Hearing someone talk about how they “wish” they had time to invest back in themselves and work out more often always crushes me. Here in America, we are privileged with options, and plenty of them. Along with those options come decisions.

A majority of studies have proven that over half of America isn’t very good at making healthy decisions. Whether it is someone dying a premature death, 30 to 40 year olds being diagnosed with diabetes, or maybe even having health complications yourself. Health is the first wealth, but why do we have a tendency to neglect it?

Even though Mexico just recently surpassed the U.S. as the most obese country, we don’t fall far behind. What this tells me is that half of Americans have gotten complacent with the infamous, “I wish I had more time.” Very rarely do I watch television, but when I do, I still come across all of these commercials promising us that if you take this pill, you will lose 20 pounds. Or if you try this piece of equipment, you will get the six pack you have always dreamed of.

I have some very disheartening news for you. There is no such thing as a magic pill. And there certainly isn’t a special piece of equipment that will trim your mid section and blast away fat while leaving you with six-pack abs. What does exist, and what can give you the results you are looking for, is commitment. The single best thing you can do to start a new journey towards your dream body and feeling the best you have ever felt is making a commitment with yourself.

One of our most important assets is our health. Health is the first wealth. If we don’t feel well, we can’t do well. How can you expect to get the absolute most out of life if your energy levels are below average, carrying around excess fat, and feeling like complete crap? You can’t! Looking good is just a benefit. It is so much deeper than simply reaping the exterior rewards. The true benefit is what happens within us when we give our bodies the attention they need.

We all have different levels of fitness, and yes, different health conditions. If you haven’t worked out in 10 months, I don’t expect you to work out like someone who does so five days a week. However, I do ask that you make a strong commitment with yourself to make the time. Even if it is just a morning walk before the kids get up.

Here are three reasons why you should make “time” to work out on a regular basis:

1. Happiness!

We all want to be happy right? Exercising releases chemicals called endorphins that produces a happy state of mind. Talk to a runner and they will tell you all about “runner’s high.”

2. Health concerns make you a liability.

I know you don’t want to envision this, but what if you had a stroke because you haven’t exercised in a year? Who is the one suffering? Your children, spouse and the ones who love you most.

3. Get more done.

Why do you think CEOs of some of the most powerful companies in the world wake up ridiculously early to head to the gym? Apple’s CEO Tim Cook can be found in the gym at 5 a.m. What’s your excuse again?

Your health is the first wealth. Don’t neglect it.

Originally Posted On Entrepreneur.com

The post Your Health Is The First Wealth appeared first on Matt Mayberry.

During this time of the year, the number one question that I always get asked is, “How can I keep my healthy habits during the holiday season?”

I personally believe if you are just “interested” in living a healthy lifestyle and working out, this time of the year will expose that. On the flip side, if you are fully committed, you will find a way and persevere despite all of the chaos.

Let’s face it, sticking to a workout regimen, eating healthy, and incorporating a healthy lifestyle is no easy task. It takes a conscious effort with a whole lot of self-discipline. Anything that requires great self-discipline usually takes us out of our comfort zone.

As soon as we leave our comfort zone, the excuses tend to pile up and the little voices in our head begin to give us every reason possible as to why we shouldn’t follow through any longer.

Then, add on everything else that comes along with this time of the year. Without a deliberate effort, chances of sticking to your workout regimen and eating healthy become that much more difficult. Now, this isn’t to say don’t enjoy yourself and devour all of the wonderful holiday food with family and friends, but the goal is to not fall completely off like what happens to so many.

I personally believe this is one of the greatest times of the year. Spending time with those we love dearly, eating our favorite dishes, and enjoying all of the holiday festivities that we still remember as a child. Also, this is the time to lay down a firm foundation for the upcoming year. To plan, organize, and set ourselves apart so we hit the ground running once 2014 rolls around.

Here are 3 ways to help you maintain healthy habits this holiday season.

1.) Write it down. Just as it’s vitally important to write down our goals, it’s as equally important to write down our health and fitness goals, especially during this time of the year. With all of the distractions looming, writing down that you want to still workout four days a week and stick to your eating plan five days a week or whatever it may be, increases your chances to actually do so. I write down on a note card and a post-it-note that I will keep to my six days a week training routine and continue eating healthy. This is a constant reminder for me to stick to the plan regardless of what distractions come my way.

2.) Accountability partner. This one can play to your advantage exceptionally well. Talk with a family member or friend who has the same drive as you to keep your healthy habits this holiday season and come up with a strategized plan.

It could be that you guys talk every day, once a week, or every weekend, whatever it is, accountability works! For example, there were times when I got hit with a countless amount of distractions and it kept getting harder and harder. After having an encouraging conversation with my accountability partner, I was quickly reminded that I’m in this for the long haul and must stick to the plan.

3.) What gets scheduled gets done. Just as you schedule doctor appointments, meetings, and important functions, schedule your work outs and plan out your eating routine. This won’t last as long as it sounds. I typically use Sunday night to reflect on the past week and schedule everything for the upcoming week.

If you look at my calendar on my phone, you will notice that Monday through Saturday every workout is scheduled at a specific time along with my eating regimen. This is a game changer.

I hope you enjoyed my 3 ways to help you keep your healthy habits this holiday season. The only thing that matters is that you are able to find something that works for you.

What works for me might not necessarily work the same for you. Play around with it and have some fun. I wish you and your loved ones a joyous, healthy, and happy holiday season.

The post Maintain Healthy Habits This Holiday Season appeared first on Matt Mayberry.