Fighting Biology

"What do you think of this book title?" It's a question that I've probably asked over 100 people during the past 10 months. It's been nearly a year of enjoyable brainstorming and I'm finally ready to move on to something new. Clearly I wasn't committed to writing a health book because I wasn't committed to even writing an article on the subject. Or even a blog. I did come up with an outline, however.

Okay, I get it folks. Americans don't want to work towards improving their health, their careers, or their relationships unless it's super easy. That's fine. And I understand if many people wouldn't be motivated to buy a book with the words "work," "managing," "health," and "full-time job" in it. One's addiction to fighting biology keeps personal coaches and professional speakers employed. And for those people who don't recruit nor hire qualified professionals to help reach optimal health, experience job satisfaction, or improve relationships, what happens to them and their organizations?

Life goes on. Work goes on. Love, too. (But what about the biology?) The biology! Do you recall learning about the Survival of the Fittest? Natural Selection? I'd be the first to admit to earning a "C" in biology in high school, but I do recall the interesting stuff. And from personal experience, I know very well that one can only fight biology for so long. Here's the top six challenges I've often faced while attempting to be productive, work, and build my career:


1) Nutrition: Biology says, "Eat now." My response: "Soon."
2) Digestion: Biology says, "Now!" My response: "In 60 seconds."
3) Nutrition: Biology says, "Eat again now." My response: "So soon?"
4) Fitness: Biology says, "Move now." My response: "Even more?"
5) Nutrition: Biology says, "Eat more now." My response: "Again?"
6) Exhaustion: Biology says, "Sleep now." My response: "Later."

The list can continue on including relaxation, stress management, and body-maintenance strategies. Often while attempting to focus on productivity, my biology has reminded me that life management if not about self-management or work/life balance. Life management is based on survival and biology. The other stuff is lifestyle management.

When it comes to "fighting biology," physical survival is just the first chapter of the big, scary topic. I'm mentally prepared to begin divulging what I have in mind for the next part, but biology is telling me, "Sleep, Jared." How do we ever get anything done these days? "Sleep, Jared." To sleep, "per chance to dream?" Well, that's productive, too, so count me in!