“I’ll start going to the gym next month.”
“I’ll stop drinking after I get back from vacation.”
“I’ll call my parents on the weekend.”
“I’ll eat better next week, after this project at work is over.”
“I should really spend more time with the kids.”
So many of us talk about great things we should do, or things we should stop doing, then find some reason to put them off. I had a friend who would wait until the first day of the next month to start something new or to end a bad habit, regardless of the current day. Why wait? If it is important enough to do, start today.
As I travel and speak about connecting people to their talents and passions, I constantly hear their stories of regret. As we talk about discovering or rediscovering their talents and passions, many people tell me they kept their passions hidden, waiting for the right time. They wished they had developed their love of music, art, travel, reading, quilting, parenting…whatever. They sadly remember how happy they were doing something that activated them, but never made more time for it. And now, they feel they have missed out.
So start now with the important things in your life. Don’t wait.
What are the things you must start doing today – to stay healthy, stay connected, live better, live more authentically, say what you feel, love what you do…. What are the things you must stop doing today – eating the wrong foods, drinking too much, smoking, not exercising, working too much, fighting with others… Here are some suggestions:
o Identify one thing you love to do, and do it today.
o Identify one person who needs to hear from you, and call, text, e-mail, write or visit – today.
o Identify one bad or unhealthy habit you have and end it today.
o Identify a good new habit and start it today.
o Identify one thing you will do to help the planet (stop using bottled water, drive less, recycle everything you can recycle, don’t litter, walk more, etc.) – today.
o Surprise someone with a compliment, smile or hug – today.
o Book your trip – to a place you have always wanted to go – today.
o Start a new meaningful holiday tradition – today.
o Forgive someone you need to forgive – today.
o Identify one thing to be better and become more valuable in your job and do it today.
There always seems to be a logical reason to put off what we need to do – not enough money, time, resources, energy, support, or something. Yet time goes by, day after day; we don’t get this time back. And soon large blocks of time have passed without making important changes or living our passions and dreams.
Know what makes you happy, healthy and wise – and do more of it. Don’t wait for the first day of the month or the first day of the year. If it is important enough to do, then it is important enough to do today.
Good news needs to be shared, and starting today on important things in your life is good news. So please share this with someone who will benefit from it. See resources to help you develop the courage to listen to your own voice and do the things you need to do for you at www.TheGreatnessZone.com.
