So if you are feeling like me, perhaps a bit behind the curve - or maybe you are wondering why you even should consider some change.... Here are some interesting thoughts - or at least, some interesting processes to help provoke some thoughts.
Maybe you're fine with the way your life's going right now. Or maybe the timing is wrong, and you need to wait to plan for a change. Either way, there might be something here that interests you.
Don't change anything
This may not be the time to make a change in your life. Instead, maybe it can be a time to take a closer look at things.
Over the next 2 weeks, write down some basic facts about a behavior you might like to change. (Yes! you do have to write it down... and be honest with yourself - what's the point of lying?)
For example, some people look at how they eat sugar, drink soda, choose not to exercise or eat their vegetables.
- Which days do you usually do this behavior?
- On each of those days, how much do you use, eat, drink, or otherwise do this behavior?
- Does this behavior cost you money each day? Each week? Each month?
- What other costs do you notice? For example, how much does this behavior affect your ability to be a good partner, parent, friend, or employee?
Check in with yourself
Some people find it helpful to think about why they do the things they do. You can think of it as a moment to check in with yourself. Ask yourself:
- What do I like about being lazy, overeating, junk food, or drinking?
- What are the not-so-good things?
- Thinking back, when has my life been better? What was different then?
- Are others worried about my behavior? If so, why?
- If I were to quit or cut back, how would my life be different?
- What would I miss if I changed my behavior?
- What are some good things about cutting back or quitting-the things that I would look forward to?
Think about your answers.
Did anything surprise you?
How do you feel about your responses?
You can use your answers to help you answer a final question:
How will I know when it's time to make a change?
Even the changes you want to make, even the ones that you are making for the best possible reasons, can still be really hard. You probably won't even make the "good" choice all the time. But with this process you will have discovered about yourself why you want to make changes. And wanting to make changes is the biggest step of all.
