Change is good if it’s planned! It seems that for most of us, what we want most in life, is a feeling that we are in control. We wish for our circumstances to be just as we like them to be, and that the changes that inevitably come our way are because we allowed them to happen and we are well prepared.
Summary of what’s coming:
Being proactive in dealing with life’s problems gives us a huge advantage.
It puts us in control and helps prevent us from becoming victims of circumstances.
This applies to almost everything we value but can be especially applied to health.
Modern life destroys our health if we let it.
We simply must make healthy changes happen or suffer as unhealthy changes take hold.
Being proactive in health is living a “wellness” lifestyle.
This is the lifestyle that makes the most sense!
It seems that for most of us, what we want most in life, is a feeling that we are in control. We wish for our circumstances to be just as we like them to be, and that the changes that inevitably come our way are because we allowed them to happen and we are well prepared. That would be nice, right? We are master of our own vessel, steering our own ship and its course is true.
The trouble is, life rarely works in this manner. Indeed for most of us, life is something that HAPPENS TO US and we seem to hope for the best and we try to cope as things come our way. It’s a bit like looking at life as an obstacle course to be navigated on the move. And of course, if we don’t look ahead and make a plan, a good plan, then obstacles are what we’ll surely encounter and that vessel of ours is well and truly on the rocks.
But taking control means taking initiative and forcing the important changes before they come to us and making us react. Of course, this is rarely a good strategy but so often the one we default to. Innately we know that this strategy is probably not wise yet we avoid making these important decisions at all costs whilst anxiously waiting for life’s hurdles to come our way. Change is scary, right? Let’s not start something today that we might regret. We can deal with it later!
If we are coasting, we’re going downhill!
Is it that most people are sleepwalking through life? If that is true then surely they are missing the point. No need to get too philosophical here but I think we can agree that our lives are both precious yet brief. Let’s talk about ‘precious!’
Our purpose makes our life precious
I for one believe we all have a magnificent purpose in life, and I’m not talking about simply creating a hectic schedule of work, full of technology, errands, and activities. Neither am I suggesting that we all have to be leaders of the industry, great musicians or artists, or anything extraordinary for that matter.
If our great purpose is to be an amazing parent, grandparent or member of the community then that surely is a noble enough cause, and worth doing well.
If we can then strive to do that job to the very best of our abilities then I strongly believe this is a great life with a great purpose. We need to be the best version of ourselves possible to carry out this job to the best of our abilities which means without question we need to be proactive and make the necessary changes at the right time.
So ask yourself, have you identified your magnificent purpose yet? If the answer is not a resounding yes, then it’s a no!
That means the first change you need to make is to stop drifting and think about what your passion is.
If it’s your family then that is just perfect and now you just need to make yourself the best son, daughter, father, mother or grandparent you can be.
If your life is busy and burdensome, but without a purpose you can get passionate about, then I believe you are missing the point, and it’s also setting the stage for burnout and possible depression. Think deeply about this and allow yourself to explore possibilities.
Of course, if your life is pretty perfect, then perhaps there’s no need to change circumstances or direction at all; let’s maintain the status quo. However, if you are honest with yourself, then in all likelihood something is less than perfect, or maybe even something really sucks. If this is the case then waiting is not an option. Life is passing you by and worse still, it could be taking a turn for the worse. In these circumstances, CHANGE CAN’T AND SHOULDN’T WAIT!
Why the Hesitation?
So now we have to consider, “Why the hesitation?” Action is going to improve your life and inaction surely is going to make sure things get worse.
How many times have you wished things would be different but then you did nothing about it? How many times have you said, “I hate this job” but continue to go to work every day never looking for a new job?
I get it, change takes us out of our comfort zone and into the unknown; so maybe it’s a case of ‘better the devil we know!’ But remember getting out of your comfort zone is the only way growth can happen and, staying inside guarantees stagnation and contraction.
I heard someone once say that ‘your comfort zone is the place where your dreams die’ and this makes perfect sense to me.
Change is good, the Time to Act is Now
There is no such thing as the ‘perfect time.’ So stop waiting for the perfect time, or for the changes to come to you. You cannot wait for changes to “just happen” to you, and blindly close your eyes and hope everything will be OK.
If it’s health you are considering then you must look at the signs, and if you already have pain and stiffness then inaction will guarantee things will get worse. You must take action!
Breakthrough your current barriers, don’t wait for the right moment, or perfect timing. There will never be a time that will feel “Perfect”. You will always have some apprehensions because after all, we are all human. But don’t let that hold you back. You’ll do great! But you need to believe you’ll do great.
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin." Mother Teresa