Write an owner’s manual for yourself

My days go so much better when I find time to jog.

Not that it covers many miles. And I don’t run fast. Also, I don’t think this activity is getting me in good shape, by itself.

But I have a more optimistic outlook on life when I run. That is good enough for me.

The same applies to preparing healthy meals. I do this about three or four times a week. Salmon probably crosses my plate too often, at least for other people’s tastes. But I like it, and it leaves room for the chocolate covered almonds and milk while I watch a movie.

Healthy cooking is part of my plan. I operate better and feel good when I make sure I am on the program.

What I just shared with you are two components of the self-help manual that I am writing for myself: “How to Run and Maintain the Human Being Known as Gary.”

I will probably include tips for sleeping, vacation needs, and other activities that are as vital to my proper function as motor oil is for a car.

Why would you have to do this?

I believe in the recipe of the Oracle of Delphi: “Know yourself”. My theory is that we all know ourselves, but we keep forgetting who we are and how life works best for us.

We gain a lot of weight before asking ourselves, “What am I doing wrong?” Only then do we realize that our last big business assignment took us out of our exercise and diet routines and we just didn’t go back to them, and it’s been months or years.

With a manual, we can have checklists, kind of like what computer diagnostics can do with your car’s exhaust. If our fuel mixture is too rich, we can lower the RPM, idling to a smoother or friendlier pace.

Try writing an owner’s manual for yourself. Focus on what you need to keep in top shape.

You can find some surprises there.