Now Is Later

Years ago I heard a line that has stuck with me…”If you want to know what your life will look like years from now, take a look at it today.

How true is that?

Sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances that take us by surprise or throw us for a loop, but for the most part, our current functioning is going to continue to recreate the same results, unless we do something different.

Of course, if you like how things are going, the direction they are moving and the results you are getting, by all means keep doing what you are doing!

If however, you are not happy or satisfied, best to make some change…starting now.

This is solid advice right? Ironically it’s not so easy to put into practise though. Why? Because, making change can be quite scary. It represents the unknown, possible failure or concern that things could end up worse….

Nonetheless, we must be brave, courageous and bold. One single step can change the course of everything! An action, inquiry or request can immediately begin to create new momentum and lead us on a path to new and more meaningful results.

In one of my favourite movies, ‘We bought a zoo’, Benjamin Mee (played by actor Matt Damon) says , “You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage, just literally 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery, and I promise you something great will come of it.”

Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever mustered the courage to do something outside your norm or comfort zone, because your current situation was not pleasing you and then found it paid off?

This may be all that is required to get the ball rolling to change direction and move towards new results. Then, with sustained effort, the sky is the limit!

Interestingly, the things we need to do to make positive and lasting change are not all that hard really. The challenge that arises for most people is taking that first step and then putting into practise the simple but regular routine daily actions to sustain it.

With technology on the rise, sustaining focus and effort seems to be on the decline. People think fast, move fast and change their focus often…and fast. Coupled with so many disposable items right at our very fingertips, it’s a wonder anyone experiences or values any kind of commitment or permanency anymore.

Simple, dedicated and routine effort pays off because our life is the culmination of our daily repeated actions.

The other week I overheard a Fitness Instructor tell his class, in an effort to motivate and keep them motivated, “Summer bodies are created in the winter!”

Clearly it had an impact on me because I just overheard this remark and I’m repeating his words many days later. Not to mention, because of his comment, I have begun to envision myself putting on my summer dresses and bathing suits, and I cringe!

But, I can do something about it. I don’t need to close my eyes and suck in my belly in order to fit into my favourite summer wardrobe. I can prepare now.

Of course to make a change of this nature, it’s easy to know what to do and how to do it: exercise more frequently and eat more healthfully.

Some changes are less obvious on what’s needed or how to best approach making change. In these instances we may need to be patient, and wait for a clue or guidance to appear.

In the meantime, doing anything – especially those actions that augment your energy levels, wellbeing and put a smile on your face will contribute to a more positive direction, either way.

Usually when we look back, we can see a multitude of viable solutions that could have worked, but we couldn’t see it at the time. “Hindsight may be 20/20, but foresight can be staring you right in the face and you’ll still miss it.” – Susan Gale

Ultimately, you don’t need to be a psychic or a clairvoyant to know what the future holds. YOU have the power to create it.

New Action + Consistent Effort = Results

To planting new spring seeds!

Jill