I find myself meeting new people fairly regularly here in Kentucky and hearing a comment like the title of this blog. What’s fascinating to me is that people actually categorize healthy people in a way that could never include them. As if they’re stating, Oh, you’re black.” “Oh, you’re a banker.” “Oh, you’re divorced.” Things they may never actually be.
Anyone can lead a healthy lifestyle. I mean, I understand access is essential, education imperative. However, when these comments come from people that can actually change their behaviors, these people truly don’t see themselves ever fitting into this healthy category. It’s as foreign to them as changing careers or converting to a different religion. As if they have resolved to fit into the unhealthy category and are indeed content with it. How do we change this mentality?
I agree that people with unhealthy lifestyles may be able to conceptualize themselves in the context of leading a healthier lifestyle. Perhaps it because they see the change as overwhelmingly out of reach. What we need to support is the idea that small changes can make a big difference. When faced with a big problem, we often can’t see the trees for the forest. If you think about cutting down the entire forest, the job is too difficult. But can you clear one small tree? It is the same with lifestyle behaviors. Educating people on how to choose one or two small, attainable goals to reach at a time allows them to experience success and build self esteem and confidence. We don’t become a banker without first accomplishing preliminary steps that build on each other towards that goal. The same is true about health habits.