The Dilemma
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The mind loves habit because the brain is wired for efficiency. In computer terms habits take less bandwidth to process and the brain can run on autopilot. This is in fact a good thing in some cases. The power of habits and the efficiency of the brain is what allows a child to learn and excel in playground sports. Michael Jordan is a superstar on the court, but on the diamond, he was a marginal AA player. However, had he been younger and given more time he could have possibly made it to the majors. Regardless, he would have continued to improve just as a teenager improves in their driving skills simply because of the power of habit and the efficiency of the brain. When it comes to seeking to improve one’s health we all know that many of the habits we love are detrimental to good health. Yet we persist in doing the bad habit because changing would take more bandwidth and be directly opposed to the idea of brain efficiency. This is the first dilemma which leads to the second. Body health impacts mental health. But the opposite is also true. Mental health impacts the physical body. The two are inextricably intertwined so we find ourselves in a vicious cycle - I don't workout so I am tired all the time - I am always tired so I don't workout. To top it off mental health disorders are associated with the prevalence, progression, and outcome of some of today’s most pressing chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The third dilemma with which we are focused at AFM’s Resilience Institute is really a series of questions we seek to address.
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