There is much advice floating around on the web, in magazines, and from friends and colleagues about how to be the more healthy. Much of it may be useful, however a subtle, key ingredient is missing.

Self-responsibility.

It may seem like common sense and it is, if one truly understands the depth required. Within the Muscle Balance and Function Development® education system there are two basic cornerstones that represent the foundation beneath the principle-based system. Self-responsibility is the first and breathing is the second, which will be discussed in an upcoming post.
How does self-responsibility work in relation to your health and well-being?

Simple.

In my experience, it is not possible to improve your health and well-being without choosing to take self-responsibility.

It sounds simple, but let’s delve a little deeper. If you have low back pain and go see your doctor, then on the surface you are being self-responsible (though s/he may not have any idea how to help you).

However, if you are viewing the doctor or any other health care practitioner as the answer to your problem, as opposed to a tool for assistance, then you have relinquished your self-responsibility (and personal power).

And, unfortunately, you will not get better in the long term. True, short-term improvements may be possible.

In the MBF® education system the client is appraised of the importance of self-responsibility at the outset. In essence, the nature of the relationship between MBF® practitioner and client is a partnership. First, the client chooses to do something about an issue. Next, the MBF® practitioner designs the best program possible within the client’s ability to deal with the client’s problem or refers the client to another type of healthcare provider, if need be. Finally, the client chooses to commit to do the program as prescribed.

This scenario is far different then the doctor “fix me” visit. It is imperative to distance yourself from that “victim” mindset.

If you have suffered a trauma of some sort, such as a car accident, then view yourself as a survivor, a warrior that is still alive and breathing.

See yourself as the solution, even if you need to seek assistance from a tool provider, like a hardware store to a builder. Then watch how your life transforms.

Take self-responsibility. Take the first step toward a better and improved you!

Author's Bio: 

As the creator of the Muscle Balance and Function Development® System, Geoff has provided seminars, workshops, and individual consultations for health care providers internationally.

He authored the internationally acclaimed Muscle Balance and Function Development® CDROM (1997) and related manuals, as well as several articles for journals.

He is credited with starting the postural and functional exercise revolution now in force in North America. This stemmed from a ground-breaking postural fitness article in Shape Magazine (November 1994) that featured him, including a specially designed MBF® functional exercise program for women.

In 2000, he appeared on the Body by Jake Healthy Lifestyles television show as the featured functional fitness and biomechanics expert. Over the years, he has presented at international conferences for organizations, such as 3rd Interdiscplinary World Congress, NSCA, and IDEA. He also served as a guest staff member of The Nicklaus/Flick Golf School and the Assistant Director of T.H.E. Clinic in Del Mar, California, home of The Egoscue Method. He holds a Master's Degree in Exercise Science and a Health/Fitness Instructor Certification by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Since 1993, as the creator and promoter of the Muscle Balance and Function Development® (MBF®) education system, he has been a primary presenter at several international conferences in North America and Europe (1994-2002), from which a following developed across several continents, and still continues today.

In addition, June 2007 saw the publication of his debut spy thriller, Deadly Exchange. He drew from his training as a federal agent and recruitment by the CIA, as well as experience as an exercise physiologist and international lecturer.