Understanding your philosophy of life is the next critical step towards changing your habits. Lifestyle patterns such as attitudes and fixed habits of inactivity fall into this category. As defined by Clinical Psychologist, Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D., "A philosophy of life is a global and all encompassing view of the world. One's attitudes and beliefs are shaped from childhood experiences as a reaction to their role model's consequences. Moreover, these beliefs are felt to be absolutely true, and take on life directing consequences for one's behavior."

Dr. Nicolosi cites the example of a hedonist whose view of life is to obtain as much pleasure as possible and to avoid all unpleasant feelings. He states, "A child who loses a parent at an early age may develop the belief of, 'live today for there may be no tomorrow."' Clearly, this child losing a parent is a rarity, but for this little person it was a painful reality. Nicolosi concludes, "such individuals may develop an over indulgent personality that only seeks pleasure, convenience, and effortlessness in order to compensate for such an early and devastating loss."

Dr. Tristany adds, "a belief system supports and validates an individual's philosophy of life. These beliefs, derived from early learning, take on 'religious like convictions' which are felt to be 'the absolute truth.' Thereafter, these conceptual absolutes become life directing." Dr. Tristany warns that, "Belief systems are not always valid, nor do they necessarily correspond with reality." This is where inaccurate beliefs can get an individual into serious and life threatening trouble.

Undoubtedly, misbeliefs can steer your life in the wrong direction. As a personal trainer, part of my clientele consists of overweight individuals that are "at risk" for heart disease. One sixty year old client believed that eating egg yolks was the secret to long life. All was well--until she started having chest pains. Her cardiological exam revealed that she had coronary artery disease. The doctor recommended: lose 50 pounds, change your diet, and start an exercise program; otherwise, the results could be fatal. The moral of the story is that the right information can save your life.

15 STEPS TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Knowledge is power, and knowing what works is very important. Understanding the factors that contribute to habit formation will provide you with the basics to change your behavior. However, you must know how to apply this information correctly. Beginners are easily confused while attempting the difficult task of changing their lives. Therefore, Below is a priority checklist to help keep you on track:

1. Keep a Journal;

2. Set the goals that you wish to attain;

3. Develop a plan of action;

4. Make a list of habits that you absolutely must change;

5. Note what beliefs that you have associated to these unwanted habits;

6. Carefully define your philosophy of life;

7. Judge whether it is based upon reality;

8. Take small daily steps towards making these changes;

9. Expect set backs and disappointments;

10. Stay focused, learn from your mistakes, and make the needed adjustments;

11. Take it one day at a time--and do not rush;

12. Take on only what you can handle effectively;

13. It takes time and consistent commitment to accomplish your goals;

14. Take detailed notes on your progress; and

15. Visualize your success while practicing your new skills. If you take yourself seriously and remain committed, you will make these needed changes.

To help, support your newly acquired lifestyle, I suggest the following: Find a role model who you wish to emulate, and imitate their lifestyle. Develop a support group to help keep you focused on your new goals of change; and do not let family or friends sabotage your efforts. Accurate information will go along way towards reshaping your attitudes and beliefs. However, you must remain consistent and practice your new behaviors.

Clearly, healthy lifestyles require discipline and effort to be successful. Nothing should be left to chance. An excellent example is Senior fitness expert Dr. Bob Delmontique. At 78 years of age, he is lean, muscular, and athletic. He is as strong as a 30 year old man, and is in excellent health. His secret for longevity is simple: take an active involvement in your health, get medical checkups, exercise regularly, take nutritional supplements, and develop the psychological and spiritual basis to carry on a balanced lifestyle. He has maintained this outlook since he was fifteen years old, and he intends to continue well past the century mark.

Sadly, my father's death taught me an important lesson: Commitment to health is everything, and wishful thinking means nothing. You must invest personal energy into your new lifestyle. You can't rely on luck to keep you healthy, you must depend on your intellectual resources. You have the power to make these changes--the decision is yours!

Heather Tristany is certified by ACE (American Council On Exercise) and NASM (National Academy Of Sports medicine) as a personal trainer. She is also certified as a Medical Exercise Specialist by AAHFP (American Academy Of Health And Fitness Professionals) and as Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant by ACE. Heather may be contacted via her web site at http://www.global-fitness.com/pt/heather/indexHT.htm