Can't You or Won't You?

For so long you’ve convinced yourself of things you cannot do, but how true is that? What have you been telling yourself you cannot do? Is it something that you are truly unable to do? Or is it something you’ve simply been refusing to do? To make the distinction, ask yourself… would you do “it” if your life depended on it? Answer this question honestly and you will find that you would do it; you can do it and are simply refusing to do it. Now, replace the word “it” with something you’ve been putting off doing. What changes have you thought about making for some time now? What changes you have yet to make? If you take some time to reflect on your “it”, you will see that your life does depend on it. The consequences might not be immediate but surely your opposition to change is affecting your quality of life.

Let’s say you’ve been putting off improving your diet and increasing your exercise. You could either start a simple fitness routine and improve your eating habits or continue to put yourself at risk for a myriad of health problems. A good diet will give you the energy your body needs to function daily. Consistently eating a good diet has many long-term benefits. Start improving your diet by drinking more water and eating more green leafy vegetables.

The lack of exercise combined with a poor diet can result in major health issues like breathing problems, diabetes, trouble sleeping, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It can also lead to low self-esteem and depression. Start a fitness routine by walking 30 minutes each day. A regular exercise routine paired with healthy eating habits will keep the weight off.

Do you need to spend less and save more money? You could either create a realistic budget or continue to live beyond your means resulting in a lifetime of debt. When you fail to budget money, you will not be able to meet your financial obligations. Your bills will go unpaid and your credit score will be tarnished. A person who doesn’t control their spending will not be able to save or put money away for retirement. Start improving your finances by tracking your spending and allocating your funds for specific and necessary expenses.  Living paycheck to paycheck working only to make ends meet doesn’t sound like an enjoyable life.

These are two examples of how seemingly small changes can prevent huge, life-altering problems.

Whatever your “it” is, the sooner you make that change, the sooner you can begin to live the life you deserve. Time is invaluable and will never return once it’s gone. Don’t waste any more time contemplating a change, act like your life depends on it, because it does.