Changing Your Mindest: Making 2016 the Best Year Yet!

One of the most important things you can do for your agency, and for your book of business is to get healthy. Not matter how compliance savvy you are or how much you know about Medicare, if your life is full of stress and unhealthy habits, your business will suffer. Since your mindset always trumps your skillset, make it a point to make the best choices possible in the coming year.

No one likes to think about their weight, but let’s face it; weight is one of the biggest outward indicators of our poor habits. Don’t be afraid to get help. Weight watchers has several programs designed to help professionals reach their weight goals with easy, on-line programs designed for on-the-go professionals. There are other programs available, so choose one that works for your budget and lifestyle. One way to make it a more enjoyable journey is to ask a trusted friend to join you. Not only does it make it easier to attain your goals, but there is a level of accountability that will help keep you both on track.

Quit smoking or chewing tobacco. No reasons are needed for this one. Smoking kills; end of story. Ask your health professional for advice on the different options available to help you kick the habit. If you have other addictions such as prescription or illegal drug use, you have even more of a reason to seek help. Don’t let feelings of shame or pride get in your way.

If you like exercise, you are ahead of the game. For a lot of us, we find it hard to maintain an exercise regimen. This is another area where friends might help. Walking 20,000 steps a day is a great way to start. Don’t let the excuse that you are at your desk all day keep you from reaching your goals. Get a headset and walk around your office while you are on the phone, or take a few 15 minute breaks and walk up and down stairs, or around the building. You might also invest in a Fitbit, the wearable device designed to help you keep track of the number of steps you walk. Different models are available and can monitor heart rate, calories burned, and more.

Losing weight, quitting bad habits, and exercise are also effective in the fight against depression and stress. By taking control of the things you can control and getting help for the things you can’t, you will take the first step in making 2016 the best year yet.

The highest form of leadership is self-leadership and the only person who can change you is you. True success is not in influencing others, but in giving yourself a command and following it through to completion. Make it a goal to set your mind to overhauling your health and don’t allow anything to get in the way!