Pillar 1: Achieving a Healthy Frame of Mind: The Cornerstone of Lasting Health
By ChatGPT and Michael J Dziak
Welcome to Pillar 1 of the Life by Natural Causes program, where transformation begins not in the body, but in the mind. Before we talk food, fitness, or medicine, we turn inward — to thought, intention, and presence. Why? Because every lasting health change starts with a mindset shift.
Attaining a Healthy Frame of Mind means becoming intentional about your thoughts, choices, and the internal dialogue that shapes your daily life. It’s where self-leadership is born and sustainable health decisions take root.
Here’s how we break it down:
1. Set the Tone: Choosing to Be All-In for Your Health
Change is never passive. It requires commitment. That’s why your first step is to Be All-In for Your Health. That means making the decision that your well-being is worth it — today, tomorrow, and always. This is a conscious choice, not a one-time declaration.
And you don’t go it alone. You build your “Team Healthy Me” — your medical team, coaches, friends, family, and community who support your transformation. Think of it as your inner circle of knowledge, accountability and support.
2. Resilience Training: Accept the Challenge and Tackle Tough Changes
Let’s face it — change can be hard. But it becomes manageable when you Accept the Challenge and Take on Difficult Changes one small step at a time. Mental flexibility is a powerful predictor of success. You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to be willing.
Start each week by asking:
“What hard thing am I ready to face for the sake of a better future?”
Then take action — even if it’s tiny.
3. Mental Hygiene: From Doomscrolling to Healthscrolling
Our minds are constantly under attack — news feeds, social pressure, and anxiety loops can drag us down. One way to counter this is to Replace Doomscrolling with Healthscrolling.
Instead of numbing out on bad news, mindless stories or social comparison, choose to scroll with purpose: follow thought leaders in brain health, listen to experts and testimonials, or dive into hopeful, actionable health content. Curate your digital environment — your brain will thank you.
4. Brain Longevity: A Lifestyle Worth Living
Protecting your brain is not a someday goal. It’s a today goal. Living a Brain-Longevity Lifestyle includes:
- Eating to nourish cognition
- Prioritizing sleep and stress reduction
- Staying socially connected
- Learning new things
- Moving your body regularly
Your future self wants a sharp, resilient mind. Start investing now.
5. Presence and Perspective: Contemplating Consequences & Possibilities
Healthy decision-making improves when we pause and think. That’s why two of our favorite strategies are:
- Contemplate the Consequences – What happens if I don’t change?
- Contemplate the Possibilities – What happens if I do?
This dual lens keeps you grounded in reality while inspired by what’s possible. When you can hold both in your mind, you’re more likely to choose well.
6. Purposeful Living: Healthy Intentions in Every Moment
Living with Healthy Intentions means waking up each day with clarity about what matters. It’s the art of Being In The Moment while still moving toward long-term health goals.
Whether it’s breathing through a stressful moment or choosing tea over soda, every decision adds up. Mindfulness + purpose = momentum.
7. Stress: The Silent Saboteur You Can Conquer
Chronic stress wears down the mind, body, and spirit. But it can be transformed. Learn to Conquer Stress with simple, powerful strategies:
- Deep breathing
- Nature walks
- Journaling
- Laughter
- Connection
It’s not about eliminating stress — it’s about responding to it like a champion. You will find resources on each of these in the LBNC library.
Final Thought:
Mindset First, Everything Else Follows
Pillar 1 is the bedrock. Without it, the rest crumbles. With it, your potential opens wide. This is where the journey begins — not with rules, but with reflection. Not with guilt, but with grounded optimism.
If you’re ready to think differently about your health — and live differently as a result — then you’re ready to attain a Healthy Frame of Mind.
Let’s all go there together.
Life by Natural Causes (LBNC) is a Knowledge-to-Health Outcomes Learning System designed to engage users in behavior changes that will result in positive health outcomes, all under the guidance of their own health team. LBNC, currently in Beta development, has a launch target of 3QCY25.
Medical Disclaimer: Only licensed MDs are authorized to make medical claims. We connect you with professionals trained to support and optimize your health outcomes. Always consult your physician — ideally one trained in functional medicine — or another qualified provider regarding any medical concerns.
©2025 Informed Expectations, LLC
Please share freely with credit and links.