratitude: the ICE that Fills Your Half Empty Glass!

Are you completely happy in your life right now? Honestly?... Read More

The Enchantress Within Each of Us Returns?Making Potholders, One Stitch at a Time!

When I was little I was very busy--as I imagine... Read More

Be Selfish and Save The World

Why do we help others? There is a whole lot... Read More

Succeed with a Positive Mental Attitude

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude... Read More

Optimism, the Only Option for Success

People with negative attitudes may wonder why they never achieve... Read More

Improve Your Self Confidence

Knowing yourself is the foundation of self-esteem, self confidence and... Read More

Another Life: I Wish I Were Someone Else

In 1978, Erma Bombeck wrote a book entitled "The Grass... Read More

The Power of Negative Thinking

For some reason, most people find it easier to think... Read More

Change Your Thoughts And Your Life: 5 Simple Ways To Bring More Peace And Harmony To Your Life

When you change your thoughts, you change your life. The... Read More

Mental Fitness For Confidence And Winning In Life

Studies show that men and women profit most with having... Read More

Fear Is Nothing To Be Afraid Of

Several years, I was listening to a radio talk show... Read More

P. M. A.

P.M.A - so what is it? Some people will automatically... Read More

Use Your Imagination to Create the Self You Want

"Every prayer - every thought, every statement, every feeling -is... Read More