One of the biggest takeaways from a certification course I completed last year was not about a certain dietary protocol, hormonal pathway, microbiome function, or motivational interviewing technique (although we did cover all those things).
Looking back over everything I learned over the year-long curriculum, the thing that really stuck with me was this: when it comes to managing your nutrition and well-being, focus on the "big rocks."
(The analogy of ‘big rocks’ refers to the concept of putting rocks into a jar – if you
put in the smallest pebbles first, there is no room for the big rocks (aka your
priorities). But if you lay the foundation with the big rocks first, then the smaller
stones will fit in around them and fill the jar.)
It's easy to get caught up in all the specific, nitty-gritty details (how many grams of carbs should I be eating? Should I do 3 sets of 10 or 4 sets of 6? etc.), but ultimately, the foundational habits that you do consistently over time are the key factors in your overall health and wellness.
Regardless of the details, if someone is eating zero vegetables, or not getting good quality sleep, or is unable to manage their stress, no amount of supplements, strict diets, or complicated workout programs will be useful until those principle factors are addressed.
Or, to use my favorite analogy ever: if you’re focusing in on the smallest details and ignoring the fundamentals, you’re "mowing the lawn while the house is on fire."
What I see often is that people tend to get caught in the weeds, trying to make things more and more complicated in an effort to make progress – we have this idea that if something is not super challenging, then we’re not doing it right.
But in reality, taking a step back, simplifying, and focusing on those big rocks (and doing them consistently) is what will ultimately lead to long-term, sustainable health.
If you think you may be mowing the lawn while the house is on fire, check-in with yourself on the key areas that help you feel your best. Determine your own "big rocks," and find one step you can do right now to make those things happen consistently.
And if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, coaching can help! Together we can clarify your goals, simplify the steps, and start taking action to get you where you want to go. Send me a message or schedule your free consultation call to get started!
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