One thing that we struggle with as a society is a need for instant gratification. I’m sure you can relate with me that when I get pumped about doing something, I go in 110% and a week later I burned myself out. I don’t see results from my hard week’s work and I say to myself “I’m putting all this time and energy into this goal and I don’t see any improvement…oh well.” I never actually say “I give up” or “I quit!” I just find a lot of excuses for me to stop and that makes me feel better about “quitting.” But this is all about to CHANGE!
I am realizing that in order for me to be successful, at anything, I have to make small steps on a daily basis. I’m changing my mindset that I don’t need instant gratification on the things I do. It’s what I do over a period of time that truly defines me and makes me successful. I also want to show my kids the fruits of my labor. (No pun intended!) To show them that you have to work hard to reach your goals.
Add-In Physical Activity
In the last four years doing any type of physical activity was the farthest thing from my mind. Now, that I have all 4 kids on a schedule, everyone naps and goes to sleep at the same time. I have more time for myself. Whether it’s a 20-minute workout in the morning or swimming laps in the pool. I feel so proud of myself when I’m done. It helps me not only physically, but mentally as well. Yes, I might lose some weight at the beginning and then plateau, but I need to remember it’s a lifestyle change I’m going after and not a “quick fix.”
Listen To Christian Music
I’m trying to work on myself so that I’m a better person in all aspects of my life. Now, while I don’t spend a lot of time in the car by myself, any chance that I do get I started listening to Christian music on K-Love. Even for the 15 minutes a day that I’m in the car, I feel a dramatic change in myself from listening to this genre of music. The music is always so uplifting and always gives me an inner peace, especially if I feel stressed or if I’m walking through something difficult. I also find that it helps me transition between home and work. Find your radio station here!
Read or Listen To Audio Books
I’ve read a lot of articles that say all successful people read. Now, trust me, I struggle with this one myself. I can think of a million things to do with my limited time than to read for self-improvement and not leisure. But, if I want to better myself, it’s only me that can do this. Whether I want to read self-improvement books on becoming a better parent, employee, spouse, or person of faith. I know that everything I learn will not only give me the knowledge I need, but the drive to take what I learn and put it into action.
Change Eating Habits
Since I began working out I’ve also been watching what I eat. Once I remember how much work it is to burn calories, I’ve been more conscious of what I eat and drink. Making these small adjustments in what I eat and drink will give me more energy to do the things I love. I’m looking for long-term changes, not a quick fix. I need to make the small lifestyle changes so that I can keep my goals in sight and not get burned out.
Getting organized and planning ahead
Whether you are a student in college or a mom of four, we all know when you don’t have all your ducks in a row your life is so much more chaotic. You might miss deadlines, assignments, or you might be like me and forget to write down the upcoming week’s dinner menu. Then, I’m wasting time going to the store for items to complete a meal, making a meal on a weeknight that took too long, or spending a lot of money and going through the drive-thru. Not being organized in my life causes me to be constantly stressed and I’m always in a bad mood because of my lack of preparation. Making a to-do list, having a planner, using an app, or communicating better with my spouse can make all the difference in the world. “What is easy to do, is easy not to do.”
What about you? What are some things that you can change in your life that will make a big difference in the future?
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