You’ve achieved success in your career, but something is missing. You may be a father and now that you are an empty nester, you wonder what to do with your time? The things that brought you joy in the past, just aren’t as important anymore. What do you want to achieve next?

Despite these thoughts that may persist, you are actually entering the prime years of your life. You have accumulated a wealth of experience, wisdom, and resilience. These qualities are incredibly valuable and often more significant than any formal training. You have learned how to manage challenges, build relationships, and make rational decisions; skills that are essential to prepare you for new challenges. Instead of trying to recapture your youth, accept the stage of life you are in and define the life you want. Re-strategize, prioritize your well-being and decide what your foundation will be as you enter this new era.

Our daily habits shape our behavior. Behavior change is never easy, but it’s within your control. Making small changes daily and achieving quick wins can create positive momentum and begin to transform you into the man you want to be. We have the ability to re-frame life, establish boundaries and eliminate the distractions that are denying us the opportunity to achieve the best version of ourselves.

Every great plan has a strong foundation. As you identify and align your priorities, you should ask yourself: What are my non-negotiables? What do I need to say NO to more often, and what will I begin to say YES to? Establishing a strong foundation is key to a healthy, sustainable routine that enables you to have optimal health while achieving your goals.

What does that that foundation look like and what behaviors do I need to change?  Let’s begin with the fact that there is a tremendous amount of evidence that supports the benefits of the pillars of healthy lifestyle.  These six pillars are not only key to helping us achieve optimal heath so we can thrive in life, but they also help to prevent chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  These pillars include:

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