Actions Must Follow Decisions
Queens Take Action is a story about women, once high school classmates, who are now challenging themselves to improve their health and wellness.
“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” ― Stephen R. Covey.
How often have you decided to do something and not follow through? Every six months, after visiting my dental hygienist, I always decide to start brushing and flossing every night before I go to bed. Typically, my decision lasts only a few days or weeks. I understand perfectly well that brushing and flossing my teeth at bedtime is important for my dental and overall health, yet I keep slipping in my commitment. Why? First, I need to follow my decision with the necessary action. Secondly, I may need to hear my dental hygienist’s lecture daily instead of twice yearly. Maybe that is just what I need to keep me accountable, at least, until I can do it long enough for it to become an unbreakable habit.
Therefore, let me modify Mr. Covey’s quote: “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions, actions, and supportive systems around me.” You may have gotten the brushing and flossing at bedtime thing down. However, I am sure you struggle in some other areas because you have yet to follow your decision with action.
So, let me tell you a story of how a group of women in their late forties and early fifties are challenging themselves by taking action to improve their health and wellness.
The foundation of decisions and actions
Education is the foundation of any transformative decisions and actions. Accurate knowledge must be disseminated and assimilated for better, informed decision-making.
That is why the medical team of our high school set alumni decided to organize a health webinar to increase health awareness amongst our peers. The webinar focused on the common health issues we face at our age, how to prevent diseases, and how to stay healthy for as long as possible. Overall, we had an exciting and highly informative discussion.
And yes, we shared knowledge and information, and I am sure every member in attendance decided to prioritize their health on that day. But, as we know, life always happens, and actions do not always follow decisions. So, we decided that this time, we must challenge ourselves to take the next step of turning our decision into action.
The Challenge – Queens Take Action
Last week, we embarked on a four-week challenge to propel ourselves into action. We are leveraging the power of accountability and teamwork to motivate ourselves to stay healthy physically, mentally, and socially.
Our challenge is all-inclusive. We are holding one another accountable for being physically active, eating healthy, screening for diseases, preventing diseases, building and maintaining solid relationships, coping with stress, and positively influencing others.
Accountability – Queens Take Action
Accountability is one of the pillars of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Let’s face it: many of us struggle to stick to our goals on our own. In fact, only a few people can make lifestyle changes without outside help or influence. That is why accountability is so important.
Accountability is what takes us from knowledge into action. Our sense of responsibility and commitment toward prioritizing our health is propelling us into action. This positive kind of social pressure will help us adhere to our goals. We have become answerable to our childhood friends and don’t want to disappoint others. After all, we all pray to be around for many more years to fellowship and celebrate with one another.
Being accountable means you will be evaluated for your performance somehow. In our challenge, we score points while having fun and staying healthy. Ultimately, we will have a winner. However, this challenge is a win-win for everyone because of all the health benefits we will gain.
Benefits of Accountability
“Alone, we can do so little. Together, we can do so much,” – Helen Keller.
Studies show that being accountable to friends and family members who support and encourage you can help you adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Other studies also show that when you start a weight loss treatment that includes behavior modification with a friend, you are more likely to complete the treatment and maintain your weight loss.
Here are some other benefits of accountability that we are currently experiencing in our health challenge:
1. Support and encouragement
Members support and encourage one another as we submit our daily activities for points.
2. Inspiration and motivation
Members inspire and motivate one another to aim higher and crush their goals while improving their health and well-being.
3. Bonding and reconnecting
Old friendships are restored as we bond over the common goal of staying healthy. For example, yesterday, I talked to a friend I had not spoken to in at least three decades. For more on the power of bonding and reconnecting, check out “10 Reasons to Attend Your High School Reunion” and “Who is Your Guy?”
4. Stress-relief
As we submit our activities and videos for points, it has been incredible fun and laughter. In fact, a member translated the names of common yoga poses into our native language, and it was downright hilarious, not to mention the hysterical comments members make daily. This laughter is doing incredible things for our physical and mental health, including lowering our blood pressure, relieving stress, and warding off depression and anxiety.
5. Knowledge-sharing
Members share healthy eating tips and other tips that others can adopt. For example, I just learned how to make a healthy parfait and that I can add boiled egg whites to my cereal.
6. Reminders and oversight
Sometimes, we need little reminders to take care of our health, which is what we are getting with the challenge. For example, my yearly mammogram was overdue, and I did not know. It always gets automatically scheduled, but apparently, it never got scheduled last year. So, I had to call to schedule to get my points for this health activity.
7. Celebrating and sharing happiness and success
Already, we are hearing success stories and celebrating with one another.
Final Thoughts
Queens Take Action – Why Queens?
I met a Nigerian doctor recently. We grew up in the same city in Nigeria, though she is much younger. When I mentioned the name of my high school, she said, “So you went to Queen’s School, Ibadan? You girls really think you are Queens, right? You act and talk like you are better than everyone else and never use the toilet.” We laughed so hard as she told me all the anecdotes about us Queens.
Yes, we do believe we are Queens. Not only because that is the name of our school but also because we were trained and supported to believe so. However, we don’t believe that we are better than anyone else. Instead, we strive to become a better version of ourselves as we embrace our title.
For every other woman who did not attend Queens School, you are also a Queen. You are a Queen in your home, business, and work, to your spouses and children, and wherever you find yourself. Think and act like a Queen, and you will become one—at least in your mind!
I am honored to be a Queen and to be part of this great, empowered group of women who are intentionally taking control of their health and wellness and influencing others to do the same.
Finally, it is time for you to take action and be intentional about your health. Taking just one action toward your health and wellness can transform your life. So, what are you waiting for? Remember, Queens, take action!
Please feel free to share your comments below and share this article.
Yours in health and fitness,
Doctor Abi
