Why Friday Night Lights Matters in Wellness

Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose isn't just for football.

With the news that beloved television series Friday Night Lights disappeared from Netflix when October rolled around, fans everywhere undoubtedly binged the series just one more time (for the uninitiated: yes, it’s that good). And while Coach Taylor’s unwavering determination and Tami’s supportive, nurturing counsel helped countless characters find their way over the show’s five seasons, the show’s core mantra has unexpected relevance in the wellness world, too.

Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.

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Let's break it down, shall we?

Clear eyes.

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When trying to make a change to improve your overall wellbeing, be it trying to adopt a healthier way of eating or starting a meditation practice, it requires both focus and realism. You have to really want whatever it is you’ve set your mind to, but perhaps more importantly, you need to accept the fact that change takes time. If you’re used to eating takeout every night, the chances of you becoming a professional home chef within a week are very slim. Start with baby steps (maybe commit to making just one dinner per week) and utilize the SMART goals framework to create a plan that is:

Specific

Measurable

Action-Oriented

Realistic

Time-Based

And while you’re at it, visualization doesn’t hurt when setting goals. Picture yourself doing whatever it is you’re hoping to achieve flawlessly and naturally, and combined with your SMART action plan you'll be on your way to creating lasting change.

Full hearts.

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Making positive, lasting change in your life isn’t easy. Which means that half-assing it pretty much never works. Whatever it is you’re hoping to improve, take the time to examine exactly why it’s important to you. Is the ultimate goal of eating healthier to lose weight, or is it to feel more confident in your own skin? Is starting a meditation practice about reducing stress and anxiety, or enabling you to be more present overall? There’s no right or wrong answer--all that matters is that you know in your heart the key motivation for you.

Can’t lose.

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Change takes time and energy, and it certainly isn’t easy. But if you’re able to create SMART goals and zero in on what’s truly motivating you, accomplishing what you want in life is inevitable.