Start Before You Are Ready

[as seen in the Oxford Review on July 26th, 2012]

If you have been waiting to begin eating well and exercising regularly, it is time to stop waiting. There will never be a perfect time. There will always be stuff in your way. Stop waiting and start doing.

Paul McKenna, in his book Change Your Life In 7 Days, makes the suggestion to “Start before you are ready.” I agree with Paul. You will never be as ready as you want to be. If you are waiting for the stars and planets to align, you will be at the same place next year as you are right now.

Frankly, it is time to take action. Each journey begins with one step in the right direction. It is time to take that step and I want to encourage you to do it today. If you continue to wait you will just be doing what you have always done. Remember that if nothing changes, then nothing changes.

Every single person who has lost weight, started eating healthy, started an exercise program, or stopped smoking all did it the same way. They started the process. They took the first step.

That successful person can be you. I know you might not think it is possible, but I am here to tell you it is. I have seen too many amazing transformations over the years to disqualify any person from making a life-changing metamorphosis.

Neil Fiore, Ph.D., wrote one of the most important books that I have ever read. It is called The Now Habit.

In his book Fiore discusses why people procrastinate and what can be done about it. He believes there are three triggers for procrastination: Fear of Failure, Fear of Success, and Perfectionism.

As a former procrastinator (I am not totally there yet, but I am well on my way), I can tell you that on my path to healing I had to confront many things about myself. They weren’t always easy to admit, confront, or navigate. However, when you know why you do something, it is much easy to make a change.

If you don’t mind I would like to engage you as you read this column – please ask yourself these three separate and distinct questions in the context of a goal you have been struggling with: “Am I afraid of success?” “Am I afraid of failure?” “Do I want it to be absolutely perfect?”

This might seem like a silly exercise, but I can assure you it is not.

If you can identify the thoughts and behaviours that are impeding you from getting started, you will be able to navigate those things that are in your way to success. I am of the opinion that often the biggest roadblock in life is ourselves.

I know of many people that don’t often look within themselves because they aren’t sure of what they might find. Maybe they are also a little scared. Well, it is time to get a little scared and look within. It is important to know why we think what we think and why we do what we do. Only by knowing these things can we truly change our behaviour for the better.

I would like to take this opportunity to challenge you to think and be different than what you have been. As you read this internalize it and use it as a springboard for change. Look within and find out what makes you tick. Read a few books on the subject or contact me if you want some help.

Today is the day. Choose to make your life truly what you want it to be. When you feel like the stars just aren’t in alignment remember this article and how you felt when you read it. If there is only one thing that you remember today – remember this – Start before you are ready!

As Always – Eat Healthy. Exercise Regularly. And Smile often.

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