Being All In

I have had several people cross my path wanting a change in their life.  Some are looking at a different career, or they are focusing on health and a few are looking to the future and what is next in their life.   My conversations with them have encompassed ideas of what they want to do but have no concrete plans of action.  It’s just talk and they are not really committed to making a change at all. If you are thinking of making a change in your life have you truly thought it though and how you are going to make this change?  Are you serious or looking for the easy route and hope to get the results you want?    If you are committed and ready to take the needed steps your next question will be, “What’s next?”

I was talking to someone recently that told me they were ready to make a change and they had thought and talked about this change for some time.  After much soul searching and many discussions with themselves and others it was decided to move forward and go “all in.”  You may ask what does that mean, “all in.”  Like the poker bet, the phrase “all in” means placing everything into the pot.  In the case of making changes in your life it means you are fully committed and you have convinced yourself of the goal you want and need to accomplish.  Your commitment is the strongest feature to accomplishing a change.  It will help you when temptation looms over you in a weak moment. 

Being “all in” means no turning back.  You have made a decision knowing your odds are well on the way to winning your goal.  Many times we play the odds without a plan or we really don’t know what it is we want to accomplish overall.  This is usually the deciding factor between winning and losing what you want. 

“All in” will help keep you on the path to your goal and be sure to give yourself a pat on the back when you overcome an obstacle.  Things to help you to plan begin with a commitment to your cause but take time to plan what it is that will help you get to the goal.  Plan for obstacles that will come along and how you can overcome these possible setbacks.  Rally a support system to be your cheerleaders and help you celebrate along the way.  These are the people that you can share your struggles as well as achievements. 

Finally plan your rewards as you overcome and reach milestones along the way. Look for ways to keep the momentum going as you get closer to reaching your goal.  And remember to picture the final destination of what you are working toward.  You may want to have a picture board of what that will look like or a list of what you reap for your achievements.  But remember if you are not “all in” then your chances for accomplishing that goal may not be realistic.  Do your homework and dig deep inside to find the commitment you need to lead you where you want to go. 

 “You have power over your mind, not outside events.  Realize this, and you will find strength.”, Marcus Aurelius