Before you answer the question, let’s look at what the meaning of an extremist is. An extremist is one that goes to extreme measures and many times is used in association with politics. However, this word can also be used in everyday life, such as someone who is harsh, unreasonable, radical and excessive in not only their thinking but in their lifestyle.
Now that you know the meaning, would you consider yourself an extremist?
Believe it or not many folks are and don’t realize it. For example, there are individuals that will only eat or allow organic items into their home. Now I’m not saying that organic foods and items are wrong but an extremist will go beyond what is practical. They will go far beyond their comfort zone to live in this fashion. One thing I have noticed, because I am a people watcher and one that enjoys analyzing people and situations, is that these folks, especially the ones who take their diet, and eating habits to an extreme are – unhappy.
Let me say that again. The folks that are supposedly going to the extreme with their diets, their food choices, their cleaning products and clothing choices are unhappy. Why is that? Isn’t happiness what you are ultimately trying to achieve? Optimum health and happiness? Perhaps they are concentrating so hard on living a particular lifestyle that they forget how to live and simply have fun.
An extremist will go to unreasonable and radical lengths. They will go the extra mile for what they believe in. Which makes me wonder why they look unhappy. They exercise, eat organic meals, wear organic clothing, clean with environmentally safe products, use organic soap for bathing, yet they are unhappy. Of course I am not saying that everyone who lives this way is unhappy but the ones I have seen and I have seen many are not happy.
Perhaps because they are extremists in their way of thinking and living and refuse to allow moderation. A pragmatist is the complete opposite of an extremist. A pragmatist is realistic, sensible and understands the meaning of moderation. Are they interested in their health? Of course! However, they also want to enjoy life and believe that treating themselves to a piece of cheesecake every now and then won’t kill them. Notice the word ‘treat’? It’s okay to ‘treat’ yourself without feeling guilty.
That is what moderation is all about. In this crazy world you live in, it makes sense to be a pragmatist or you will go insane! Making healthy choices when it comes to the foods you eat, the activity you engage in and your entire environment should be something you truly enjoy. Some folks enjoy the organic living but many seem like they are trying too hard. Again, the choice is ultimately yours.
Are you an extremist or a pragmatist? Will you avoid food because it doesn’t come from a ‘health food store’? Do you beat yourself up because you broke down and drank a milkshake? Do you find yourself reprimanding your partner or children because they not eating the proper foods? These are questions you must ask yourself and only you know the answers.
You know it is important to make healthy choices when it comes to your overall health. However, eating natural, healthy foods is only part of the equation. Engaging in physical activity is necessary for your body, to function at its optimum level. However, your mind is also an important factor that many tend to leave out. Living with a positive mental attitude is also part of your overall health. What good is eating the healthiest and natural foods if you are unhappy and miserable?
Waking up each morning with a sense of gratitude and thankfulness will help to create that positive mental attitude. Looking in the mirror and truly loving the person that is looking back at you is far more important than what you put into your body. When you love yourself and love the life you have it will emanate from every pore of your being. When you take responsibility for your own choices, you will be happier and also learn to make the decisions that are right for you.
So, the question is are you an extremist or a pragmatist? Are you happy with who you are? It’s never too late to make changes in your life as long as you don’t go to extreme levels and expect immediate changes, because then you will be right where you started. Start implementing moderation into your life and watch it all change for the better.
Dr. Daisy Sutherland is the Founder/CEO of Dr. Mommy Online. She is a doctor, author, mentor, speaker, wife & mom to 5 children. Dr. Mommy's mission is to ~ Help Busy Women and Men with her 'Get Real' approach to living a happier and healthier lifestyle. Watch for new book: 'Letting Go of Super Mom' coming out August 7, 2012.
Some might consider me a bit of an extremist when it comes to my diet. I have soooooo many food allergies that really throw my system for a loop, so I have to think twice before making meal choices. Is this hard? Yes! Do I avoid eating if there isn’t something on my good food list? No. I wouldn’t got that far. But trying to accomplish wheat-free, corn-free, rice-free, dairy-free is definitely a challenge. But the benefit of feeling at the top of my game outweighs the challenge.
Hi Dr. Shannon!! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your comment. It sure does like you have a challenging diet..but love your positive perspective which is what makes everything worthwhile
Great post – thank you! What I noticed with extremists that they are like they are because of the desire to be in control, the problem is that we can be in control however there are things that are out of our control any way…yes- it is import to change the attitude and have fun in life as it is just too short to waist in sweating over the small stuff
Thanks Solvita! If we learn to let go and simply enjoy our lives, we would all be much happier
I am a VERY happy health nut! It is second nature to eat high quality, naturally provided foods, exercise and live an lifestyle of health/wellness. Yes, it took a few, what some percieved as extreme measures to make the transition, but I’m now only unhappy when circumstances prevent me from living true to my natural provision! So, I agree with your article, loved it in fact, but the good news is that it is entirely posible to live fully dedicated to natures provision and be happy!
Yay!! I love it!! We are the same and love the health benefits that come from our decisions..however some folks don’t quite understand the dedicate and don’t understand the meaning of moderation which can then lead to their unhappiness and demise!! Thanks Carl for visiting:)
Great way to use the word extremist in a different light…good stuff! I definitely wake up with a heart full of gratitude every day. Makes my life so much healthier and I can impact more people because of it. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Kim for visiting and commenting:) Ah yes..extremist has many meanings and can be applied to more than just politics
Keep on smiling!
Never thought about it before .. but I guess people who are extremists would be rigid and inflexible – sounds pretty unhappy to me!
Yep…very rigid and unhappy! Thanks for stopping by Linda:)
Great article! Perfection is definitely overrated and a great way to keep yourself stuck and not accomplishing much of anything!
Thanks Kelly!! Oh yes…I truly believe in moderation…we would all be much happier:)
Interesting thoughts. To be extreme in anything is not good. When I think of extreme, I think of obsessive. We are healthy eaters, here, and we also enjoy life. That means not sweating the details, at least for us. Foods that don’t necessarily fit into the healthy lifestyle have become occasional treats. We find they are savored and enjoyed more that way (and some just aren’t even desired anymore). Good post. Thanks for making me think.
Hi Marie! You see you are doing it right, I just more people understood the concept of moderation. Moderation is the key
Thanks for stopping by..
Absolutely, Daisy. But lending on the extreme side, I find is human nature. We do things one way because it’s how we were taught, because it’s all we know. That puts us on one side of the spectrum. Then, one day we discover the total opposite of what we’ve known or believed… now we have more information and we go bonkers with it! (-_-) Then off to the other extreme we go. I find that extremists will eventually get their balance, given enough time. I know I’ve seen myself there a few times… but shhhh! Don’t tell anyone, lest they think I’m one of them! Hee Hee! Thanks for posting. x0x
Norma Doiron
Hi Norma!:) My hope is that extremist find the balance but I’ve seen many of ages that have not and it is very sad. I mean honestly, a piece of chocolate is not going to kill you but if you overindulge, then you are more prone to difficulties down the road…thanks for stopping by
I am in between the two types. During certain stages of my 100lbs weight loss journey in 2.9 yrs I’ve experienced varying degrees of strictness with my diet. There were times where I would be strict and other times I would be lax in my judgment if I had cravings.
As long as you fluctuate and don’t go to one extreme or the other you are safe…thanks for stopping by Ingrid
Super post. Not an extremist but make choices–super clean house, buy the best organic meat for dog, etc. I feel I am aware of the choices so no regrets. I am a health nut and glad to admit for decades and still loving it.
Yay Carol!! Proud of you!!:) Thanks for commenting
As always–great article. Love the advise on balance and happiness. If our diets or principles interfere with our peace then we need to rethink things. I especially find this with my clients/readers who are operating out of fear instead of joy and growth. True health principles should free us and bring us JOY not inhibition and fear. Thanks for articulating this so well!
~Elise from http://adamsorganizing.com
Thanks Elise!! I’ve seen so many go to the extreme that end up very unhappy..so felt like sharing my thoughts in hopes it would help someone:)