Before we get into the mechanics of this blog, I'd like you to take a minute to think of something beyond yourself. Something greater.

Doing this can, and should be, another huge reason for you to be healthy.

Consider the actions you take, the things you say, the way you act and the things you do.

These all have a massive effect on those around you. And I mean everything! Yet, sometimes the most powerful of them all is the things you don’t do or say.

Let’s explore the butterfly effect together.

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT EXPLAINED

The idea is that small things can have non-linear impacts on a complex system. This has never been truer when it comes to your health and fitness.

"Health and Fitness won't just improve the quality of your life. Just wait to see its impact on your loved ones."

My methodology, The TIME Pyramid, is a great way to show/demonstrate the importance of each level and how this affects those around you; your loved ones, family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances.

These pillars are fundamental to becoming the best version of yourself, so you can handle anything. The TIME butterfly effect in action.

Remember the picture, which shows two people standing opposite each other, pointing at what looks like some blocks on the floor? The person on the left is adamant there are four blocks, and the person on the right is insistent there are three.

In reality, they are both right. It just depends on their perspective.

PERSPECTIVES OF THE TIME PYRAMID

Applying the TIME Pyramid to your health is easy.

You can see how it’s going to work, it looks great and it makes perfect sense. But now, let’s look at it from the perspective of your loved ones. It’s upside down with the aspects in reverse order.

I believe this makes perfect sense. The foundations of the TIME Pyramid (your why and sleep) remain virtually invisible to everyone but you.

Your WHY is intangible remaining within you. It’s rarely openly expressed by people.

Your SLEEP remains virtually invisible (except for your partner). A change in your sleep/rest patterns isn’t going to be broadcast on national TV.

Consistency is key and over time, people will start to notice a difference. But this can take a long time and remains intangible. The more immediate effect that people will physically see is how you train and your nutrition.

• Usually, opt for a burger most days for lunch; they'll soon notice the salad.
• Drive the car two miles each way on the school run; they'll soon notice you walking.
• Always have a bottle of Coke on your desk; they'll soon notice the water bottle instead.
• Usually, go for a drink after work; they'll soon notice you leave the office with a gym bag.

Small changes, make big differences.

If you have children at home, a HUGE unintentional benefit is …

"Kids don't do what they are told; they do what they are shown."

Training

Don't tell your kids it's important to train. Just do it; they will soon notice, get inquisitive and ask questions. In no time, they will want to imitate you and join you.

More importantly, you will be fitter, stronger, and healthier and have more focus, clarity and energy to play with your kids and engage with your family, friends and loved ones.

Don't ever again let it be you who brings a halt to the game you are playing with the kids because you are not fit enough, strong enough or have enough energy.

There will come a day, and you will never know it at the time when it will be the very last time you:

• Push your kid on a swing
• Play hide and seek with them
• Chase your kid to catch them and tickle them until they cry
• Let go of the saddle when teaching them how to ride a bike
• Don't let your health prematurely bring an end to any of those.

And, on this day, you’ll be grateful you invest time into your health and fitness.

Activity

One of the best ways to get active is to walk. I urge you to leave the house, get away from the TV and fall in love with Mother Nature and her fresh air.

You should make this a regular activity, and trust me, amazing things will happen.

Some of the most insightful, deep, fun, engaging and meaningful conversations with my kids, family and friends have been when we go out walking.

The fun and enjoyment you’ll have is like nothing else.

You'll run up hills, roll down hills, jump in puddles, climb trees, jump over obstacles… After a while, your kids and partner will also join in.

We walk a lot as a family, and we regularly have our wider family and friends join us.

It’s one of the most enjoyable things I do… And it is completely 100% free!

Nutrition

I firmly believe that one of the biggest killers in the UK is not a hereditary disease but a hereditary diet.

So, what are you teaching your kids about nutrition?

Don't be the parent that says:

• Sugar is bad! Then let them see you eat a chocolate bar twice a day.
• Take-out foods are unhealthy! Then eat takeaways multiple times a week.
• You need to drink more water! Then consume three cans of Coke daily.

Just start eating better. Eat whole foods, nutritious foods, take time to cook, eat fruits and vegetables, and drink water. They will soon notice, and just like the exercise, they will become inquisitive, ask questions, and imitate you.

Sleep & Why

As I said earlier in this blog, sleep and why, can’t be physically touched or seen, so they will take a while to notice or be impacted.

However, over time, they will notice something profoundly different with you.

They won't be able to pinpoint or describe it, and they will never mention it to you. But they will see and feel a different you. Your newfound energy, enthusiasm and motivation will rub off on them.

They will start to act and behave differently.

Before you know it, you will have one of the most significant and influential impacts on your loved ones and those around you. And the best thing about it is you will not have had to say, tell or preach a single word.

I don’t know your WHY, but I promise this alone will rival it for the drive and enthusiasm it gives you to stay healthy.

Finding your butterfly effect

My advice is to start making small changes to start seeing big results. Become someone your children want to replicate and be happy. I have some further reading about my journey and ultimately finding my why here, but if you have any questions please feel free to get in touch.