Perfection is something I don’t think anyone is likely to achieve. In fact, if you did, then where would there be to go? There are those who have read or heard my story and feel as if “I have arrived”, I have achieved all I can, no need to do more . . .

Well, let me be the first to tell you, I am far from perfect. Yes, I have accomplished and exceeded many goals, but I am far from perfection. I eat a very balanced and healthy diet, my cholesterol is finally in line, I have lost weight, overcome the bizarre medical condition I was plagued with . . . but there is plenty of room for improvement.

I also drink way too much coffee, I don’t drink nearly enough water and rarely, if ever, take much needed rest time for me. I struggle with the theory (which is absolutely valid) of eating smaller amounts and more often, I almost never “cheat” and I don’t exactly know how to proceed towards my new goals.

So, what is the point of this post?

The point is we need to find balance. Balance is not only essential with regards to physical training or diet, but in life. It is very easy to think you are balanced when you are winning a battle such as weight loss and improved health, but what do we neglect in that quest? Perhaps it is the time you would spend with family, the time you might relax and read a book, or the time you could be doing more for others.

Although my current goals are being redefined (soon to be shared), finding this much needed balance is at the top of my list. Specific to weight loss and my past experiences, lack of balance is a big component of why my lifestyle and behavior “relapsed” when I had achieved goals in the past. It was just too hard to keep maintaining, lack of balance.

Over the last year, so much of what I do everyday has truly become habit. This is good. That will make continuing much of my behavioral pattern much easier. Now, I need to figure out how to be more efficient, more effective and balance that with other aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Physical health is only part of “well being”. Just like everything else in our universe, balance is the key. Our carbon emissions are way out of balance, so our planet is suffering. Cultural tension around the globe is out of balance, we have increasing amounts of conflict. Workaholics don’t spend enough time with their families and end up in dysfunctional relationships.

Balance is the key. I strive to achieve it.

I am going to drink more water, drink less coffee and try to rest more. But, I am also going to spend more time focusing on my kids, my wife, taking time to reflect . . . and find balanced health and well being. My improved health is a definite start, but the journey is far from over.

Josh Neimark – Agent of Change