Jeans you wear or the Genes you have?

As a wellness coach, I often encounter clients who believe their struggle with self-control is solely etched in their DNA, and while it's true that genes do play a role in our predisposition towards certain behaviors, it's not the whole story. It's like having a family recipe for a cake — your genes provide the ingredients, but how the cake turns out depends on how you mix and bake it.

Take, for example, the DRD4 gene, often associated with risk-taking and addictive behaviors. If you've inherited this gene variant, you might be more prone to reaching for that extra slice of pizza or skipping the gym for a Netflix marathon. But before you write yourself off as a victim of your genetic makeup, consider this: knowledge is power.

Armed with the understanding of these genetic tendencies, you can tailor your lifestyle to improve self-control. Perhaps you need a structured routine or an accountability partner to help keep those impulses in check. I've seen clients use calendar alerts to remind themselves of gym sessions, or meal prepping to avoid temptation from unhealthy snacks.

Moreover, the COMT gene influences how dopamine is processed in the brain and can impact how we deal with stress. Some people might find themselves stress-eating or stress-shopping—not because they lack willpower, but because their dopamine processing is different. In such cases, stress-management techniques like breathing exercises, yoga, or even engaging in a hobby can make all the difference.

As a coach, I encourage my clients to think of themselves as the architects of their destiny. Sure, our scaffolding is built from our genetic blueprint, but we choose the materials and design of the building. By cultivating habits like mindfulness, which can increase our awareness of triggers and our responses to them, we work on rewiring our brains to respond differently. We practice replacing automatic reactions with intentional actions.

Remember, our genes may load the gun, but our lifestyle pulls the trigger. Embrace the dance of genetics and environment as your unique choreography and take the lead in the dance of self-control. Your genetic predispositions are not your destiny; they are simply markers on the road to mastery over your behaviors.

Now, go and LIVE WELL!