In the 21st century, our society has become fixated on finding a single solution, a magic bullet, to address any problem—a mindset akin to seeking a panacea for all our woes. However, this approach is detrimental to our well-being and contributes to both individual and societal instability. Achieving healing, stability, and resilience necessitates a comprehensive integration of various interconnected behaviors (i.e - targeted physical activity, nutrition, practical problem solving, interpersonal communication, practical problem solving, empathy, insight development, trauma processing), collectively referred to as Behavioral Fitness.
To foster a paradigm shift in behavioral health, we must lay the foundation of understanding that prioritizes habits promoting stability and resiliency. By consciously cultivating habits with grit and intentionality, we can influence our psychobiology, leading to increased stability and resilience. This, in turn, fosters more accurate perceptions, and empowers us with healthier and more efficient problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
Contrary to prevailing societal expectations and traditional approach in therapy, which often encourages dwelling on past grievances and complaining about external factors, Behavioral Fitness offers a more pragmatic and effective path forward. The pervasive pop narrative of therapy as a place to solely vent frustrations about bosses, parents, or past experiences is entrenched in pseudoscience, rooted in outdated and unscientific notions dating back to the days of Freud.
By embracing the intricate interplay of our habits' influence on our brain systems and neurotransmitters, and by adopting an integrative approach, we can truly embark on a journey towards healing, stability, and resilience. It is time we steer away from the pursuit of quick fixes and embrace a more comprehensive understanding of ourselves to lead fulfilling, resilient, and balanced lives.
