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Let’s talk “optimization”
People define health optimization as many things. Some might focus on the observable outcomes while others might focus more on internal processes that lead to change (my personal choice). I personally like definition of optimization as “improving a process or system that helps achieve the best outcomes.” And while this definition can still be interpreted in many ways, my biggest focus with clients is that outcomes are NOT the optimization but rather the PRODUCT of effective optimization. For example, if I crash diet, cut out carbs, run for hours on end, and then lose my goal 10lbs. That is successful in terms of outcome, but clearly not from a systems standpoint. It isn’t fun, it isn’t healthy, and it for sure isn’t sustainable.
However, if I fix my sleep, eat mainly whole foods, monitor portion size, get regular physical activity in, that is an effective system. That promotes health. That feels sustainable while also allowing me some flexibility in life. And likely if that system is maintained, the outcome goal (i.e., losing 10 pounds) will still come.
So why should we care?
Well, in today’s world, we are normally driven by outcomes over processes. We want results. We want success. We all want the physical transformations. We want the jaw dropping changes. We want to be off the medication. And don’t get me wrong, these are all perfectly fine things to want. But typically, they also do not happen in isolation. We don’t get fit without some behavior changes. We don’t achieve our goals without seeing the bigger picture. We don’t get off medication unless we improve our health.
Simply put, we don’t or can’t “optimize” our health without improving our systems. So if we want real lasting change, we need to rethink how we go about optimizing our health.
Examples of process-driven success
Here are a few examples of how focusing on our processes and systems can still lead to our outcome goals.
Example 1: They realized health does not have to be all or none. They see they can have balance and flexibility yet still be successful.
Example 2: They learned they did not have to be perfect to be successful. They realized that consistent regular effort is easier and more sustainable than perfect behavior.
Example 3: They realized that prioritizing their health wasn’t selfish but actually helpful to navigate the rest of life even better!
With most people, before the physical transformations come, there will likely be mental transformations too. The above three examples were all successful clients. Each client hit their weight loss or fitness goals. They were successful in terms of visible outcomes. However, and more importantly, they all were also successful in their mental transformations first, which was the needed fix before the weight loss.
So, when thinking about your goals and your health, focus on improving your system instead of chasing an outcome. Focus more on processes that lead to change and instead of quick and easy fixes. Learn to “optimize” your health the effective way!
Interested in having a personal health advisory team design and optimize your strategy across training, nutrition, mindset, movement, and habits — complemented by advanced testing and analysis, when appropriate? That's what we do at LVLTN Health.
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What would your life look like if you had an expert team fully invested in your health- designing your strategy, refining your approach, and leveraging advanced testing and analysis to keep you performing at your best? That's exactly what we do at LVLTN Health.
The first step is a free consultation call. You just need to fill out a short application so we can make the most of our time together. The call itself is a no-pressure conversation, providing you with all the details you need to make the decision on whether we are the best fit!
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