"Majoring in the minors."
The idea is that you spend the majority of your time and effort on the actions that have minimal return.
We fall victim to stepping over the $100 bill to pick up pennies.
It's easy to dismiss the fundamental pillars of health and wellness.
They aren't sexy. They aren't flashy, and they are often boring.
The health pillars we all know well have become so familiar that we’ve nearly forgotten them; however, they work.
There's a place for niche, nuanced, and specific health tactics, but they should only be icing on the cake after you've got the basic stuff right.
The Basics Pillars of Health
What actions yield the most return?
- Lifting weights. Strength training.
- Sweating daily. Sprinting occasionally. Movement.
- Fueling properly. Avoiding obesity. Energy balance.
- Prioritizing sleep.
- Having purpose, a community, and meaningful relationships.
These aren't revolutionary.
The pillars we all know.
But at this point, it's easy to overlook and even roll our eyes because we've heard them so many times.
We are easily distracted by the promises of new fads and alluring programs when our focus should be on laying a strong foundation.
Consistent exercise will result in a greater return than supplements or biohacking.
We tend to avoid exercise because it requires effort.
The key is to integrate these pillars into your normal daily routine.
Build Your New Normal
Follow through once, and the results are unrecognizable.
Repeat them daily for an extended period, and the results may be unfathomable.
Once these habits are ingrained in your daily routine, they happen automatically.
My problem with most diets is that we make a brief change only to fall back into old habits.
These are temporary resolutions with temporary results.
I would argue that the more meaningful approach is to make gradual and sustainable changes to your normal routine, which evolves into your new normal.
It's the difference in mindset of:
A) I'm not drinking because of sober October.
B) I choose not to drink.
One is a temporary deviation with a plan to return.
The other is a true commitment.
Progression > Perfection
I want this newsletter to serve as a reminder not to skip the basics.
Reflect on your daily and weekly habits. Are you checking off the basics?
If yes, then continue down the path and find areas for improvement.
If not, make the changes you deserve. Start building your new normal that includes the fundamental pillars.
Start and start small. Make realistic changes that are sustainable. Don't worry about perfection, focus on progression.
Remember: don't fall victim to stepping over the $100 bill to pick up pennies.
Exercise, sleep, nutrition, relationships, and purpose will offer the most significant returns.
Then and only then, tap into the nuances and niches—like supplements, cold immersion, and biohacking gadgets—to give yourself an edge once you've mastered the basics.
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Only the best,
Jeremy London, MD
P.S. Don't forget to follow my podcast for free on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
