One Baby Step at a time

As I have been on this summer journey of redefining myself, I have realized some secrets to my progress that I want to share with you.  It begins with intentionally retraining your brain.  Remember, your brain's primary function is survival so it does not always tell you the truth.  It will tell you things to prepare you for a threat even though that "threat" may not be accurate.  This pertains to what it tells you about your abilities as well!  Nobody likes to fail at something, right?  So your brain will tell you things that may keep you from trying something new so that you won't have to experience failure.  What your brain is not telling you is that you could be missing out on a life changing experience!

 So we begin with reprogramming your thoughts.  You already know what you are NOT willing to do towards a prospective challenge, so you have to ask yourself, "What part of this am I willing to do?"  For me, I "knew" I probably would not become an active coach with Beachbody, but I was willing to listen to what they had to say.  I "knew" I wasn't ready to fork over tons of money on my graduate degree, but I was willing to go to UNT and ask for the details "just in case" I ever did want to get it.  (And for the record, I did!)  I "knew" I wasn't ready to start working out as avidly as my husband did, but I was willing to just "try it out" for a bit. You have to figure out what you ARE willing to do towards that new something rather than letting the "I'm not's" or "I can'ts" get in your way.

Another thing you have to do is listen to your desire for something over your negative inner voice.  That's the only way you are going to change that channel in your brain.  You're the one in control of that remote so you are the only one that can change that channel.  You don't have to tune in to the fear that keeps you from trying new things. Besides, the only failure that counts is the one in which you don't get up and try again!

I also pray about any new big adventures I am wanting to try.  If prayer isn't a part of your regiment, then you can use meditation to take some time away from the world to think through what you can gain from this new opportunity.  What drives you to be curious? I believe you are often presented with a new challenge because it is designed to help you grow and fulfill your purpose to help others in their journeys.  The greatest gift you can give yourself is to honor your calling.  

Lastly, when was the last time you read something motivational?  Did you know that just by reading something motivational during the first 10 minutes of you day can be a game changer?  It has done wonders for me.  I read a short devotional and about 10 pages of a book of my choice (it must be inspirational for this purpose).  Right now, I am beginning The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson, and just recently finished The Compound Effect which I highly recommend for this purpose.  Both books are great for your early morning read.

So what is stopping you from tackling that new dream?  Stop dreaming and wishing and just take one small step towards it.  That first step is the hardest!  As you take more steps, you begin to feel your potential and it becomes easier.  You will most likely find that you are reaching heights you never dreamed possible and you are feeling happier as a result!  After all, you could be only one baby step away from discovering a new you!