Right now is an unlikely starting point for healthy habits. I mean, we’re mere weeks away from Halloween. The year is “almost over.” The holidays will be here before we know it.
But when someone does start now, I know… she’s committed, which means she’s more likely to follow through, no matter what life throws her way.
You might wonder how I can know that she’s not taking on too much or being unrealistic about what can be done. Honestly, I don’t.
What I do know is that she’s not waiting for the right time, for life to get back to normal or her schedule to calm down. That if she’s decided something needs to change and she’s willing to take action, the foundation for transformation is there.
Think about a time when you’ve decided to take action, even though it would be easier not to. Like enrolling in night classes to finish a degree while working full time with a toddler at home. Or signing up to train for a marathon while taking care of your aging parents and running a business.
Being willing to take action and move forward when life isn’t perfect indicates a seriousness about the desire to change. So I know that when someone hires me as her coach in the fourth quarter, she’s ready to dive in and make the necessary shifts for greater wellbeing.
Because really, there’s never a better time to start feeling better.
And just imagine, if someone who does start her healthy habits now can get through the next few months, the muscle she’s building for taking action – even with tough circumstances – is incredible.
Maybe you have a hard time getting motivated to even start healthy habits, or you’ve been inconsistent and feel like you’ve let yourself down. Or maybe you regularly pursue a healthy lifestyle, but you’re in a bit of a rut. If so, now is the perfect time to commit to change.
My challenge to you is this: intentionally choose the habits you want to change, add or subtract right now. Set a timeline to step-by-step implement the changes. Take small steps every day. And by the way, if you want a roadmap to establish a foundation and develop strategies for change, I’ve got a cost-effective tool for you here.
It’s not important that you lose 27 lbs by December 31st or that you massively change your diet and reduce your medications in the next 86 days. It’s about who you are becoming – the muscle you are building – by taking action everyday that feels uncomfortable. Because the more you take those actions, the less uncomfortable they become.
And that’s when you’re ready for the next round of change.