Have you ever noticed the excuses we make for the failures we experience? I have, man was it an eye opener! When I finally became aware of the excuses I was making for not achieving something positive, my life took a dramatic turn for the good. I have to admit, I still catch myself making excuses, but the difference is that I am aware of it. Awareness can be curative in itself and in my case for becoming aware of the excuses I make allows me to change my thought process and get back on track making failure a feedback process in learning. I live by a presupposition that says; failure is feedback! This belief is a belief that allows me to grow and I can tell you if you apply it you will be amazed at the results you get.
Existentialism is a concept that basically says we are responsible for all we experience in life, good or bad. I want to make sure you understand I am not saying you should become an existentialist; like all philosophies, it has its downfall. I always try to follow an eclectic approach in my practice as a psychologist and coach and in my personal life as well. However, in the case of our own successes and failures we can apply an existential approach and get some great answers to our own personal and professional development.
Lets assume a worse case scenario. A word of warning; please keep an open mind when you read this example so you can understand exactly what I am really saying. Lets take the example of rape. There is no doubt rape is a horrible experience that no one should ever have to go through and the person who is guilty of rape should be punished severely. The first point here to really understand is that our justice system does not prosecute for you, it prosecutes for the state! Many of us think that the punishment is for the victim, but it is not. It is for the people and the protection of all people. Those who believe the punishment is for the victim will leave the experience of justice with a real sour taste. Many believed that the justice given by the courts would make everything OK and make the experience less painful. The truth is that until the victim realizes the rape is their own responsibility, (notice I did not say fault), will be the ones who come away with an experience of growth and meaning.
Lets take the example of the person who started MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. Her child was killed by a drunk driver and I'm certain we all can understand how horrible that must have been. In fact, we almost can say we would not blame her if the experience put her into a great depression that would bring her nothing but pain and anguish the rest of her life. However, this grieving mother did something that allowed her to grieve, but also allowed her to grow from the experience. When she went through the justice system she eventually realized that the process of justice would not bring her son back. What did she do, she became an advocate on behalf of her son against drunk driving which is why we see drunk driving laws as they are today in the united states. What she realized is that the experience within herself was her own responsibility. How she framed the experience in her own mind was what made the difference. Instead of thinking how horrible the situation was she began to look at the experience as an opportunity. Because she was able to see the experience in a more positive light she was able to make the experience meaningful which allowed her to make the most of a tragic event. in short, She took responsibility for the experience and what the experience was going to mean to her.
The same can be said for the rape victim. Those who suffer the most and who lose the zest for life and love all together are those that stay the victim. They do not take responsibility for the rape and the experience it brings them. The truth is that their is nothing anyone can do for them except enable them to continue down the destructive path of, "the victim." Those who realize that they are responsible for the experience and how they will deal with it are the ones who take the experience and do something healthy with it. In fact, I believe that those who recognize the power of taking responsibility are those who are most successful! The sad truth is that most can never look past the pain they are experiencing and that pain and their frame of mind become generative and feed off one another. This leads down a path of self-distruction!
Taking responsibility does not mean going it alone through a horrible experience. When an addict finally asks for help they are taking responsibility. When a victim of a crime asks for help to better deal with the after math of their experience they are taking responsibility. In fact, I feel that asking for help is the most powerful responsible choice one can make in meeting any challenge. Many think that asking for help is asking someone else to take on some of the responsibilities of their challenges. This is far from the truth, those who are responsible enough to ask for help realize they don't have all the answers and also understand that finding others who do is the most productive avenue they can take. Asking others to help who have dealt with similar challenges we face can speed the process of growth. We can model their actions and eliminate the mistakes they made along the way which makes the process much faster, less painful, and less frustrating.
Taking responsibility begins with eliminating excuses for our current situations. We are who we are because of the choices we made, not the choices others make. Remember, we have a choice in how we respond to any experience good or bad. The more we exercise our choice muscle the more control we have over our own life. This idea can be applied to the goals we set for ourselves. When we realize that tomorrow is directly created by our choice today we take back control. We are no longer the ponds in other peoples life. Those who suffer and who do not take responsibility for the experiences they face have no control of what the future has in store for them. Again we can also see how this can be applied to general personal development. When we realize the power of personal choice we began to live a truly free and empowering life, one that brings joy and meaning. Began today, create your own experiences, by eliminate excuses, and learn from the failures and experiences of life!
John P. DeMann, Ph.D., CPEC, ISSA.
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Friday, 22 May 2009
CINE-MIND: Direct Your Mental Movies
By: Dr. John P. DeMann
Go to the bookstore and notice the number of books on the shelf under personal development, there are hundreds. Go to the business section and notice how many books there are dealing with personal development, hundreds if not thousands. Everyone seems to know the answer to attaining fulfillment and performing at your best. Most of the books come at achievement from different angles claiming they have the answer. Have you ever wondered if there was one way to make sure you reached the top in your profession or just to be able to experience a life of joy and happiness? Most of the clients I speak with are frustrated and confused about what really works. In fact, many were about to give up and just let life happen and let the chips fall where they may. However, I have good news; these clients are now cause, not the effect, in their life and experiencing more than they ever dreamed possible.
Personal and professional development should not be difficult; in fact it should be easy. Why would our creator make it so difficult to know how to succeed? The answer is that our creator did not make it hard to understand how to achieve our true potential; it only seems hard because of all the confusion. Please understand, in order to achieve any level of achievement there will be a need for consistency and effort, but I can assure you that after reading this article your confusions will be cleared up and the only effort that you will have to produce will be the will to implement the information.
Our brains function like a movie cinema, creating images of all we experience. We think in pictures using several modalities; visual, auditory, kinesthetic, gustatory and olfactory, which we call our primary representations. These modalities are our senses and our mind has the ability to create from its memory banks any outcome we desire. In other words, we see pictures and movies in our mind and we have the ability to add to these picture and movies any sense we want to. We also have the ability to change the intensity of images we create in our mind; the colors, sounds, feelings, smells and tastes. These we call Submodalities and it is in these Submodalities we can manipulate and change the intensity of the images we create.
Some say they have a hard time seeing pictures let alone movies in their mind; some even go as far as to say they can't see images in their mind at all. This is simply not the case, we all think in images. The problem is that many times we think so fast that we do not notice the images we create, but if you take your time you will see that you too can create images with extraordinary intensity. If I ask you to picture a dog, do you see the word dog or do you get an image of a dog in your mind’s eye? The answer is that you see the image of a dog. What if I ask you to see a car, do you see the word car or do you see the image of a car? Chances are you see not only an image of a car but the image of your own car. If you question the fact that humans think in pictures remember that early man communicated using pictures on the cave walls not words. It was images that early man knew how to use instinctively.
When we think we trigger what is called the Reticular Activation System, RAS, in the brain which is really a mechanism that causes you to focus on what you are thinking about. In other words, if you are thinking about food then the RAS will create in the mind a lazar like focus on anything we experience that relates to food. When someone is depressed they are focused on or creating images in the mind that are depressing. This causes them to only notice those experiences that back up their depressing thoughts. When someone is happy they are creating images of happiness in their mind and the RAS then causes the mind to focus on the experiences that support their thoughts or images of happiness.
This tells us that we have the ability to create any experience we want to. It also tells us that we can change any negative experience we want to. However, we tend to create habits of thought which cause us to think or create images that are consistent. To break the habit we will need to become conscious of the images we create and change the negative ones to more empowering images that support our desired outcomes. We will also need to do this consistently so we can create new habits where we will be able to experience more empowering thoughts unconsciously and automatically.
Let’s look at an example: You want to lose weight/fat and are having a hard time. Think about the images you have of the outcome. Are they represented as an image only or is their sound, smells, tastes, do you get a feeling? Most would say they get a faint image, but nothing else. Some will say they never noticed any image at all. This tells us that the RAS was never activated and is why they probably never experienced the outcome they desired. In order to get the outcomes we desire we will need to activate the RAS so we will have an automatic pilot helping us along the way. To activate the RAS we will need to get a full image of what we want with the intensity of the Submodalities turned way up.
To change this and to experience how powerful the mind really is lets create a new image of what you want to look like if your goal was to lose weight/fat. Get a clear image in your mind of the outcome you desire. Using the Submodalities add color to the image; make it bright like an HD picture. In great detail see the body you want from head to toe. What sounds are associated to the image? Can you hear others saying great things about your physique? Do you hear the sounds of the gym? Are the sounds loud or soft? Generate imaginary sounds that will support you. Hear your friends saying wonderful things about your body. Hear people on the street saying positive statements about the body you have created. What feelings do you have internally about the image? Feel the emotions running through your body. Increase the intensity of the feelings and make them surge throughout your body.
When you do this you will experience massive state changes and this should help you understand the power of images you create in your mind. The key is to hold these images as long as you can. In the beginning you will find this difficult, but as you practice this technique you will be able to hold the empowering image for longer periods of time. Most people cannot hold an image for more than 30 seconds, but if you can get a quick snapshot of the image and the Submodalities you will experience the power of the mind and will attain your desired outcome. The hard part will be to do this consistently. This is where most people fail; they are not committed to consistency. The good news is that once you perform this for about a week on a daily basis you will notice that your behaviors will be more consistent with achieving the image you have created.
The best time to perform this is first thing in the morning and just before you go to bed for about 3 to 5 minutes. It would be even more powerful if you add another during the day just before lunch and one before diner. Try to do this before every meal, even before a snack or when you are faced with having food in front of you. You will find that it will help you overcome the urges to over eat or to eat unhealthy foods.
Once you begin seeing the image in its full intensity you will find that your desire to continue will get stronger. It is important to understand that you will need to change your behaviors, eating habits and exercise habits, on your own in the beginning, but once you get going eating healthy and exercising regularly will become a habit as well. Imagery is a supportive tool which will help curb unhealthy choices or choices that will not take you to your goal. No one said change would be easy, but now that you understand how the mind works the hard part will be your ability to consistently get yourself to perform the visualization exercise. The exercise will help direct your behavior and will help motivate you to achieve your goal. This process can be done for any goal. To enhance your understanding and to help others reach their goals teach it to a friend or a work associate, your efforts will provide a gift that can help change lives!
Go to the bookstore and notice the number of books on the shelf under personal development, there are hundreds. Go to the business section and notice how many books there are dealing with personal development, hundreds if not thousands. Everyone seems to know the answer to attaining fulfillment and performing at your best. Most of the books come at achievement from different angles claiming they have the answer. Have you ever wondered if there was one way to make sure you reached the top in your profession or just to be able to experience a life of joy and happiness? Most of the clients I speak with are frustrated and confused about what really works. In fact, many were about to give up and just let life happen and let the chips fall where they may. However, I have good news; these clients are now cause, not the effect, in their life and experiencing more than they ever dreamed possible.
Personal and professional development should not be difficult; in fact it should be easy. Why would our creator make it so difficult to know how to succeed? The answer is that our creator did not make it hard to understand how to achieve our true potential; it only seems hard because of all the confusion. Please understand, in order to achieve any level of achievement there will be a need for consistency and effort, but I can assure you that after reading this article your confusions will be cleared up and the only effort that you will have to produce will be the will to implement the information.
Our brains function like a movie cinema, creating images of all we experience. We think in pictures using several modalities; visual, auditory, kinesthetic, gustatory and olfactory, which we call our primary representations. These modalities are our senses and our mind has the ability to create from its memory banks any outcome we desire. In other words, we see pictures and movies in our mind and we have the ability to add to these picture and movies any sense we want to. We also have the ability to change the intensity of images we create in our mind; the colors, sounds, feelings, smells and tastes. These we call Submodalities and it is in these Submodalities we can manipulate and change the intensity of the images we create.
Some say they have a hard time seeing pictures let alone movies in their mind; some even go as far as to say they can't see images in their mind at all. This is simply not the case, we all think in images. The problem is that many times we think so fast that we do not notice the images we create, but if you take your time you will see that you too can create images with extraordinary intensity. If I ask you to picture a dog, do you see the word dog or do you get an image of a dog in your mind’s eye? The answer is that you see the image of a dog. What if I ask you to see a car, do you see the word car or do you see the image of a car? Chances are you see not only an image of a car but the image of your own car. If you question the fact that humans think in pictures remember that early man communicated using pictures on the cave walls not words. It was images that early man knew how to use instinctively.
When we think we trigger what is called the Reticular Activation System, RAS, in the brain which is really a mechanism that causes you to focus on what you are thinking about. In other words, if you are thinking about food then the RAS will create in the mind a lazar like focus on anything we experience that relates to food. When someone is depressed they are focused on or creating images in the mind that are depressing. This causes them to only notice those experiences that back up their depressing thoughts. When someone is happy they are creating images of happiness in their mind and the RAS then causes the mind to focus on the experiences that support their thoughts or images of happiness.
This tells us that we have the ability to create any experience we want to. It also tells us that we can change any negative experience we want to. However, we tend to create habits of thought which cause us to think or create images that are consistent. To break the habit we will need to become conscious of the images we create and change the negative ones to more empowering images that support our desired outcomes. We will also need to do this consistently so we can create new habits where we will be able to experience more empowering thoughts unconsciously and automatically.
Let’s look at an example: You want to lose weight/fat and are having a hard time. Think about the images you have of the outcome. Are they represented as an image only or is their sound, smells, tastes, do you get a feeling? Most would say they get a faint image, but nothing else. Some will say they never noticed any image at all. This tells us that the RAS was never activated and is why they probably never experienced the outcome they desired. In order to get the outcomes we desire we will need to activate the RAS so we will have an automatic pilot helping us along the way. To activate the RAS we will need to get a full image of what we want with the intensity of the Submodalities turned way up.
To change this and to experience how powerful the mind really is lets create a new image of what you want to look like if your goal was to lose weight/fat. Get a clear image in your mind of the outcome you desire. Using the Submodalities add color to the image; make it bright like an HD picture. In great detail see the body you want from head to toe. What sounds are associated to the image? Can you hear others saying great things about your physique? Do you hear the sounds of the gym? Are the sounds loud or soft? Generate imaginary sounds that will support you. Hear your friends saying wonderful things about your body. Hear people on the street saying positive statements about the body you have created. What feelings do you have internally about the image? Feel the emotions running through your body. Increase the intensity of the feelings and make them surge throughout your body.
When you do this you will experience massive state changes and this should help you understand the power of images you create in your mind. The key is to hold these images as long as you can. In the beginning you will find this difficult, but as you practice this technique you will be able to hold the empowering image for longer periods of time. Most people cannot hold an image for more than 30 seconds, but if you can get a quick snapshot of the image and the Submodalities you will experience the power of the mind and will attain your desired outcome. The hard part will be to do this consistently. This is where most people fail; they are not committed to consistency. The good news is that once you perform this for about a week on a daily basis you will notice that your behaviors will be more consistent with achieving the image you have created.
The best time to perform this is first thing in the morning and just before you go to bed for about 3 to 5 minutes. It would be even more powerful if you add another during the day just before lunch and one before diner. Try to do this before every meal, even before a snack or when you are faced with having food in front of you. You will find that it will help you overcome the urges to over eat or to eat unhealthy foods.
Once you begin seeing the image in its full intensity you will find that your desire to continue will get stronger. It is important to understand that you will need to change your behaviors, eating habits and exercise habits, on your own in the beginning, but once you get going eating healthy and exercising regularly will become a habit as well. Imagery is a supportive tool which will help curb unhealthy choices or choices that will not take you to your goal. No one said change would be easy, but now that you understand how the mind works the hard part will be your ability to consistently get yourself to perform the visualization exercise. The exercise will help direct your behavior and will help motivate you to achieve your goal. This process can be done for any goal. To enhance your understanding and to help others reach their goals teach it to a friend or a work associate, your efforts will provide a gift that can help change lives!
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
BECOME CAUSE
By: Dr. John Paul DeMann
How would you like to access that part of you that allows you to have complete control, to be cause, not effect in your life? To be cause means to be in control of your life. Many of us feel that we are being manipulated by some outside force and this brings on a feeling of being stuck! I know I have and many of my clients have as well experienced this horrible state. For the past 20 plus years I have recognized one of the most common states clients have is feeling stuck.
Today, more than any time in history, we are experiencing change so rapidly we often feel like we cannot catch up. This environment is creating even more complaints in my practice with regards to the feeling of being stuck. In fact 91% of my new clients experience this state. More than ever in this environment it is important to have control of your life and this is the reason for this entry. I want to share some of the tips that have helped me take control of my life and have helped my clients take control of theirs.
I have been flooded with new clients all experiencing the same symptoms. These include: fear, worry, anxiety, depression, and the feeling that they have no control. Some may tell you the best ways to deal with this experience are to let go or roll with the punches etc… In my opinion and experience with my clients this is exactly the wrong reaction that should be taken. It may help in the short run, but to let go or to roll with the punches means that you are letting go of being cause in your life. You literally become a response to the experiences you face.
One of the important differences between humans and animals is that animals are specifically response oriented organisms and humans are able to create the stimulus required to cause a response. I tell my dog Drag to sit and it is as if his back legs automatically give out. The stimulus of “sit” causes Drag to drop his rear end. It is as if there is some force that controls Drag. Humans experience this as well, but the difference is humans can control it, if they want to. The problem is that we often become lazy because it is easier to just respond to the stimulus’s we experience. To take control or to be cause in life requires effort requires us to think, to think ahead and determine what our actions will do to the future we face.
The difference between success, no matter how you define it and failure is how we respond to the environment. Your response can be one that only focuses on dealing with the stimulus at hand or it can be one that deals with the stimulus and creates a cause further down the road. When we create an outcome consciously we begin to feel free. When we respond in a way that limits the outcome to only dealing with the initial stimulus we create nothing more then what is required to deal with the initial experience. When we consciously look at what our actions will do in terms of cause and we choose an action that creates a desired response we achieve the ultimate experience of control and creation.
A typical example that I see often is with regards to work. Many express the feeling that they are in a dead end job or that their job does not allow any freedom of expression. Another example I see is in the area of personal fulfillment. Here many say that they are unable to do the things they really enjoy doing; rock climbing, golf, exercise, home projects, camping, fishing etc… because they feel pulled in different directions which brings us to the popular statement that "I just don’t have the time!" All of these examples are common among those who are not creating, who are not being cause in their own life.
It is not abnormal to have these feelings; in fact it is the norm in many of the clients I have worked with. It is important to understand that you will never eliminate being an effect in your life; you will always be required to respond to the cause of others. The key is to look at the stimulus’s you face differently. Look at all experiences as an opportunity to cause and create something from your response.
You can begin doing this with simple situations you face. For example, if you feel like you are out of control commit to cleaning one room in your house or apartment. One exercise I have my clients do when they are feeling depressed is to clean something they own, why? Cleaning allows them to get physical and allows them to take control of something. Physical movement allows your body to respond chemically by producing the "feel good" chemical bath of endorphins. When we see change that occurs from our own actions we also tend to speak to ourselves in more positive ways. I have had some clients who were clinically depressed that literally cured their depression by cleaning something every day. They did not have to clean their whole house; they just needed to change something by through their actions.
Once you recognize the power of being cause in your environment via cleaning you can begin doing it in other areas of your life. Organizing your home, car or work area can have tremendous effect on how you feel. By understanding that all actions produce an effect you can become more responsible to the experiences you have. Of course we all will experience others having some control over what we do, but we ultimately have the final say in how we will respond. Commit today to taking control in some small way in your life by cleaning something or organizing some area. Get in the habit of doing something consistently and then consciously begin adding to your habits in such a way that will have lasting effects on your environment. Eventually you will experience a life most only dream of, a life of creation.
By: Dr. John Paul DeMann
How would you like to access that part of you that allows you to have complete control, to be cause, not effect in your life? To be cause means to be in control of your life. Many of us feel that we are being manipulated by some outside force and this brings on a feeling of being stuck! I know I have and many of my clients have as well experienced this horrible state. For the past 20 plus years I have recognized one of the most common states clients have is feeling stuck.
Today, more than any time in history, we are experiencing change so rapidly we often feel like we cannot catch up. This environment is creating even more complaints in my practice with regards to the feeling of being stuck. In fact 91% of my new clients experience this state. More than ever in this environment it is important to have control of your life and this is the reason for this entry. I want to share some of the tips that have helped me take control of my life and have helped my clients take control of theirs.
I have been flooded with new clients all experiencing the same symptoms. These include: fear, worry, anxiety, depression, and the feeling that they have no control. Some may tell you the best ways to deal with this experience are to let go or roll with the punches etc… In my opinion and experience with my clients this is exactly the wrong reaction that should be taken. It may help in the short run, but to let go or to roll with the punches means that you are letting go of being cause in your life. You literally become a response to the experiences you face.
One of the important differences between humans and animals is that animals are specifically response oriented organisms and humans are able to create the stimulus required to cause a response. I tell my dog Drag to sit and it is as if his back legs automatically give out. The stimulus of “sit” causes Drag to drop his rear end. It is as if there is some force that controls Drag. Humans experience this as well, but the difference is humans can control it, if they want to. The problem is that we often become lazy because it is easier to just respond to the stimulus’s we experience. To take control or to be cause in life requires effort requires us to think, to think ahead and determine what our actions will do to the future we face.
The difference between success, no matter how you define it and failure is how we respond to the environment. Your response can be one that only focuses on dealing with the stimulus at hand or it can be one that deals with the stimulus and creates a cause further down the road. When we create an outcome consciously we begin to feel free. When we respond in a way that limits the outcome to only dealing with the initial stimulus we create nothing more then what is required to deal with the initial experience. When we consciously look at what our actions will do in terms of cause and we choose an action that creates a desired response we achieve the ultimate experience of control and creation.
A typical example that I see often is with regards to work. Many express the feeling that they are in a dead end job or that their job does not allow any freedom of expression. Another example I see is in the area of personal fulfillment. Here many say that they are unable to do the things they really enjoy doing; rock climbing, golf, exercise, home projects, camping, fishing etc… because they feel pulled in different directions which brings us to the popular statement that "I just don’t have the time!" All of these examples are common among those who are not creating, who are not being cause in their own life.
It is not abnormal to have these feelings; in fact it is the norm in many of the clients I have worked with. It is important to understand that you will never eliminate being an effect in your life; you will always be required to respond to the cause of others. The key is to look at the stimulus’s you face differently. Look at all experiences as an opportunity to cause and create something from your response.
You can begin doing this with simple situations you face. For example, if you feel like you are out of control commit to cleaning one room in your house or apartment. One exercise I have my clients do when they are feeling depressed is to clean something they own, why? Cleaning allows them to get physical and allows them to take control of something. Physical movement allows your body to respond chemically by producing the "feel good" chemical bath of endorphins. When we see change that occurs from our own actions we also tend to speak to ourselves in more positive ways. I have had some clients who were clinically depressed that literally cured their depression by cleaning something every day. They did not have to clean their whole house; they just needed to change something by through their actions.
Once you recognize the power of being cause in your environment via cleaning you can begin doing it in other areas of your life. Organizing your home, car or work area can have tremendous effect on how you feel. By understanding that all actions produce an effect you can become more responsible to the experiences you have. Of course we all will experience others having some control over what we do, but we ultimately have the final say in how we will respond. Commit today to taking control in some small way in your life by cleaning something or organizing some area. Get in the habit of doing something consistently and then consciously begin adding to your habits in such a way that will have lasting effects on your environment. Eventually you will experience a life most only dream of, a life of creation.
Sunday, 4 January 2009
A FULLY-FUNCTIONING PSYCHOLOGY
By: Dr. John P. DeMann
Much of psychology as we see it today has been developed with the doctrines of Freud. This has created a focus on what is wrong with the client (Seligman, 2002, 2003). Positive Psychology has as one of its premises that psychological well-being is best achieved by practicing a person’s strengths, not weaknesses (Linley, Joseph, 2004). Positive Psychology was an attempt to counter the twentieth century orientation of mainstream psychology, the disease medical model (Linley, Joseph, 2004). Although this may be a move in the right direction it still does not address the missing link, an integrated approach. The medical model has much to offer and trying to replace it may not be the answer. The Positive Psychology model has much to offer, but replacing it is not the complete answer either. Using an eclectic approach, in terms of skill and philosophy, seems to be a possible direction where a client is treated for illness and guided to strive for experiencing self-actualization to create a fully-functioning person. The problem seems to be that psychology has focused on individual aspects of human nature and in this approach has failed to produce a fully-functioning psychology that treats not only illness, but also promotes self-actualization and a fully-functioning person.
Seligman says that psychology has done well in finding cures in psychological illnesses. He states that out of a few hundred psychological illnesses 13 of them can be cured and most can have the symptoms removed partly using proper medication and therapy (Seligman, 2002). This does not show much in terms of improvement or growth in the field of therapy or psychology as a whole. I am not saying the current medical model of psychology is not working; it is to a point, but it is ignoring some important aspects of the nature of man/women. Psychology on a practical level is ignoring what Rogers called the fully-functioning person. Because of this we see only a portion of psychology being practiced fully and much of what psychology can offer in terms of growth, development and genuine happiness is being ignored. If psychology could integrate, for example Positive Psychology and the medical model, it could become a dominating force in all areas of life. For example, business and other fields could benefit from a fully-functioning psychology by not just focusing on the problem, but also deal with the strengths of the individual. Communities are another example where a fully-functioning psychology could be beneficial. In other words, there is much to be gained if psychology could find an integrated approach where focus is given to the medical model and the Positive Psychology model. The problem seems not to be with the ideas researchers come up with in terms of individual concepts and theories, but with the neglect of the self-actualization aspect of the client to create the fully-functioning person, organization or community. This approach would not only help the client, but psychology as a whole by creating a broader focus in the field in treating the client fully.
There is a move in the medical field and in the insurance industry to a more preventative model of medical care. They are not ignoring the illness and cure aspect; however they are bringing more focus on the importance of prevention. Psychology seems to have a problem today doing this where therapy and even industrial and organizational approaches focus on what is wrong with people, ignoring the part behavior plays, for example, responsibility of choice, in illness and low productivity (Glasser, 2003). Many illnesses, including some of the more prevalent psychological illnesses are caused by behavior (Hatfield, 2004), for example, smoking, poor nutrition, lack of appropriate levels of exercise to name just a few. Many of these behaviors have been linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity (Hatfield, 2004). Some of these may have a genetic factor that play a role, but many are triggered by lifestyle or treatment. Glasser (2003) suggests that psychiatry can be the cause of mental illness in some cases. He suggests that many who seek help are not suffering from mental illness, their brain is functioning normally. When the client is given medication to deal with mental issues he suggests that the drug can often create real mental disabilities (Glasser, 2003). This means that sometimes using medication to treat many of the psychological illnesses places the client at risk for other health issues (Glasser, 2003). In this approach many times we are only covering up the symptoms, but we are also creating new problems and other symptoms from the medications being prescribed (Glasser, 2003). This is not to deny medication is not needed, but research has shown that we depend on medication too much and in many cases these psychological drugs are not being prescribed appropriately (Linley, Joseph, 2004). Many times they are prescribed by our general healthcare practitioner who has had no training or at best limited training in mental illness causing even more confusion and low levels of care (Glasser, 2003).
One area that psychology and psychiatry have completely ignored in the area of treatment is the benefits of diet and exercise. The truth is that many psychologists and psychiatrists are not even trained in exercise physiology or nutrition. Much research has shown the benefits of proper nutrition and diet (Linley, Joseph, 2004; Glasser, 2003; Seligman, 2002; Hatfield, 2004). Diet and exercise are powerful natural forces that could in some cases take the place of medication. Our bodies have the most powerful pharmacy in the world and it rarely fails to prescribe the perfect amount of medication needed. Whenever we experience symptoms of illness of any kind the body is trying to tell us something. Take for example obesity. Obesity is an epidemic that in most cases could be prevented through proper diet and nutrition (Hatfield, 2004). Some may suggest that this illness is a behavior or choice problem and psychology could play a major role in helping clients overcome this deadly disease by helping clients make more responsible choices using psychology’s many tools. This could and should in most cases be done without medication creating a more “clear” mental environment to deal with the problem. Some psychologists suggest that most of us who experience illness in any form could have prevented it by changing our lifestyle or behavior (Linley, Joseph, 2004; Glasser, 2003; Seligman, 2002).
Health and wellness, mental and physical, also play a role in organizations. An example where well-being plays a major role in business can be seen in job related well-being (Linley, Joseph, 2004). This can be defined as the promotion of physical and psychological health at work and can create positive results in many areas of business (Linley, Joseph, 2004). There seems to be a need for a complete approach that can help in prevention of illness and helping organizations become more productive. What Rogers (1961) called the fully-functioning person and Maslow (1968) called a self-actualizing person could be the model for all employees. One way to do this could be through an integrated approach that takes individuals or organizations from illness to well-being using ideas from the medical model, humanistic model and the Positive Psychology model as examples to strive for a fully-functioning human being or organization.
Another way to look at a fully-functioning approach would be to consider psychological illness to well-being as existing on a continuum. Consider for a moment a scale from -10 to +10. The scale can be broken down into three main sections, psychosis, un-psychosis and self-actualization. Starting with -10 to -1 we see all forms of psychological illness or psychosis. On the scale 0 represents a neutral state what could be considered un-psychosis, the client is not suffering from mental illness, but they are not fulfilled either. From +1 to +10 we can see psychological well-being or self-actualization. Today psychology focuses mainly on the -10 to -1 portion of the scale relieving individuals from symptoms of mental illness (Linley, Joseph, 2004). This leaves the client at 0 on the scale where some will continue to improve the quality of their life, but many do not and fall back into mental illness or psychosis having to repeat the process over and over (Linley, Joseph, 2004). Another way to look at this example is to suggest that the there are four stages of psychological treatment and well-being. The first stage can be called the stage of needs where the client must meet her basic needs to be able to experience mental health. The second stage could be called the transition stage where the client has met her basic needs and are ready to grow. The third stage would be called the self-actualization stage where the client seeks growth actively. The final or fourth stage could be called the fully-functioning person who can meet any one of the stages on their own recognizing life fluctuates in and out of happiness and unhappiness.
Psychology can do much in terms of dealing with psychosis or illness and it can do much focusing on the self-actualization part of the above scale, but it can do much more if a model can be developed that uses all the stages mentioned above. Positive Psychology is a move in the right direction and provides a great deal of research in the third or fourth stage of the above scale, but because it fails to recognize fully the effectiveness of the disease model it is not a fully-functioning psychology. The bottom line is that the medical model and models like the Positive Psychology model fall short in creating a workable solution to psychological well-being. My goal is to bring to the table information and research that can support a “fully-functioning” psychology where all the stages of the scale above are integrated. It is important to note that the scale can be entered anywhere; the fully-functioning person moves in and out of all the stages successfully. The difference is that they can do it on their own providing a more fulfilling life which in itself can help prevent mental illness and physical illness as well.
Glasser, William. (2003). Warning: Psychiatry can be hazardous to your mental health. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.
Hatfield, Fredrick, C. (2004). Fitness: The complete guide. Santa Barbara, CA: International Sports Sciences Association.
Linley, P., Alex & Joseph, Stephen. (2004). Positive psychology in practice. New Jersey, Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Maslow, Abraham, H. (1999). Toward a psychology of being (3rd ed.). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
Rogers, Carl, R. (1995). On becoming a person. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Seligman, Martin, E. P. (2002). Authentic happiness: using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
Much of psychology as we see it today has been developed with the doctrines of Freud. This has created a focus on what is wrong with the client (Seligman, 2002, 2003). Positive Psychology has as one of its premises that psychological well-being is best achieved by practicing a person’s strengths, not weaknesses (Linley, Joseph, 2004). Positive Psychology was an attempt to counter the twentieth century orientation of mainstream psychology, the disease medical model (Linley, Joseph, 2004). Although this may be a move in the right direction it still does not address the missing link, an integrated approach. The medical model has much to offer and trying to replace it may not be the answer. The Positive Psychology model has much to offer, but replacing it is not the complete answer either. Using an eclectic approach, in terms of skill and philosophy, seems to be a possible direction where a client is treated for illness and guided to strive for experiencing self-actualization to create a fully-functioning person. The problem seems to be that psychology has focused on individual aspects of human nature and in this approach has failed to produce a fully-functioning psychology that treats not only illness, but also promotes self-actualization and a fully-functioning person.
Seligman says that psychology has done well in finding cures in psychological illnesses. He states that out of a few hundred psychological illnesses 13 of them can be cured and most can have the symptoms removed partly using proper medication and therapy (Seligman, 2002). This does not show much in terms of improvement or growth in the field of therapy or psychology as a whole. I am not saying the current medical model of psychology is not working; it is to a point, but it is ignoring some important aspects of the nature of man/women. Psychology on a practical level is ignoring what Rogers called the fully-functioning person. Because of this we see only a portion of psychology being practiced fully and much of what psychology can offer in terms of growth, development and genuine happiness is being ignored. If psychology could integrate, for example Positive Psychology and the medical model, it could become a dominating force in all areas of life. For example, business and other fields could benefit from a fully-functioning psychology by not just focusing on the problem, but also deal with the strengths of the individual. Communities are another example where a fully-functioning psychology could be beneficial. In other words, there is much to be gained if psychology could find an integrated approach where focus is given to the medical model and the Positive Psychology model. The problem seems not to be with the ideas researchers come up with in terms of individual concepts and theories, but with the neglect of the self-actualization aspect of the client to create the fully-functioning person, organization or community. This approach would not only help the client, but psychology as a whole by creating a broader focus in the field in treating the client fully.
There is a move in the medical field and in the insurance industry to a more preventative model of medical care. They are not ignoring the illness and cure aspect; however they are bringing more focus on the importance of prevention. Psychology seems to have a problem today doing this where therapy and even industrial and organizational approaches focus on what is wrong with people, ignoring the part behavior plays, for example, responsibility of choice, in illness and low productivity (Glasser, 2003). Many illnesses, including some of the more prevalent psychological illnesses are caused by behavior (Hatfield, 2004), for example, smoking, poor nutrition, lack of appropriate levels of exercise to name just a few. Many of these behaviors have been linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity (Hatfield, 2004). Some of these may have a genetic factor that play a role, but many are triggered by lifestyle or treatment. Glasser (2003) suggests that psychiatry can be the cause of mental illness in some cases. He suggests that many who seek help are not suffering from mental illness, their brain is functioning normally. When the client is given medication to deal with mental issues he suggests that the drug can often create real mental disabilities (Glasser, 2003). This means that sometimes using medication to treat many of the psychological illnesses places the client at risk for other health issues (Glasser, 2003). In this approach many times we are only covering up the symptoms, but we are also creating new problems and other symptoms from the medications being prescribed (Glasser, 2003). This is not to deny medication is not needed, but research has shown that we depend on medication too much and in many cases these psychological drugs are not being prescribed appropriately (Linley, Joseph, 2004). Many times they are prescribed by our general healthcare practitioner who has had no training or at best limited training in mental illness causing even more confusion and low levels of care (Glasser, 2003).
One area that psychology and psychiatry have completely ignored in the area of treatment is the benefits of diet and exercise. The truth is that many psychologists and psychiatrists are not even trained in exercise physiology or nutrition. Much research has shown the benefits of proper nutrition and diet (Linley, Joseph, 2004; Glasser, 2003; Seligman, 2002; Hatfield, 2004). Diet and exercise are powerful natural forces that could in some cases take the place of medication. Our bodies have the most powerful pharmacy in the world and it rarely fails to prescribe the perfect amount of medication needed. Whenever we experience symptoms of illness of any kind the body is trying to tell us something. Take for example obesity. Obesity is an epidemic that in most cases could be prevented through proper diet and nutrition (Hatfield, 2004). Some may suggest that this illness is a behavior or choice problem and psychology could play a major role in helping clients overcome this deadly disease by helping clients make more responsible choices using psychology’s many tools. This could and should in most cases be done without medication creating a more “clear” mental environment to deal with the problem. Some psychologists suggest that most of us who experience illness in any form could have prevented it by changing our lifestyle or behavior (Linley, Joseph, 2004; Glasser, 2003; Seligman, 2002).
Health and wellness, mental and physical, also play a role in organizations. An example where well-being plays a major role in business can be seen in job related well-being (Linley, Joseph, 2004). This can be defined as the promotion of physical and psychological health at work and can create positive results in many areas of business (Linley, Joseph, 2004). There seems to be a need for a complete approach that can help in prevention of illness and helping organizations become more productive. What Rogers (1961) called the fully-functioning person and Maslow (1968) called a self-actualizing person could be the model for all employees. One way to do this could be through an integrated approach that takes individuals or organizations from illness to well-being using ideas from the medical model, humanistic model and the Positive Psychology model as examples to strive for a fully-functioning human being or organization.
Another way to look at a fully-functioning approach would be to consider psychological illness to well-being as existing on a continuum. Consider for a moment a scale from -10 to +10. The scale can be broken down into three main sections, psychosis, un-psychosis and self-actualization. Starting with -10 to -1 we see all forms of psychological illness or psychosis. On the scale 0 represents a neutral state what could be considered un-psychosis, the client is not suffering from mental illness, but they are not fulfilled either. From +1 to +10 we can see psychological well-being or self-actualization. Today psychology focuses mainly on the -10 to -1 portion of the scale relieving individuals from symptoms of mental illness (Linley, Joseph, 2004). This leaves the client at 0 on the scale where some will continue to improve the quality of their life, but many do not and fall back into mental illness or psychosis having to repeat the process over and over (Linley, Joseph, 2004). Another way to look at this example is to suggest that the there are four stages of psychological treatment and well-being. The first stage can be called the stage of needs where the client must meet her basic needs to be able to experience mental health. The second stage could be called the transition stage where the client has met her basic needs and are ready to grow. The third stage would be called the self-actualization stage where the client seeks growth actively. The final or fourth stage could be called the fully-functioning person who can meet any one of the stages on their own recognizing life fluctuates in and out of happiness and unhappiness.
Psychology can do much in terms of dealing with psychosis or illness and it can do much focusing on the self-actualization part of the above scale, but it can do much more if a model can be developed that uses all the stages mentioned above. Positive Psychology is a move in the right direction and provides a great deal of research in the third or fourth stage of the above scale, but because it fails to recognize fully the effectiveness of the disease model it is not a fully-functioning psychology. The bottom line is that the medical model and models like the Positive Psychology model fall short in creating a workable solution to psychological well-being. My goal is to bring to the table information and research that can support a “fully-functioning” psychology where all the stages of the scale above are integrated. It is important to note that the scale can be entered anywhere; the fully-functioning person moves in and out of all the stages successfully. The difference is that they can do it on their own providing a more fulfilling life which in itself can help prevent mental illness and physical illness as well.
Glasser, William. (2003). Warning: Psychiatry can be hazardous to your mental health. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.
Hatfield, Fredrick, C. (2004). Fitness: The complete guide. Santa Barbara, CA: International Sports Sciences Association.
Linley, P., Alex & Joseph, Stephen. (2004). Positive psychology in practice. New Jersey, Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Maslow, Abraham, H. (1999). Toward a psychology of being (3rd ed.). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
Rogers, Carl, R. (1995). On becoming a person. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Seligman, Martin, E. P. (2002). Authentic happiness: using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
"A Great Time to Grow"
Hi Everyone!
I am looking forward to the new year and I know many of you are as well. I also know that many of you, as I am, are experienceing a great deal of change and concern with all that is happening.
As I sat thinking this morning, as I do every morning, I realized something very important with regards to change. I realized that change is when people can grow. In fact, it is, I think, the only sure way to grow. Think about it, when we experience change we have to consider the values we hold and we have to change those values to meet the change with success. If we do not look at our values and adapt to the environment we can experience great pain.
With what we are experiencing today we can welcome it with open arms. This is a new year and it is in the new year people like to make changes to their life. I know I do and this year will be a very important year for myself and The Pillers. I have thought deeply about the values I hold and the values the Pillars holds in terms of what makes a great life and a great bussiness. I plan on making this year the best year of my life!
I would like to hear from you and what you have learned from the changes you have experienced due to the situation we all face. In fact, we all can learn from each other and I want this to be a place where we can share helpful hints in terms of getting along with life and experiencing true happiness.
Feel free to share your story and remember you may respond to me directly at: john@7poe.com. You may also call me at: 513-234-7848. I am very excited to hear from you and I hope only the best for all of you. Start the year off helping others by sending me your story so I can share it with my readers.
Dr. John P. DeMann, CPEC
Member: ICF
Member: APA
I am looking forward to the new year and I know many of you are as well. I also know that many of you, as I am, are experienceing a great deal of change and concern with all that is happening.
As I sat thinking this morning, as I do every morning, I realized something very important with regards to change. I realized that change is when people can grow. In fact, it is, I think, the only sure way to grow. Think about it, when we experience change we have to consider the values we hold and we have to change those values to meet the change with success. If we do not look at our values and adapt to the environment we can experience great pain.
With what we are experiencing today we can welcome it with open arms. This is a new year and it is in the new year people like to make changes to their life. I know I do and this year will be a very important year for myself and The Pillers. I have thought deeply about the values I hold and the values the Pillars holds in terms of what makes a great life and a great bussiness. I plan on making this year the best year of my life!
I would like to hear from you and what you have learned from the changes you have experienced due to the situation we all face. In fact, we all can learn from each other and I want this to be a place where we can share helpful hints in terms of getting along with life and experiencing true happiness.
Feel free to share your story and remember you may respond to me directly at: john@7poe.com. You may also call me at: 513-234-7848. I am very excited to hear from you and I hope only the best for all of you. Start the year off helping others by sending me your story so I can share it with my readers.
Dr. John P. DeMann, CPEC
Member: ICF
Member: APA
Friday, 28 November 2008
“Our Thoughts Create Our Reality”
By: Dr. John P. DeMann
“I theorized that there was a thinking disorder at the core of the psychiatric syndromes such as depression and anxiety.” Aaron T. Beck, M.D.
I suggest that this is also true for experiencing happiness, fulfillment or any of the positive emotions we all seek in what we do. The fact that we can only think of one thing at a time tells us that an emotion equal to the thought will be attached to the thought. This really means that if we are depressed we are thinking depressing thoughts.
Of course we must take into consideration the chemistry of the mind-body system when we seek answers to questions like: Why am I depressed? Or why am I angry? This reality is in the thought itself. When we ask these questions we only serve the emotion of depression or anger. What would happen if we changed the questions to: What am I happy about or what can I do to experience this situation in a positive way?
If we can only think of one idea at a time then it stands to reason the questions that ask: What am I happy about? Or what can I do to experience this situation in a positive way, can only provide emotions that serve the positive answers we seek from the questions above. In short, the quality of life in many cases is determined by the quality of questions we ask ourselves.
This may seem simple and too basic, but I can say from experience that a person is usually only as happy as they “think” they are. If we can reframe our questions to require positive answers we will experience the emotions attached to the quality of the questions. I believe this one idea can make a big difference in the quality of life one lives.
To experience this first hand we have to first realize we usually create habitual responses to the world we experience. In fact, the world we experience is based on the thoughts we have. Of course you could be experiencing serious issues, but I suggest if you ask the right questions you can create a world many only dream of and to do this you must first recognize your habitual responses to your experiences.
Next you can take notice of the responses you have to situations and consciously begin catching yourself and finding more empowering responses to the situation at hand. It is important to leave all negativity behind. This does not mean you will not have negative responses in the beginning. Remember, you have to break the habit of negative responses and create a new habit of responding positively to all situations. There is not one situation you cannot find a way to experience it in an empowering way. If you can think of any let me know, but I think you will find that simply asking: What can I learn from this experience, you will create positive responses to any scenario.
Try this for 30 days and see what happens. Remember:
1. Recognize your habitual response to most situations.
2. Catch yourself and make a conscious effort to respond with an empowering question.
3. Notice the difference in the emotions you experience when you reframe questions or thoughts.
4. Keep a journal of your experience in this exercise.
5. Let me know how it worked.
You may respond openly on the journal page here or you may respond to me privately at john@7poe.com. I hope to hear from you!
Experience the Good Life,
Dr. John P. DeMann, CPEC, PCC/ICF, ISSA
By: Dr. John P. DeMann
“I theorized that there was a thinking disorder at the core of the psychiatric syndromes such as depression and anxiety.” Aaron T. Beck, M.D.
I suggest that this is also true for experiencing happiness, fulfillment or any of the positive emotions we all seek in what we do. The fact that we can only think of one thing at a time tells us that an emotion equal to the thought will be attached to the thought. This really means that if we are depressed we are thinking depressing thoughts.
Of course we must take into consideration the chemistry of the mind-body system when we seek answers to questions like: Why am I depressed? Or why am I angry? This reality is in the thought itself. When we ask these questions we only serve the emotion of depression or anger. What would happen if we changed the questions to: What am I happy about or what can I do to experience this situation in a positive way?
If we can only think of one idea at a time then it stands to reason the questions that ask: What am I happy about? Or what can I do to experience this situation in a positive way, can only provide emotions that serve the positive answers we seek from the questions above. In short, the quality of life in many cases is determined by the quality of questions we ask ourselves.
This may seem simple and too basic, but I can say from experience that a person is usually only as happy as they “think” they are. If we can reframe our questions to require positive answers we will experience the emotions attached to the quality of the questions. I believe this one idea can make a big difference in the quality of life one lives.
To experience this first hand we have to first realize we usually create habitual responses to the world we experience. In fact, the world we experience is based on the thoughts we have. Of course you could be experiencing serious issues, but I suggest if you ask the right questions you can create a world many only dream of and to do this you must first recognize your habitual responses to your experiences.
Next you can take notice of the responses you have to situations and consciously begin catching yourself and finding more empowering responses to the situation at hand. It is important to leave all negativity behind. This does not mean you will not have negative responses in the beginning. Remember, you have to break the habit of negative responses and create a new habit of responding positively to all situations. There is not one situation you cannot find a way to experience it in an empowering way. If you can think of any let me know, but I think you will find that simply asking: What can I learn from this experience, you will create positive responses to any scenario.
Try this for 30 days and see what happens. Remember:
1. Recognize your habitual response to most situations.
2. Catch yourself and make a conscious effort to respond with an empowering question.
3. Notice the difference in the emotions you experience when you reframe questions or thoughts.
4. Keep a journal of your experience in this exercise.
5. Let me know how it worked.
You may respond openly on the journal page here or you may respond to me privately at john@7poe.com. I hope to hear from you!
Experience the Good Life,
Dr. John P. DeMann, CPEC, PCC/ICF, ISSA
Saturday, 8 November 2008
5 ways to Get in Shape for The New Year
5 Ways to Get in Shape for The New Year
Mason, Oh - 11/07/2008 - There's always that one New Year's resolution that comes back to haunt us year after year only to remain unfulfilled. How often have you made it through the holiday feasting to find a few mysterious extra pounds hovering around your midsection and resolved that "this year, I'm going to get into shape"?
And how often has that resolution fallen by the wayside once the fireworks die down and you get back into the momentum of your life?
The Pillars of Excellence has worked with many medical doctors and health care providers in helping their patients rid excess bodyfat, increase energy and stay fit through custom health and fitness programs. We also work with organizations around the world creating wellness programs that fit their needs.
Below are the five most manageable ways we have found to get in shape and stay in shape for the New Year.
1. Drink lots of water - Our bodies are made up of something like 70% water. Just a 1% drop in water intake can severely dehydrate you, limiting your performance in every aspect of your life.
2. Cut out fast food - fast food just isn't good for your body. Regardless of what the high-powered advertising agencies tell you. Fast food has too many chemicals, food additives, refined sugars, high fructose corn syrup, fried foods, and an overall lack of nutrition. If high calorie, non-nutrition is what you are after, fast food may be for you. The personal trainers advise against this bad habit.
3. Eat 5-7 small meals per day - Yes, you heard that right! Small frequent meals throughout the day not only levels out your blood sugar, decreasing the lows you may experience throughout the day, but eating sensibly, and often, will provide your muscles and body with the appropriate nutrition you need to get you through your entire day.
4. Exercise every day - Old research said you must exercise 30 minutes a day, but the latest experts suggest this just isn't enough. What do you need to get in the best shape of your life? 60 minutes of vigorous exercise, daily.
5. Consult a personal trainer or contact The Pillars of Excellence - Let's face it; personal trainers know their stuff. They train, study, and devote themselves to being a better health and fitness expert everyday. They work out everyday, eat smart, and are right in the middle of several teams of experts. If you just booked one session to ensure you are on the right track, your body will thank you for it. Not to mention your significant other.
Have Fun!
Dr. John P. DeMann, ISSA, CPEC/ICF
Email: john@7poe.com
Phone: 513-234-7848
Mason, Oh - 11/07/2008 - There's always that one New Year's resolution that comes back to haunt us year after year only to remain unfulfilled. How often have you made it through the holiday feasting to find a few mysterious extra pounds hovering around your midsection and resolved that "this year, I'm going to get into shape"?
And how often has that resolution fallen by the wayside once the fireworks die down and you get back into the momentum of your life?
The Pillars of Excellence has worked with many medical doctors and health care providers in helping their patients rid excess bodyfat, increase energy and stay fit through custom health and fitness programs. We also work with organizations around the world creating wellness programs that fit their needs.
Below are the five most manageable ways we have found to get in shape and stay in shape for the New Year.
1. Drink lots of water - Our bodies are made up of something like 70% water. Just a 1% drop in water intake can severely dehydrate you, limiting your performance in every aspect of your life.
2. Cut out fast food - fast food just isn't good for your body. Regardless of what the high-powered advertising agencies tell you. Fast food has too many chemicals, food additives, refined sugars, high fructose corn syrup, fried foods, and an overall lack of nutrition. If high calorie, non-nutrition is what you are after, fast food may be for you. The personal trainers advise against this bad habit.
3. Eat 5-7 small meals per day - Yes, you heard that right! Small frequent meals throughout the day not only levels out your blood sugar, decreasing the lows you may experience throughout the day, but eating sensibly, and often, will provide your muscles and body with the appropriate nutrition you need to get you through your entire day.
4. Exercise every day - Old research said you must exercise 30 minutes a day, but the latest experts suggest this just isn't enough. What do you need to get in the best shape of your life? 60 minutes of vigorous exercise, daily.
5. Consult a personal trainer or contact The Pillars of Excellence - Let's face it; personal trainers know their stuff. They train, study, and devote themselves to being a better health and fitness expert everyday. They work out everyday, eat smart, and are right in the middle of several teams of experts. If you just booked one session to ensure you are on the right track, your body will thank you for it. Not to mention your significant other.
Have Fun!
Dr. John P. DeMann, ISSA, CPEC/ICF
Email: john@7poe.com
Phone: 513-234-7848
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