Health Simplified: The Health Edit Process
In a previous article, I introduced the concept of becoming your own "health editor" to simplify the journey toward a healthier and more comfortable life. This editing approach allows you to concentrate your energy on what truly matters.
After nearly two decades of working closely with clients, I've developed the Health Edit process as a response to the common hurdles people face in achieving better health.
This process serves as an antidote to the overwhelm many of us experience when embarking on a health and wellness journey. It provides a straightforward and accessible path to success.
The Health Edit Process: A Four-Step Guide
The Health Edit process comprises four key steps:
Step 1: Commitment and Goal Setting
The process begins with a clear commitment to change one aspect of your health. I've previously discussed the difference between being merely interested and fully committed to a goal and how it impacts your chances of success. (For more on this topic, check out this article I wrote. Once you've committed, it's time to establish a strategy with three to four simple rules that will set you up for success.
Step 2: Crafting the Right Strategy
In this step, it's crucial to define the rules and guidelines that will steer you in the right direction. These rules should be straightforward and concise, yet, more importantly, they need to be relevant and results-driven.
Step 3: Implement the change
The key to consistency in implementation lies in the habit tools you use. What works for one person may not work for another. I talk more in this article I wrote about the different ways you can embed your change into your daily routine and keep it there.
Step 4: Refinement and Review
After setting your strategy, the journey continues with continuous refinement. Just as you would polish sections of a book, essay, or report until they're ready to publish, you should continually improve your chosen health habit until you're satisfied with it. Periodically review your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Allow me to illustrate the Health Edit process through my own experience. In mid-2023, following a challenging injury—a broken jaw—I decided it was time to improve my physical fitness. After absorbing valuable insights from Dr. Andy Galpin's exercise series on the Huberman Lab podcast, I realised the importance of setting a specific goal. So, I made a commitment: I aimed to run a half marathon within six months.
My running strategy centred around four simple rules:
Run with a short stride.
Implement a run-walk-run strategy.
Maintain a light and low running technique.
Err on the side of caution under training rather than overtraining.
After each run, each week, and each month, I reviewed my wearable running data and made ongoing refinements. The result? Achieving long-distance running with ease and staying injury-free—especially crucial at my age.
As I approach my half marathon goal, I'll take time to reflect and decide on the next steps. It might involve a brief pause, a new fitness objective, or a complete shift towards a different goal related to mastering a healthy mindset. The key takeaway here is to take action and steadily work toward your goals over time. Remember, it's better to under-train and avoid injury than to overdo it and sideline yourself for weeks.
Throughout the entire Health Edit process, the need for accountability, support, and troubleshooting remains integral. Ideally, you should seek professional guidance to ensure you're on the right track to achieve the results you desire.
By embracing the Health Edit process, you can make your journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life easier. This four-step method—commitment, strategy, implementation, refinement—provides a structured, manageable path to wellness. Remember that professional support and accountability play a vital role in your success. So, take charge, set your goals, and edit your way to a healthier and happier you.
