Your Best Self: Finding Progress Everywhere ... Even Your Diet

Your Best Self: Finding Progress Everywhere ... Even Your Diet
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Hopefully you’ve heard MOAA is launching a people-focused conference called TotalForce+, with the inaugural event set for Oct. 28-29 at National Harbor, Md., just outside the nation’s capital. 

 

This event will cover all aspects of what it means to serve – whether in uniform or as a civilian, a veteran or a retiree, a family member or a survivor. One of the keys to the event, and a personal passion, will be a focus on leadership development and performance: Put simply, our national security is strongest when all members of the total force are the best versions of themselves.

 

As a coach, I have the honor and privilege to help people tap into and discover the best version of themselves. Whether through my Dare to Dream: Live the Life You Love! quarterly workshop, one-on-one career consultations or résumé reviews, nothing brings me more joy than hearing one say that the information, framework, or questions I posed led to some type of breakthrough.

 

[MORE FROM MOAA: Transition and Career Resources]

 

The more I research and learn in this space, the more I want to share what I discover. And that brings me to an often-overlooked part of personal development – one that starts with what’s on your plate.

 

Fueling Your Focus

You’ve heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, this is true not only for our physical state, but also our mental state. As you reflect on how you are feeling as we wrap up January 2025, don’t chalk up any less-than-awesome findings to “winter blues” or just “a normal January.” They could be directly related to your diet.

 

Want to know more? Register for MOAA’s Feb. 6 webinar, where we’ll dive deep into the relationship between nutrition and cognitive function. This webinar will offer valuable insights and practical tips on how to optimize your diet for better mental performance.

 

[LEARN MORE: Nutrition for Cognition and Mental Health]

 

I’ll be joined by an expert whose résumé speaks for itself: Lt. Col. Nick Barringer, USA (Ret), is the first active duty dietitian to graduate from Army Ranger School and serve with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. Now the director of the U.S. Military-Baylor University Graduate Program in Nutrition, we’ll discuss actionable steps toward enhancing your focus and energy by improving your food choices.

 

By integrating these strategies into your daily routine, you can achieve a more balanced and productive life, ensuring you are always at your best, both mentally and physically.

 

Ready to take that next step? Register for the free webinar today! Want to learn more about the inaugural TotalForce+ event? Click here to join our waitlist.

 

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About the Author

Cmdr. Erin Cardinal, USN (Ret), ACC, CPC
Cmdr. Erin Cardinal, USN (Ret), ACC, CPC

Cardinal is MOAA's Program Director, Transition Services & Family Programs. She is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and has extensive experience in coaching servicemembers through their transition from active duty to the civilian sector.