You have most likely read or heard a lot of information on “change” recently. I have found that there is so much available on the topic of change that it is almost overwhelming in itself. Let’s be honest – change requires work and most of us are already simply trying to exist in a world that seems to demand every minute of everyday.
So let’s simplify the process. There are four things that we can do that can begin to create the life that we all want. You know what I mean – more free time to spend with our families or friends, better health, a better job and so on.
These four things can be anything you want, you just need to follow through on the process.
DO MORE OF SOMETHING – There is no doubt, something in your life you would like to do more of. It may be spending more time at the gym to improve your health. You may have the desire to travel more or maybe something simple that requires little or no money like reading or writing a blog. Choose one thing that you would like to do more of and intentionally block out some time during each day or week to do it.
DO LESS OF SOMETHING – I will be fully transparent and share that a year ago I probably watched 20-30 hours of television a week. Recently I have been watching 3-5 hours a week. Hey I’m human and I need my Deadliest Catch fix. I actually enjoy watching a few shows with my boys and one or two shows with my wife so although it still may not be the best investment of time, I am at least getting some down time with my family. The point is that for all of us there is at least one thing we can do less of. Figure out what it is and start by determining what percentage you are going to cut out and do it.
STOP DOING SOMETHING – We are all guilty of doing things that add absolutely no value in our lives or those around us. Most of us can identify at least one thing that is in our diet that we have no business eating or drinking. Now I am smarter that to start listing things that may offend some of you (plus the fact that it may be on my list as well) but there is certainly something in your diet that is not healthy that you can completely cut out.
START DOING SOMETHING – This might be the toughest of the four. I know what you are saying “I am already busy and you are suggesting that I add something else to my plate.” I guess the answer is YES. You already know what it is – you know, that thing you have been saying for years. “I really need to start _____________.” Now is the time to start!
Listen, if you think you have the perfect life and don’t need to change anything – congratulations! If today looks like yesterday and tomorrow will look like today, maybe there is something you could change to make each day better than the one before. It is easy in this busy world we live in to become complacent and maybe it’s time to start living instead of just being alive.
WRITE DOWN ONE ITEM FOR EACH OF THE FOUR ACTION ITEMS AND POST IT WHERE YOU CAN SEE IT AND HAVE SOMEONE HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE – YOU CAN DO THIS!
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Barry Smith www.buildingwhatmatters.com 7/27/12
