Why Not Now?

I recently read the book “Make Your Bed,” by Admiral William H. McRaven. This inspiring read is about lessons the author learned from basic SEAL training. McRaven uses his experience to teach how these life lessons help anyone become a better person and change the world. The book is short, direct, and moving.

After reading the book I thought how we all are capable of these changes but don’t apply ourselves for many reasons. Sometimes I believe we need either a direction or a plan. Many times, we plan then get stuck moving to the next step. We are fearful to ask for help and we quit before we reach our desired goal. If any of this sounds familiar you are not alone. We meet adversity each day and because we run into these difficulties, we can get discouraged and stuck.

Don’t have a plan? Begin with small things you can accomplish each day. McRaven talks about making your bed as a good way of starting the day with an accomplishment. It is easy to put off the small things in our life but why not do it now and have it done? By doing these little tasks, although they may not seem important, you are creating a pattern of discipline. And the bonus is you are not letting chores pile up and become overwhelming. Sometimes you need to have a checklist to stay on track. You can establish habits over time but the point of doing these tasks is to set your attitude for the day and the future.

Don’t know what to do next? If you need help to plan for your future think about where you would like to see yourself in the next year. Make notes of the steps you would need to take to move in that direction. Once you have the idea and a little direction take small steps each day towards that path. With each accomplishment add more to the plan and before you realize it, you will have gained new habits and become much more organized.

Speaking of planning, it would be prudent to mention that finding collaboration can be helpful.  So often we try doing everything on our own. Either for fear of looking weak, or not wanting to hear another’s opinion, we miss opportunities to learn. Remember getting input does not mean you are to follow the advice. You are gathering information you possibly don’t see. It also can be helpful as many people will offer more and your task can become easier to achieve. The power of having good friendships, according to a 2017 Harvard study, reduces stress, promotes better overall well-being, and is important to our mental health.

So often we start a journey with great intentions and get derailed along the way. Changing our life is hard, and it’s easy to get discourage and give up. Stop every so often and go back to why you started this plan. Remind yourself why it’s important to you. Perhaps you need to make adjustments to continue. Many times, I see good intentions do not keep a person on track. They second guess themselves and often will give up. To help you understand, I would recommend you read about some famous individuals who had to overcome many failures and rejections but kept true to their dreams and stayed on their path. Take time to read about Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, JK Rowling, Jim Carey, Franklin Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Dr Seuss and Steve Jobs. I believe you will find them inspiring and perhaps their stories will be helpful to keep you from giving up on your journey.
Begin today with the little things like making your bed to start the change for the future. Why not now? I will refer you to the quote from James Allen, “For true success ask yourself these four questions:  Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?”

Robin has spent a lifetime working with a variety of personalities and business organizations across the United States and internationally which has included leadership positions with several companies in the field of newspapers, magazines and broadcasting. She is a published author and writes for a variety of blogs and publications. As a certified master development coach, ACE personal trainer, and movement instructor for senior populations, Robin specializes in helping people on a journey for change with an approach towards communication and personal development through the connection of language and behavioral patterns.  She works with groups and indivi duals on life transitions for self-improvement and to create personal balance, physically and mentally. www.robinannegriffiths.com

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