Take First Steps
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Let go of the idea of what is normal and live your life the way you really want to.
You need to be willing to sacrifice what is good for what is great. If you want something, don’t wait around or ask for someone’s permission, go get it. You might fall – sometimes it takes a good fall to really know where you stand.
How do I do that, you ask?!
Make a good plan. What I mean by “good” is that it has to be realistic and achievable. I would never get on a treadmill and expect that I run 10 miles. I might expect myself to run for 10 minutes today and 10 miles in 2 months. I am not asking you to make a lifetime plan. Get up in the morning and make a plan for a good day. Set yourself up for success. Make sure you’re the one who has control over your life, starting with everyday steps. Keep them as your own personal secret, smash the hell out of them, and celebrate your success.
Pick what you are willing to sacrifice. You will have to sacrifice something that you value less than whatever it is you really want. I gave up sleeping in and started getting up early so I can exercise and have a longer day. I gave up job security to pursue my private practice. When I went to graduate school, I gave up socializing with friends – I went to school and worked full time so I wouldn’t have loans after I graduated. If you want to live an extraordinary life, you will have to give up some things in the short term. Some of these things may be very difficult to give up and extremely difficult to let go. I can promise you, it will not be easy, but you have to make some kind of sacrifice in order to build the life you really want.
A couple of suggestions…
Stop eating shit: Put down those potato chips.
Drink a glass of water instead of soda.
Get off the phone and stop engaging in time-wasting activities.
Do one pushup or one lap.
Turn off the TV and start living the kind of life you have been watching on TV for years.
Read one page of a book.
Attend one event and talk to one person.
Seek change and adventure.
Write one paragraph.
Put yourself first.
Speaking of change and adventure… When “CANCER” was mentioned to me at my dentist’s office, my first thought was.. “OMG, I should have taken my dream trip to Bali with Emma.” I was talking with my friend I told her that if I ever do have cancer, I will definitely take that last trip with my daughter. Her answer was… “Why do you have to have cancer to take this trip?!” I kind of didn’t know what to say. She is right. I am not going to wait around. I am going to take this step. Emma and I are going to Bali this year. I am scared and excited. I mean, it’s a 24-hour flight with a four-year-old to a country I have never visited. It’s just the two of us girls. I don’t speak the language. What if she gets sick? What if I get sick? What if… I had to tell myself that I will never take this trip if I am going to listen to my negative thoughts and my fear. I am going to take the trip and make it the best trip of my life. Period. The tickets are booked and we are getting ready!
Homework: Do you remember how I asked you to list three things you have learned in 2019 and how you can apply that knowledge to better your life in 2020?! Good! Now, I want you to take one step towards reaching one of those things on the list. Doesn’t have to be anything crazy, just one small step every day.
Talk to you soon!
Asta