It is impossible to be truly happy without your health. No man or woman can be considered a success without a healthy body and a healthy mind to go with it. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance in my opinion that we seek health first, then happiness and success can truly be realized. Most of us get it wrong. We go after success thinking that if you’re a success, then happiness would follow not realizing that it is your health that makes happiness and success possible. It may take 5, 10, 15 or even 20 years to find success (if you find it at all) but can your health wait that long? There are so many people being diagnosed with chronic illnesses in their 30s and 40s, in the prime of life.
The body is like a car. You must maintain it and care for it if you want long lasting performance. You will only get out of your body, what you put into it. Don’t get me wrong, I am a firm believer in going after success as if your life depended on it and in some ways it does, but I also know that if you don’t exercise and eat healthy, your body will inevitably break down and when the body breaks down, the road to success shuts down until you can get your health back on track.
I remember hearing a story about one of the oil barons from the early 1900s by the name of John D. Rockefeller. Rockefeller was in his 50s, earning about $1,000,000 per week (that’s right $1,000,000), one day his physician told him, “John if you don’t change your living habits you won’t be around much longer to enjoy your millions”. Rockefeller asked his physician for advice on what he should do to improve his way of living. The doctor told Rockefeller 3 things (i) move away from the table even if you’re still a little bit hungry, (ii) stop worrying and (iii) get some exercise. Now you may think Rockefeller’s doctor must have been a simpleton, especially when you consider how much further along medical science has advanced since those days, but consider this fact: Rockefeller after taking his doctor’s advice lived until he was 98 years old. He probably outlived his doctor. Also, consider that the advice the doctor gave Rockefeller is appropriate even for today. Why did Rockefeller’s physician tell him to step away from the table even if he was still a little bit hungry? Because most Americans consume too many calories and therefore overeat. Why did the good doctor tell Rockefeller not to worry so much? Because too much stress can also affect your health and lastly, why did the doctor tell Rockefeller to exercise? Because most Americans even today are too sedentary and if you’re consuming too many calories, living a life of stress and not exercising, chances are you will become sick and sickness can come in the form of heart disease, diabetes, asthma, hypertension and other illnesses.
Rockefeller with all his wealth knew there was more to life than chasing after success. His lifestyle was leading him to an early grave, so he could not have been very happy. It wasn’t until he took the advice of his physician, that Rockefeller realized that without your health, happiness and success is virtually impossible to achieve.
I truly believe that health brings happiness and success. What are your thoughts about this? Do you agree? I would like to know.
Vince Ferguson
Thank you for this reminder just in time for the holiday season. Health, both physical and mental, is critical in order to enjoy wealth and success. The great part is the body is an amazing creation capable of healing, and even reversing disease. We know that health can be improved at any stage of our lives if we are mindful and make it a priority. Happy Healthy Thanksgiving!
Hello Leslie,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the subject. It is much appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.
I am perpetually thought about this, regards for posting.
Lovely Read.. Really makes you stop & think, reflect and also consider the changes I need to make in my life. We truly take our health fo granted and for far too long..
Hi Anita, thank you. When you put your health first, there isn’t anything you can’t accomplish in life. I truly believe this.