On a recent call with a client, a common problem came to the surface.

She had lost the ability to put herself first – ahead of all the other “priorities “in her life.

Sure, people budget for trips, household expenses, groceries, kids’ education, helping aging parents, and saving for retirement, but hardly EVER for their health.

She didn’t feel worthy of setting aside time and resources for her health.

Not feeling “worthy” of being healthy is a common mindset – especially for women who have made it a habit to put the needs of others ahead of their own.

Here’s the truth. 

A person will only ever be as healthy as they feel worthy to be. YOU are your greatest asset.

This topic of feeling deserving of good health was recently discussed on a Huberman Lab podcast episode with physician and author Dr. Gabriel Lyon, “How to Exercise and Eat for Optimal Health & Longevity.”

In the podcast, Dr. Lyon mentions that when people don’t feel worthy enough, they repeatedly sabotage themselves – the body they desire and the vitality they seek.

If you don’t feel worthy, you will use it as a distraction from getting what you want and focus on not feeling well, feeling tired, and all the other physical aspects accompanying ill health. 

The amazing part? You have the power to flip the script. 

How?

Start by being curious about why you perceive your worth less than anyone else’s.  

Where did that belief come from?   

Since our subconscious controls 95% of our actions, observing our mindset is crucial to success.

You need to relentlessly put systems into place that help YOU thrive.

When you start putting yourself first, you show up as a better version of yourself in all the other areas of your life – your family, friends, and coworkers.  

But it has to start with you.

The more you can raise awareness and see the red flags in your beliefs, the better your chance of changing them.

As the late psychotherapist and writer Nathaniel Branden said, “The first step towards change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”

This acceptance is not a sign of defeat but a beacon of hope for your journey of self-improvement. It’s the first step towards a better, healthier you. 

And, the next time you have a thought that disempowers you, move on immediately. Act independently of that thought in ways that are in your best interest versus a behaviour you don’t want. For example, if you think that you’re not good enough to go to the gym, act independently of that thought by going to the gym anyway.

This is a powerful way to retrain your mind and build self-worth. 

Our health is our greatest wealth. How amazing is it that we can support it every day with the right actions to feel worthy?

Play on!

Your friend and coach,

Jan

P.S. One action you can take today is to join RED January – www.redjanuary.ca! Signing up is free, and choose whether to raise money for our Canadian Charity Partner, The GenWell Project. Together, we are working to boost our nation’s mental, physical and social well-being by inspiring everyone to Rise Every Day by stepping outside, building new relationships, strengthening bonds, and making connection a daily habit for a healthier, happier society. So join now, grab a friend or, better yet, everyone you work with and create a team!