Health Goals: Listening to Your Inner Voice or Seeking Outside Approval?

Jul 23, 20243 min read

A person caught between following their inner voice and seeking external approval, depicted with symbols of self-trust and advice from others.

Picture this: You’ve just started a new health regimen. Maybe it’s a new diet, a workout plan, or a mindfulness practice. You’re feeling great, but then, someone (perhaps your well-meaning neighbour or that super-fit friend) gives you “helpful” advice. Suddenly, you’re doubting yourself. Should you stick to your guns or take their advice? At MINDCULTURE, we explore the fascinating concept of the Frame of Reference—specifically, whether you rely on your own standards (*Internal*) or seek validation from others (*External*) when it comes to your health. Let’s dive into how this affects your wellness journey, especially for our fantastic female followers managing hormonal imbalances.

Internal vs. External: Whose Opinion Counts?

**Internal Frame of Reference: Trusting Your Inner Compass**

Internal individuals march to the beat of their own drum. They rely on their inner compass, trusting their body’s signals and personal experiences. This can be incredibly empowering, as it fosters self-reliance and confidence in making health decisions.

A modern-day Sherlock Holmes figure using a magnifying glass to scrutinize health symbols, representing self-reliance in health decisions.

Imagine you’re like Sherlock Holmes, but instead of solving crimes, you’re solving the mystery of your own health. You have your magnifying glass out, scrutinising every symptom and clue, confident that you’ll crack the case because, well, who knows your body better than you?

External Frame of Reference: Seeking the Collective Wisdom:

A vibrant community setting where a person is receiving advice from a group of health advisors, emphasizing the value of external opinions.

External individuals, on the other hand, thrive on feedback from others. They value professional guidance, advice from friends, and validation from external sources. This approach can be very supportive, as it brings in diverse perspectives and expert opinions.

Picture yourself as Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz," collecting wisdom from the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. You believe that the journey to wellness is better navigated with a little help from your friends and trusted advisors.

How Does This Affect Your Health Journey?

Understanding your Frame of Reference can significantly enhance your approach to health and wellness:

- Internal Individuals:

- Trust your body’s signals. You know best how you feel and what works for you.

- Document your health journey. Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, diet, and routines to identify patterns.

- Develop self-reliance but be open to external advice when necessary.

- External Individuals:

- Seek advice from trusted health professionals and supportive friends.

- Use feedback constructively to refine your health plans.

- Balance external input with personal reflection to avoid over-reliance on others.

Exercises to Deepen Learning:

1. Self-Reflection Journal:

- Internal Individuals: Write about a time when trusting your inner judgment led to a positive health outcome. How did it feel to rely on yourself?

A contemplative individual journaling in a cozy setting, reflecting on the balance between personal insights and external advice.

- External Individuals: Document a situation where external advice significantly improved your health. How did the feedback help you?

2. Feedback Loop Exercise:

- Internal Individuals: Choose one health goal and rely solely on your intuition and personal knowledge to achieve it for a week. Reflect on the experience.

- External Individuals: For one week, gather feedback on a specific health goal from at least three trusted sources. Compare the advice and note how it influences your decisions.

3. Balanced Approach Challenge:

- Internal Individuals: Identify one area of your health where you feel stuck. Seek external advice and see how it complements your inner judgment.

An individual standing between personal intuition and external feedback, showcasing the integration of both approaches in health decisions.

- External Individuals: Pick one health decision and trust your gut instinct without seeking external validation. Reflect on the outcome.

Understanding whether you lean on your own standards or seek validation from others can revolutionise your health journey. Embrace your natural inclination—whether Internal or External—and tailor your wellness strategies accordingly. Balancing both can enhance your decision-making and ensure a supportive health journey.

Remember, in the grand adventure of life, knowing whose approval matters most can make all the difference in achieving vibrant health. So, are you ready to trust your inner Sherlock or gather wisdom like Dorothy? Either way, MINDCULTURE is here to guide you every step of the way!

Share your journey with us in the comments and let’s achieve wellness together!