Unlock the Power of Conviction

In a recent conversation with a friend, he revealed the transformative power conviction has had in achieving his success. Conviction is not a word I use frequently, so the conversation sent me on a deep dive into its meaning. I wanted to understand its full impact and how I might harness that force in my life.

According to Webster’s, conviction is 1) a strong belief or opinion 2) a finding of guilty made by a court. I’m intrigued by the dichotomy of these two definitions; it signifies that a potent belief, whether honorable or misguided, can lead to a powerful outcome. Seemingly, the key is the strength of the conviction—so how do we harness that drive for good? 

Conviction stems from passion, either a deep belief in an outcome or subject matter. Knowledge can hone conviction making it stronger, personal experiences can reinforce it, and self-reflection can maintain it. It’s a dynamic force that may grow over time or dwindle depending on the circumstances. Conviction is not confined to a single realm; it can be applied to various facets of one’s life—beliefs, values, goals, or desires. It can pertain to a way of being or an aspiration. Whether it’s something you already possess or something you want to achieve, conviction can guide the path.

For me, it crystallizes in the tagline I've carried since writing Savor— “eat healthy happily...” It's more than a slogan; it's a deep-rooted belief. I wholeheartedly embrace the philosophy of finding joy in our every day and taking pleasure in how we nurture ourselves. So why is this a conviction of mine?

It’s widely accepted that eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet of unprocessed, whole foods is good for our overall health. It fights countless diseases, contributes to our physical and mental well-being, keeps us energized, improves mood and sleep and is the foundation of a healthy life. We also know there are lots of ways to achieve this goal—following prescriptive diets, counting nutrients, forbidding food groups, and many more. So, what’s the conviction for doing it happily?

Eating can be one of the great pleasures of life. It indulges all of our senses including taste, smell, texture, sight and even sound. It’s the greatest form of selfcare providing nourishment and energy. Sharing meals with family and friends is often how we get together; it can be fun, informative, and bonding. Food is frequently at the center of cultural traditions. Sharing a meal fosters connection and a sense of community. It can evoke memories, joy, provide comfort and security.

Food can be a gateway to exploration and adventure—trying different and diverse flavors and traditions sparks novelty and excitement. Food can take us on journeys through time and space both literally and through our tastebuds. Preparing meals may be a form of artistic expression, a way to exercise creativity and individuality. It’s also an illustration of identity, a pathway to our heritage and history.

Pairing happiness with healthy eating focuses on the joy and pleasure of food rather than the restrictions. The temptations and social pressure to indulge in unhealthy choices diminishes and making positive dietary choices becomes natural, no longer a “chore” or a “should.” The more we associate eating healthy with happy, the more we’ll eat healthy happily and the healthier and happier we’ll be.

Conviction isn't just a belief, it's a driving force. It motivates us to take action, maintain consistency, and provides the resilience to stay on track when faced with obstacles. It encourages choices aligned with our values and inspires others to embrace our determination.

When I set out to explore the word conviction and the actions associated with it, I didn’t expect to land on “eat healthy happily…” But the deeper I contemplate it, the greater my conviction grows. It reaffirms my belief that the more we can find the pleasure in taking care of ourselves and those around us, the more we will. I can think of no better way to approach food.