Be Optimal, Not Normal

In today’s society, being “normal” has become the standard many strive for. But when it comes to health and fitness, should normalcy be the goal? Statistics show that the average lifestyle leads to poor health outcomes: rising obesity rates, increased stress, and a sedentary existence. The reality is, “normal” is not a benchmark of wellness—it’s a reflection of societal norms that are often unhealthy.

Instead, why not aim for optimal?

The Difference Between Normal and Optimal

The key difference between being normal and optimal lies in your approach. Normal means following the crowd—living a lifestyle that many others do, filled with convenience over health-conscious decisions. Optimal, on the other hand, means crafting your life in a way that maximizes your well-being, longevity, and fitness.

When you choose to be optimal, you’re deciding that your health deserves more than mediocrity.

1. What Is “Normal” Health?

In many parts of the world, “normal” health involves working long hours, sitting at desks all day, and indulging in quick, processed meals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for global mortality, contributing to millions of deaths annually.

For the average person, being normal often means:

• Eating a diet high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates.
• Spending the majority of the day sitting, leading to poor posture, joint pain, and weight gain.
• Experiencing chronic stress without implementing effective coping mechanisms.
• Prioritizing work over personal health, pushing exercise and mindfulness to the back burner.

If this is the standard, should we be aspiring to be normal?

2. What Does It Mean to Be Optimal?

Being optimal means taking an active role in your health and fitness, making decisions that align with long-term well-being, not short-term convenience. It’s about setting higher standards for yourself, grounded in physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

To be optimal in your health and fitness, you must:

• Fuel your body with whole, nutrient-dense foods: Replace processed snacks with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Nutrient-dense foods not only enhance physical performance but also improve mental clarity.
• Exercise regularly with intention: Rather than occasional exercise to meet the minimum requirement, aim for a balanced routine that includes strength training, cardiovascular workouts, and flexibility exercises.
• Prioritize recovery and rest: Optimal fitness doesn’t just come from how hard you train but how well you rest. Quality sleep and recovery help prevent burnout and injury.
• Cultivate mindfulness: Mental health is equally crucial. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or even regular digital detoxes can reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.

Why Optimal Health and Fitness Are Achievable for Everyone?

You may wonder, “Is being optimal realistic?” The truth is, achieving optimal health is within reach for everyone, regardless of current fitness levels or lifestyle. It’s not about perfection—it’s about conscious choices.

Here are three practical steps to shift from normal to optimal:

1. Set Clear, Personalized Goals

“Normal” fitness goals tend to be vague—lose weight, eat clean, or exercise more. An optimal approach starts with specific, personalized objectives. Do you want to improve your cardiovascular health? Boost your energy levels? Set realistic, measurable goals that align with what you need.

2. Make Small, Sustainable Changes

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Start small: swap sugary drinks for water, go for daily walks, hitting your protein goals, or introduce a few minutes of stretching in your routine. These manageable steps will compound into significant, long-term improvements.

3. Find Your Community

Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who value their health and fitness. Whether through group workouts, online forums, or social media, having a support system can help keep you motivated and accountable. My #READY program is one of the example.

The Benefits of Being Optimal

Opting for optimal health doesn’t just make you fitter—it transforms your entire life.

• Increased Energy and Productivity: When your body functions at its best, you’ll notice an uptick in energy and mental focus.
• Greater Resilience to Stress: Physical fitness and mindfulness practices fortify your ability to handle stress effectively.
• Longevity and Vitality: Living optimally can help you enjoy a longer, more vibrant life, free from the health complications that come with a sedentary lifestyle.

In fact, most clients who got trained by me using the DreiOptima Performance Protocol™ experienced all the benefits of optimal health pretty easily!

Conclusion: Choose to Be Optimal, Not Normal

While society may push the narrative that being “normal” is enough, don’t settle for it. Your health and fitness deserve better. Strive for optimal—challenge yourself to make better choices every day, and watch how your body, mind, and spirit transform.

So, will you choose the ordinary path of normalcy or the extraordinary pursuit of optimal health and fitness?