Personality Can Be the Key to Health Concerns

As the old saying goes, “I fell off the wagon again.” No, I am not an addict; I use that expression in regards to my excessive intake of food and lack of exercise, which can lead to a health concern. But, I always tell myself, “No problem; Monday is coming, and I’ll start again.”

Over my lifetime, I have taken many falls off that wagon, only to begin again on Monday. Some might call it a lack of discipline which, to some extent, it is. But, recently I believe I finally figured out the root cause of my problem and how to solve it.

Unbeknown to me at the time, my discovery actually started last year during the Pandemic. With a lot of extra time on my hands, plus becoming the chief cook at my house since dining in restaurants was halted, I decided it was time to do something about the condition that I found myself in. To be specific, I was overweight and under exercised.

It will relieve health coaches to know that I knew not to follow the latest diet fad nor set unrealistic exercise goals that I could not meet. Knowing these things, I set out to get it right. By getting it right, I mean I figured out the right kind of exercise, as well as a balanced healthy food intake suitable for me. As a result, I lost weight gradually, and I had a renewed surge of energy from walking three miles almost every day.

But, after a year, I fell off the wagon again, and honestly had no desire to begin again. But recently, taking another look at myself in the mirror with excess budges, not to mention a sluggish feeling from lack of exercise, I had a light bulb moment of something else that I did as a part of my regime last year - I journaled each day, keeping a record of my food intake and exercise program. I was even able to throw in an ice cream occasionally, and skipped a few walks with no guilt. But, then I got careless of keeping my journal updated, and off the wagon I rolled.

Yes, my light bulb moment convinced me that journaling was the key to keeping me on track because it works best for my personality. How in the world could personality enter into the picture? According to Psalm 139, each of us are uniquely designed. Within that design comes our own personality, consisting of both strengths and weaknesses. One of the biggest weaknesses of my personality type is easy-going, laid back, go with the flow, don’t rock the boat kind of attitude. On the surface, those traits sound good. But, when not properly directed, they have been known to wreak havoc in my life in more areas than just food intake and exercise.

The Bible says, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it” (James 4:17 NLT). So, I know the right thing to do as far as food and exercise, but in order to do that, I now realize I must keep a daily journal to help me offset the weakness of my personality. For a laid-back person like me, it appears as though it might have to be a lifetime commitment to write it down every day and check it off.

So, it’s back to journaling for me.

Reflection

Do you have problems staying on a healthy regime of food intake and exercise? If so, describe those areas where you are having problems.
Have you ever considered that your personality type might play a role in staying balanced?
What does the scripture in James 4:17 tell you about yourself in regard to having a healthy lifestyle? Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.