The clocks moved forward last week, and some people struggle with the time change. In the end I think we all benefit from the extra daylight and the opportunity to squeeze a few extra things into our day. We get to spend more time outdoors doing the things that benefit our mind, body, and spirit. Why not use that extra time to refocus on making big changes in your life or defining new goals as well?
For many people New Year's is the time of year to start new things. But it doesn't have to be that way. Spring is a fantastic time to kickstart your motivation and start planning for growth and change in every area of life.
When the clocks change, we always get the reminder to change the batteries in our smoke detectors. I've always thought that this was an excellent time to change or recharge our internal batteries as well. Take a good long look at where you are and where you would like to be. How are you going to get there and what is standing in your way?
It's time to act, write it down, map it out and get it done. Sometimes it's hard to get started and it can be difficult when not everyone is on the same page as you. Despite these challenges you must keep moving. Maybe you're not sure where it is you're going but you feel the time is ripe for a change. Now is when you need to look inward and decide.
I personally am on that path and some days it takes every fiber of my being to muster up the encouragement to keep going but I do. You see, once you have the idea that there's something better out there, something different, something that presents you with an opportunity for freedom, growth, and change, you can't pass it up. That’s what springing forward is all about. Taking those steps in new directions.
Now what if this change you are seeking is a risk? You must evaluate how far you're willing to go to embrace that risk. To sit with that feeling of discomfort knowing there’s no safety net. I'm willing to go all the way. It's easy to stay where you are and not take the risk, but I can almost guarantee you that the feeling of regret will be far worse than the fear you feel now. If you have known the feeling of comfort for too long and it has lulled you into complacency, you gotta move.
But what about the other people? The people who are staying where they are and not taking the risk? Maybe they are happy where they are. Maybe they are struggling every day. Don’t make the comparison. The path you are on is different from theirs and who knows, they may be just about to break out of the confines they have been living in as well.
The theme of Spring and new growth reminds me of my husband’s obsession with our lawn. It needs to be greener, stronger, weed free, and gorgeous! I find his “yard envy” of others hilarious. But it makes me think about those who assume that everyone else out there is killin’ it while they are stuck spinning their wheels. Don’t worry about where the grass is greener, water your own lawn! Define and feed your dreams no matter how big or small they are.
If you need support in moving on your goals, check out the tips I provided in the February 5, 2023 post, “What’s Holding You Back? Just Get on With It Already! (Whatever it is!).” Everything there applies to this message and then some.
The primary message here is that there is no time like the present and no one holding you back, but you. Get out of your head and into your life. It’s all about the messages you tell yourself. Tell yourself that it’s time to spring forward in all areas of your life. If it’s too daunting to consider a huge change, choose one thing to focus on. Success in that area will spill over into the other areas of your life and you will want to experience that feeling of progress daily.
I used to constantly tell myself that I would do this or that when it was the right time. There is literally never a “right” time to do or start anything. So, why not start now?
Here’s what you do:
Get clear on what you want your next step to be and make that your focus.
Do one thing every day toward your new goal. Grand gestures or tiny intentions, it all counts.
Tell others about your intentions and goals; it makes you accountable if it’s public.
Celebrate the little wins, every day. Keep a list of steps that make up your goal as you go along and cross them off. If you get discouraged, go back to your list, and look at just how far you have come.
You may be thinking, “Great, I’m reading yet another blog about making changes in my life and how to achieve my goals by someone that doesn’t know me and doesn’t know my story. Easy for you to say!” I completely understand so I’m going to have you keep me accountable as well.
Remember when I said I was personally on the path to change? I have been for quite some time. I’ve achieved some things already and have established some new targets going forward.
In 2020, I took control of my health and life by changing my approach to selfcare and nutrition.
In 2021, I went back to school to become a Health and Wellness Coach.
In 2022 I finished school, and started a new company, Committed Change Health & Wellness.
I never in a million years thought all that would happen, but I wanted it, made a plan, and did it. Hesitation and all!
Now, for your accountability duties. Next up for me,
I’m leaving the corporate world this month and going extra full-time with coaching, writing, and hopefully becoming a sought-after guest speaker for small groups.
I’ll be launching group training sessions this summer.
I'm finishing my book in the next few months, and hopefully launching it in September.
These goals are real. They will be tough. I need support and am not afraid to admit it. Fingers crossed we check them all off the list.
It’s your job to keep me focused on making these things happen and I’ll do the same for you and your dreams! We’ve got this!
A little extra daylight, a little extra incentive to commit to change. Now that you have a few more hours in your day, what are you doing to maximize your efforts to achieve the life you want to live?
Drop a comment or two and let me know what you’re up to. I’m excited to hear how you will spring forward!
Take care and be well,
Courtney
Comments