Many times we crave something different for our life, but we procrastinate because it feels like this BIG obstacle. We need to be prepared. We’re not ready yet. We need to go all in.
The funny thing is you can make some HUGE changes that become new habits to get you closer to a lifestyle you LOVE without you even realizing it.
Let’s do a hypothetical…
Say you want to lose 50 pounds. You’re feeling a little down. Your marriage isn’t quite where you want it to be because of your low sex drive and don’t really want to talk about how you’re feeling.
Work is stressful, but you’re too busy to look for something new and you sure don’t want to move to another company doing the same thing…at least you have seniority where you are now.
As unhappy as you are, it’s comfortable. You know what to expect.
Feels overwhelming, right? The thought of going on a clean eating plan or making it to the gym sounds less than appealing. Your marriage is solid, so there’s no need for counseling. It’ll get better. It always does…eventually.
Happy hour with friends and a night of binge watching TV feels more like it!
Shut off your mind. Relax. And hope for a decent night’s sleep.
Prolonging Your Misery
When that routine goes on for 3 months, 6 months, or a YEAR, something has to give.
Will it be your weight and now you’re looking at losing 75 pounds? Will it be a divorce because you haven’t had sex in a year? Will you be the one who get’s laid off because of your lack of enthusiasm at work?
Ask yourself…if everything stayed the same, how would I feel in 6 months? How would I feel in 1 year? 5 years?
When I asked myself that question about my work when I was in corporate, it felt like a kick to the stomach. I knew I had to make some changes. I needed to follow my heart.
How to Change Your Life
It all starts with little steps. Little steps make it easy to incorporate. There is no plan required. There is no excuse. Time is no longer a factor.
Will it take longer? Probably. But that’s ok.
It’s a hell of a lot better than staying stuck and paralyzed because you’re not ready and don’t know where to begin!
In the case of our example, here are some little steps that can start making a difference:
- Fitness – Start taking walks. Park the car in the back of the parking lot. Take the stairs. These little tricks add up!I can’t tell you how many times I’ve parked at the back of the lot in the grocery store and I’m already inside as I see someone still doing laps trying to find a closer spot. I probably burned an extra 50 or 100 calories than they did.
- Nutrition – Start making healthy swaps. Used to having sour cream on things? Try plain, non-fat Greek yogurt. Heading to happy hour with your friends? Get the chicken skewers instead of mozzarella sticks.
- Intentional Living – Start telling your spouse what you appreciate about them. Jack Canfield and his wife do this every night before bed and he says it’s great foreplay!When you support each other to be your best, it will bring you closer.
- Career – Start thinking about what you really love to do. What are you great at? How can you do more of that in your day? What do you need to learn to grow and get you closer to your ideal career?
You Have the Answer
Our intuition is incredibly powerful. We just choose to ignore it most days. There’s a saying that I absolutely love….”Be. Do. Have.”
Focus on the being. The present. Ask yourself “how do I need to be in order to have the lifestyle I want?”
It’s the little steps will get you further along on your best path. And in 6 months, you’ll be in a different place (and a few pounds lighter!) and can take different little steps to elevate you even more!
Take Action Now
Tell me in the comments below what little step you’re going to take TODAY to get you closer to loving your lifestyle!
