I have to say this, right from the start of this blog, please don’t go out and make pop-tarts a regular breakfast staple, okay? I have just checked the ingredients list, and there is not much real food in them! Lots of processed sugars, oils and chemicals, just not much food. This blog is not about pop-tarts as a nutritional source, but about what I have identified as, the law of the pop-tart.

I was listening to an audio recently, as I do, and the speaker was talking about the instructions on the pop-tart pack. She listed the four-step process to prepare and consume the product, which included:

1. Remove pop-tart from plastic pouch.
2. Dispose of plastic pouch responsibly.
3. Toast at low heat for 3 minutes.
4. Enjoy eating your pop-tart.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I have to wonder why the manufacturers felt it necessary to include these ridiculously obvious, and even insulting, instructions on the pop-tart packaging. Maybe because there are actually people out there who put the pop-tart in the toaster without removing the plastic pouch, and they don’t want to be liable for not making it clear. I am sure there are people who do irresponsibly dispose of the plastic refuse. My question is, does suggesting it on the back of the pack actually change someone’s behaviour? Maybe or maybe not, but at least they are being seen as environmentally responsible. I can see why they need to have cooking instructions, in terms of time and temperature, but do we really need to then be reminded to eat what we have just cooked?

It does seem to be a waste of resources and time to put these instructions on the pop-tart packaging, but they are there for a reason, and it is that reason I want to explore with you in this blog. In our life, there are some pretty simple instructions we should follow if we want to be healthy, prosperous and happy. Those instructions just aren’t printed on a package or on a sign on your wall, but maybe they should be. It is my guess that you know the instructions you need to follow if you want to be leaner, fitter and healthier. Do you know them, or should I type them out for you, like the pop-tarts? I believe you also know the simple instructions to have happy and fulfilling relationships. It would surprise me if you didn’t know the instructions to be financially stable. I mean, who wouldn’t be insulted if they were given the following instructions?

1. Earn money
2. Spend less that you earn
3. Each week, deposit extra income in an interest-bearing savings account.
4. Enjoy financial choices.

The question I want to ask you is, as I am always asking myself, are you following the obvious and simple instructions to enable you to live your best life? I know you aren’t doing it in every area of life, because none of us are. So, maybe it’s time to apply the law of the pop-tart in the areas that require attention. What do I mean by that? I mean, if you are overspending and putting yourself into debt, then maybe you need to type up some obvious instructions, put them in your face every day and… follow them. If your health is struggling, and it’s affecting every area of your life, why not make an instruction list for yourself and then actually follow it to start the process of regaining optimal wellbeing? No-one wants strained relationships, yet we create them ourselves. So, if that is you, can I recommend an obvious and even insulting instruction list to help you to start the journey of restoration with the most important relationships in your life? The thing that will enhance your life now and forever, is the law of the pop-tart.

You may need help creating your instruction list, so please, for your own sake, reach out for that help. In my podcast this week with the inspiring founder of the PasifikaTOA foundation, Milli Tuhakaraina, called Reach Out, we discuss the power of reaching out to ask for help, and, reaching out to offer help to those who need it. If you need an obvious and simple instruction list, ask for help. If you could help someone create their own list, can I encourage you to do it. The bottom line is this my friend, success, happiness and fulfillment in life is not as hard as you may think, and it is available for you. All you have to do is create your instruction list, follow it and allow the law of the pop-tart to do the rest.