With all of the research being done, money being spent, and knowledge we are gaining, it only makes sense that we are on the verge of a major breakthrough in regards to our health and longevity, right? There is always hype around new breakthroughs, whether it’s a new workout program, dietary supplement, medicine or medical treatment, or anti-aging secret. The problem with all this hype is that, so far, it has turned out to be pretty much just that… hype.
We tell ourselves that if only we had the answers to our life problems, then all would be well. And we get frustrated thinking we need to figure out how to lose weight, improve our energy levels, make more money, and build better relationships. Truth be told, we already have the answers we need. That big breakthrough you are so patiently and excitedly waiting for… isn’t coming! There will be no big breakthrough.
Think about this… our number one cause of death in the U.S. is heart disease. Roughly half of all Americans have heart disease, and one out of every four deaths is the result of heart disease. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent, and continue to be spent, on figuring out how to correct this problem. Fancy facilities filled with the smartest people with unlimited budgets are working every day to crack open the key to this incredible problem.
So, who has the healthiest arteries in the world? It might surprise you to find out that it is a remote tribe, the Tsimane people, living in the Bolivian Amazon. As you might suspect, they do not have access to state-of-the-art hospitals, brilliant doctors, or advanced medicines. Almost two-thirds of those over age 75 showed no risk of heart disease.
What’s their secret? Scientists have begun studying them, and have found that is their lifestyle. Wait a minute! That’s ridiculous. It can’t be that simple. Surely there is a special berry they eat or juice they drink. Nope. They simply eat, move, think, and live the way humans were intended to live. No big breakthrough was discovered there.
While we cling to the idea that some big breakthrough is going to bring us the answers to all of our issues with weight, health, aging, and happiness, it will not happen. Everything you need to know, we already know. It’s no mystery, and there is no secret. The answer to just about every struggle you have comes down to lifestyle. The way you live your life, the decisions you make every day, and the actions you take, directly affect the quality of every aspect of your health.
Searching the web for the best detox? Stop detoxifying. Looking for the secret tips for the perfect marriage? Try treating your spouse the way you did when you first met. Want the pounds to magically melt away? Eliminate processed foods, cut out the sugar, and cut carbs. Interested in the best workout program possible? Start with something/anything. Start walking, go for hikes, move your body daily, and stop sitting for eight hours a day. Want that magic investment that will make you wealthy? Start spending less than you make and putting some money into diversified investments over time.
While I am all for advancement and improvements in any area of life, you cannot sit idly by doing nothing in anticipation of some grandiose breakthrough. It’s almost as if we are okay with continuing to abuse ourselves or live at a less-than-optimal level, assuming that once we get that big answer we are looking for, then everything will be okay.
The highest population of people with the least amount of chronic illness, least amount of obesity, and greatest number of centenarians (those living to 100 years old), are not those with access to the most advanced resources. It is often the most remote tribes, living lives of simplicity and purity.
Start today by first knowing that we already know enough to be much healthier, fitter, and happier. There is no “secret” to weight loss, muscle building, happiness, deep relationships, wealth building, and living a fulfilling life. Second, start with the basics. Don’t complicate things. Legendary coach Vince Lombardi started every season by gathering his players saying to them, “This is a football.”
Third, take action. The worst thing about waiting for a breakthrough is that you do just that… wait. You aren’t doing anything. So, do something.