Balance of Mind & Body

 

The human mind is a powerful force—it can drive us to pursue goals that seem impossible. What’s equally fascinating is how motivation often stems from a self-image that may not be entirely accurate. I’m no exception. In fact, my obsessive tendencies likely place me among those most deeply influenced by both dynamics.

Failure is my strongest motivator. The challenge lies in defining what failure truly means so that my response is measured and not excessive. Emotions often complicate this process, especially when they trigger my compulsive behaviors. Fear, for example, is a particularly uncomfortable emotion for me. When failure evokes fear, I instinctively create a plan to prevent it from happening again.

However, my obsessive-compulsive nature makes it difficult to keep those plans reasonable. More often than not, I overcomplicate solutions—driven by a desire to eliminate emotional discomfort—which can sometimes lead to unintended negative consequences.

A recent experience illustrates this clearly. At a doctor’s appointment in May 2025, I was confronted with the reality that I had gained a significant amount of weight. While I had noticed signs leading up to the visit, the confirmation made it undeniable—and deeply embarrassing. That emotional response sparked a powerful internal drive to lose the weight.

Without seeking professional guidance, I immediately created a plan to overhaul my diet and increase physical activity. Now, 120 days later, I can see how that plan—though effective—was overly aggressive and introduced risks of injury and illness. While I successfully eliminated unhealthy habits like sugary drinks and junk food, I also skipped meals and ramped up physical activity too quickly. The visible progress blinded me to the potential harm.

Fast forward to today—my wife now tells me I’m too thin. While I feel mentally satisfied when I see loose-fitting jeans, moments of calm reflection make me question whether I’m truly physically healthy.

This experience is a clear example of how important it is to maintain a balance between mind and body when responding to challenges. When that balance is lost, even well-intentioned efforts can lead to outcomes that are less than ideal. The key lessons I’ve learned are: keep emotions in check, seek support from others, and avoid overreacting.