Start your diet during a period of optimism and happiness.

"Start your diet during a period of optimism and happiness." These words, spoken by the great Karl Lagerfeld, carry within them a timeless piece of wisdom—one that transcends the fleeting nature of fashion and reaches into the very heart of human resilience and self-mastery. To embark on a diet, or any personal transformation, during a time of optimism and happiness is not merely practical; it is a strategy for success. It is a profound reminder that the journey toward self-discipline and well-being is not one to be undertaken lightly, but with the full strength of mind and heart. The pursuit of change, especially the kind that involves the body and its nourishment, must begin with a foundation of joy and positivity.

In the ancient world, the great philosophers understood the power of mental states in shaping the trajectory of one's life. Aristotle, in his pursuit of virtue, believed that the mind and body must work in harmony. He wrote, “Happiness depends upon ourselves,” for he knew that without a positive mindset, no endeavor—whether in the realm of health, learning, or love—could truly flourish. Lagerfeld’s insight into the timing of a diet is rooted in this very understanding. When we are optimistic and at peace with our world, we are far more capable of embracing change, facing challenges, and sustaining the discipline required to transform our lives.

Consider the story of Hercules, the great hero of Greek mythology, who, through strength of will and determination, faced the twelve labors. Before he could conquer these monumental tasks, he had to first find a source of hope and purpose. His labors were not to be carried out in despair, but in the fullness of courage and optimism that came from knowing his strength and resolve. Similarly, embarking on a diet, a transformation of body and spirit, requires that we be strong in mind and heart. If we enter the journey with fear, doubt, or sadness, our path will be steep and treacherous. But if we set out from a place of happiness, with clarity and hope, we carry with us the energy needed to succeed.

The ancient Egyptians, whose lives were steeped in ritual and discipline, understood the connection between spiritual well-being and physical health. Their rituals, from the way they ate to the way they prepared their bodies for the afterlife, were designed to bring balance to the physical and spiritual realms. Just as they would not engage in sacred rites while in sorrow, we must not attempt to change our physical habits when we are burdened by doubt or unhappiness. As Lagerfeld suggests, our journey of transformation is best undertaken when we are aligned with optimism—when our minds and hearts are open and ready to embrace the change we wish to manifest in our bodies.

This is not to say that the journey toward change will always be easy, but it is to say that the right foundation—built on happiness and optimism—makes the path far less daunting. Think of the great Renaissance painters who, though faced with immense challenges in their lives, created masterpieces because they were driven by passion and purpose. Leonardo da Vinci, in particular, was guided by an unrelenting optimism that allowed him to see beyond the obstacles of his time. His genius flourished not because the road was smooth, but because his heart was full of joy and determination. The artist and the dietary seeker alike must start their endeavors with a sense of hope, for it is hope that turns the mundane into the extraordinary.

The lesson we can take from Lagerfeld’s words is not just about timing, but about mindset. When embarking on any significant transformation, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional, we must recognize that optimism and happiness are not mere byproducts of success, but essential ingredients. Success in any undertaking is rarely a matter of willpower alone. It is the power of the mind and the heart, aligned with the forces of joy and hope, that drives us to persist and overcome the inevitable challenges along the way.

As we apply this wisdom in our own lives, let us take care to begin each journey of change from a place of optimism. Let us not burden ourselves with the weight of unrealistic expectations, nor start in a state of doubt. If we seek to improve our health, our minds, or our habits, let us first cultivate a joyful and positive environment that supports our goals. Whether we are embarking on a diet, a new skill, or a change in our life’s direction, we must build a foundation that honors our strengths and dreams. Let the light of optimism guide us, and with it, we shall find the energy and commitment to bring our best selves into the world.