Thrive on Your Enthusiasm

I have met so many people lately who are fired up and ready to make a lasting change in their lives. It's infectious, i.e. the enthusiasm, the desire to live a better life and to live a healthier life.  It all sounds exciting.  However, behind that spark is the hard work it takes to get from here to there.

Cliches abound.  Life is a journey not a destination.  Enjoy the process.  Keep your eyes on the prize. Take baby steps.  Be patient.  Be persistent.  Let it go!  Which one, if any of these works for you?

To be accurate, it just might be a gift from the universe to be in an uncomfortable and unhappy place. It's a dark chance to stop, take stock and look around.  It's a time to realize that "this" whatever "this" is to you is no longer acceptable.  If it weren't for these difficult times that we all suffer through, we would never muster the courage to make a change to begin with.  We can actually use that hardship to our advantage by deciding to move away from it.

It might be helpful to dream BIG.  What might that happier, healthier future and all that comes with it look like?  It is the carrot not the stick approach.  What do I get out of the deal anyway?  For example, if I am going to get up early to exercise instead of sleep longer, how will that actually happen?  What's in it for me?  If there is no BIG dream motivating an early rise, then I am sorry to say, it probably won't happen very often.  Sleeping at 5AM sounds better than getting up in the dark and working out to a person who has no compelling reason to make a change.

This brings me back to the truth.  Change is hard.  It comes from a tough spot.  Yet behind it, the desire for something better is so overwhelming and valuable.  And yes, old-fashioned hard work is involved.  To be fit, to eat nutritiously, to resist temptations, to get quality sleep, to engage in fulfilling hobbies, to manage stress--and all the rest of it take time, attention, prioritization and oh, yes, desire.

With this in mind, dig deep.  What is it that you are really looking for on your path to health, wellness, fitness, wellbeing, happiness?  What harsh truths might you have to face to make these dreams real?  Are you up to the task?  Are you up to the work that is required to self improve?  Can you see small steps as huge leaps in the right direction?  Can you forgive yourself for not being "perfect" and being human on the road to more?

Surviving is not enough for most us.  We seek to thrive.  I encourage you to thrive on your own enthusiasm.  Let it drive you along your path to self improvement.  It will be worth the ride.