The Answer Is...

“This…is… Jeopardy!”  That famous phrase has been spoken nearly every weeknight for over 40 years.  If you’re familiar with this game show you know that it is unique in that the answer is given first, and the correct response must be in the form of a question.  Wouldn’t it be nice in life if someone gave us the answers first!

For the past few years I’ve been going to the gym more often.  I made a conscious decision that I should simply plan to go every day and make it a habit, just like taking a shower or brushing my teeth.  Creating good habits is one way to live well.  We all know there are physical benefits to exercising, but there are also positive psychological benefits as well.  It’s nice to lose a few pounds and it’s also nice to reduce stress and feel better about yourself.  Sometimes good results only come from hard work.      

The same is also true with nutrition.  How many times have we said, “I need to eat better,” only to then find ourselves at a drive-thru window or sitting on the couch with a bag of potato chips.  Eating well is very difficult and requires significant discipline.  But, with time, that discipline can help develop some good habits.  Our habits are really who we are and what we become.         

As I think about Jeopardy, habits, health and nutrition, I think the connection is that we actually do have some of the answers to life’s questions ahead of time.  We know that if we want to lose weight, we need to make changes to our diet.  We know that if we want to get in shape, we need to exercise.  We know that if we want to pass an exam, we need to study and prepare.  The answers are before us, but do we have the courage to discipline ourselves and make good choices? 

I’ve heard the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.  So, if you want different results in your life, it’s time to be courageous, be disciplined, and create those habits.  Take the first step, and then the second.  Pretty soon you’ll be on to step 10, day 10, year 10, and those habits will be the best thing you’ve ever done.  Now it’s time for Jeopardy, that’s one way to get smarter… 

The answer is, “It’s a philosophy focused on making small, incremental changes over time rather than big, drastic ones.”

The questions, “What is kaizen?”  correct….Check out kaizen.