Do You Have the WILL to Succeed? Don’t Pour Water on the Fire too Soon!

I recently had a conversation via text message with a patient that I felt compelled to share with all of you. Our correspondence went like this:

Patient: Do you think me being overweight and malnourished* would contribute to me getting pleurisy? This is the third time I’ve had this mess, and it is very painful.

*The patient knew they were malnourished because they heard me speak at a meeting where I stated that a lot of overweight people are malnourished because most of the foods they eat are void of nutrients.

Dr. Phil: Yes, absolutely, the stress that excess weight puts on your body and the lack of proper nutrition has a direct effect on your immune system thereby weakening its ability to fight off infection.

Patient: Yes, I know Phil, I’m telling you that is the most difficult thing I have had to deal with is weight control…it’s horrible, I have no will-power.

Dr. Phil: No, I think you do have the will power. You don’t have the WILL. You are not willing to discipline the flesh. Will-power is the motivation to exercise WILL, and WILL is the faculty by which a person decides on and initiates action.

Patient: Wow, you said it. That is a sermon in itself!! Seriously I will be the first to say that is me… I’m so ashamed at how I have let my body go. I need motivation…then the people I hang around with want to go and eat!!!!

Dr. Phil: Okay, if the fact that you have had pleurisy three times is not enough motivation, think about the people you know our age and younger who maybe in the past year or two who have had a stroke, heart attack, or been diagnosed with diabetes or cancer. If that is still not enough motivation go visit the nursing homes and see some of the 40 and 50 year olds that are there because they had no WILL.

Patient: I know Phil, you are right. I’m drinking ice water right now because you are burning my tail up! Thank you for the fire, I really need it.

Dr. Phil: Drinking water is a great start! Keep it up!

I know that we all know a family member or friend that struggles with the WILL to change their health problems before it can be too late, or maybe it is you, reading this right now, that struggles with WILL. Whatever the case, I challenge you to begin disciplining your flesh regarding your diet and eating habits.

If you do have the WILL to make a change, then I encourage you to not set yourself up for failure by biting off more than you can chew (no pun intended). Start with these three small changes to get the ball rolling and prove to yourself that you can do it.

1. Drink water only, coffee in the morning is okay too, but only with NO cream and sugar…we consume so many detrimental chemicals and artificial sweeteners in what we drink.
2. When eating out, split an entree with your partner, and if you’re single eat half the entree and take the other half home with you for another meal…this not only saves your health but money as well.
3. Eat a protein rich breakfast as often as you can, preferably every day…eggs are cheap, one of the healthiest things you can eat, and can be prepared in a way to please every palate.

You can improve your health starting right now! If you would like more information on developing healthy habits, contact me by filling out the contact form or click on the “Ask Dr. Phil” microphone and leave a voice message.

Healthy Blessings,
Dr. Phil

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