I recently listened to a podcast on the TED Radio Hour titled “Daily Habits of a Longevity Expert”.
During the interview, there was a conversation about food, exercise, and supplements.
Dan Buettner who studies the Blue Zones, said that changing our environment – surroundings and people around us – is a better way to approach longevity vs. a diet, supplements, & exercise.
His point was that if you wanted to be vegetarian, find a few vegetarian friends to trade recipes with.
Instead of just deciding to exercise more, join a pickleball group.
Find people to keep us on track and design spaces that make us want to do the activity.
My Perspective
I’m intrigued by how this concept might impact other areas of wellbeing beyond physical.
If we want to shift our career into a new area, how could we connect with others in the new field?
If we want to spend more time reading, how could we create an inviting reading nook in our home?
If we want to cook at home more often, how do we make our kitchen a place we want to spend time?
If we want more social interaction, how might we join a group that meets regularly (or start our own)?
We could look at our goals and aspirations for the year and think about the impact of people and places.
Explore each one and determine if people or environmental changes increase the odds of the change.
This also reminds me of the idea that you take on the responsibility for the role you want.
This approach helps us feel like the change has already happened ensuring we are moving in the right direction towards our aims.
Your Turn
What is the one thing you would like to look back on 2024 and say you accomplished?
How could you connect with people who have accomplished this or are on the same journey?
Are there opportunities to adjust the environment at work or home to increase likelihood of success?