When it comes to personal growth and achieving success in life, health is often overlooked. We chase career goals, personal development milestones, and relationships—believing success in those areas will bring fulfillment. But what if we’ve had it backwards? In a recent episode of the podcast, Agi Keramidas sat down with health coach, author, and podcast host Esther Avant to explore a simple yet transformative idea: prioritizing your health is the foundation for thriving in every other area of your life.
With over two decades of experience helping individuals improve their well-being, Esther has seen firsthand how focusing on fitness, nutrition, and sustainable health habits leads to benefits that extend far beyond the number on a scale. The episode dives deep into why health isn’t just a physical pursuit—it’s a life catalyst.
Health as the Catalyst for Life Success
Esther shares a powerful shift she’s witnessed in her clients. While many start with a narrow goal—usually weight loss—they often discover that progress in their health spills over into other areas of life. Confidence grows, energy increases, and mental clarity sharpens. Relationships improve, career momentum builds, and a deeper sense of happiness sets in.
What’s happening isn’t magic—it’s alignment. As you take care of your body, you begin to show up more fully in your life.
From Wake-Up Calls to Daily Choices
For many, the motivation to get healthy doesn’t come until something forces the issue—a medical diagnosis, a scare, or a point of exhaustion. But Esther encourages a proactive mindset shift: to envision your future self and ask, “What kind of life do I want to live in 10, 20, or 30 years?”
She describes a common but gradual decline in health as we age, often caused by subtle lifestyle changes. Less movement, more stress, more time at desks, less sleep. These small shifts add up. Yet, because they happen slowly, they’re easy to ignore until they become a problem.
By imagining the version of yourself at 70 or 80 and taking steps today to support that vision, you build not just a longer life, but a better one.
The Big Rock Habits
Esther outlines key “big rock” habits that provide the most impact on health without creating overwhelm. They fall into three main categories:
1. Lifestyle – Often overlooked, this includes sleep, stress management, and reducing alcohol consumption. These habits form the bedrock of your energy, mood, and resilience.
2. Nutrition – Instead of following extreme diets, Esther recommends focusing on simple principles: more whole foods, fiber, protein, and hydration; less processed, hyper-palatable foods and constant snacking.
3. Movement – You don’t need a hardcore gym routine. Daily walking, increased step count, and a few strength sessions per week can dramatically improve your well-being and independence as you age.
Start Small, Stay Consistent
One of the most empowering messages from the episode is that change doesn’t require an overhaul. Esther emphasizes starting with just one habit—like going to bed 30 minutes earlier—and being consistent. These small wins stack up over time, creating lasting transformation.
She also speaks to the importance of self-compassion. Beating yourself up for where you are won’t help you move forward. Instead, balance kindness with responsibility. Own your health journey and treat yourself with the grace you'd offer a friend.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been spinning your wheels with health goals or waiting for the “perfect” moment to start, this episode is your invitation to begin now. Not with drastic measures, but with intention, vision, and commitment to a future that feels strong, capable, and vibrant.
Because at the end of the day, health isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living better. And it might just be the missing key to the life you’ve been striving for.
For the full episode, show notes, and links click here: https://personaldevelopmentmasterypodcast.com/494