Some things we carry forward and some things we have to leave behind.
Today, some of you may decide that this is the week for change, and there is nothing wrong with wanting change in your life. I suggest that we all reinvent ourselves every decade or so.
I have done many things over the years and they have all made me who I am today. If this is the case for you now, then I support you on your journey. Welcome to Day One.
As someone who has changed direction many times – sometimes I am successful and far more often I am a failure – allow me to give you some simple advice. Just try. You probably won’t like it or be very good at it at first. That is OK. It is OK to fail; just try again tomorrow. Every day is a brand new opportunity to turn it all around. I promise you that, if you give your goal one percent of effort a day, you will eventually see progress.
Remember, though, that nothing happens in an instant; if it did, it would already be done.
‘Trust me, it all adds up incredibly, and in the end, you will look back at these first steps as just that …’
If your goal is to have a cleaner house, then start by washing one dish. If you are trying to get in shape, do one push-up, and then two, and so on. Do you want to learn another language? Just start with learning one new word.
After you do just the one first thing, I want you to take a moment to smile and be proud of yourself because you’ll always be your biggest cheerleader on this mission to create a new you. Trust me, it all adds up incredibly, and in the end, you will look back at these first steps as just that … as this is the beginning.
The next day will come in one of two ways. Either you will be encouraged to continue your journey, or you will not. That is OK, too. Just go wash another dish or take the steps instead of the elevator. Change is not always going to be about enjoying it. Change is simply about actually doing it. One percent at a time. Write your goal down and carry it in your pocket. Look at the note that you wrote from time to time to remind yourself that it was an important enough idea for you to write down.
Once you accept change, it is easier to accomplish it.
Imagine yourself achieving that goal. Picture it, think it, dream about it. It is never a race. Do not look to others and their accomplishments – and every detail of it – and focus instead on you. By doing so, you’ll help it become a reality.
It really can be that simple. Ask, and you shall receive it. See yourself making the winning shot, and continue to do whatever it takes for you. Stay motivated and let some time pass. It took a long time to get to this point to deserve this change and it will take perhaps just as long to get the results that you desire.
Everyone is going to have a different experience regardless of their participation. However, remember always that you are never alone, and that we are all in this together. I am also currently making a change as I type this. I hope next year to write more, so I take it one word at a time.
You got this. I have faith in you. New year. New you.
If you happen to reach your goal and realize that it is not for you, that’s also OK. You have plenty of time to figure it out. Let us know what your goals and ambitions are. We would love to hear them.
