Stop Wishing, Start Doing
My Dearest Humans,
I know we've all been there: gazing out a window, dreaming of a different life, a bigger goal, a more fulfilling existence. "If only..." we whisper, our wishes floating away like cottonwood seeds in the wind. But what if those seeds could actually sprout into a vibrant garden? What if that colorful and plentiful garden was your new life? What if we could transform our "if onlys" into "I dids"?
It's time to ditch the wishful thinking and embrace the exhilarating power of action. Stop wishing, start doing!
Wishes often keep us stuck, like wheels spinning in the mud. The harder we squeeze our eyes shut and whisper our desires into the dark, the deeper the monotony, complacency, and unsettlement grooves run. Let’s break down just a few of the reasons why this happens.
Why Wishing Keeps Us Stuck:
Passive Powerlessness:
Wishing implies a lack of control. It puts our dreams in the hands of fate, luck, or someone else.
Mental Paralysis:
Endless wishing can lead to analysis paralysis. We get so caught up in the "what ifs" that we never take the first step.
Unmet Potential:
Our potential withers when it's not exercised. Wishing alone doesn't build skills or create experiences.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Why? Because humans are incredibly powerful beings, and we have what it takes to turn those wishes into reality with work… Sometimes a lot of it. I never said it would be easy!
How to Transform Wishing into Doing:
Define Your "Why":
What's the burning desire behind your wish? Why is it important to you? When the "why" is strong enough, the "how" becomes easier.
Break It Down:
Large goals can be intimidating. Break them into smaller, manageable steps. Create a roadmap with clear, actionable tasks.
Set Realistic Deadlines:
Give yourself a timeframe for each step. This creates a sense of urgency and prevents procrastination. Remember, procrastination is not an illness. It’s simply a poor time management strategy.
Embrace Imperfect Action:
Don't wait for the perfect moment or the perfect plan. Start now, even if it's just a small step. "Done" is better than "perfect." And I promise you that sense of accomplishment you feel will be fuel to tackle that next action step. Every step you take, no matter how big or small, will get you closer to reaching your ultimate goal.
Cultivate a "Growth Mindset":
View challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Mistakes are not failures, but valuable feedback.
Build a Support System:
Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your goals. Share your aspirations and ask for encouragement. (Side note: if you’re met with negativity and resistance, that person is not supporting you or your goals. Keep that in mind and don’t allow them into your head space. Doing so will only cause more limiting beliefs. You’re combating those, right?)
Celebrate Small Wins:
Acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way. This keeps you motivated and reinforces positive habits. Whether it’s a cup of your favorite coffee, time out to watch a movie, or dinner out with a friend, it’s okay and very much encouraged to celebrate yourself!
Practice Consistent Action:
Consistency is key. Small, daily actions compound over time, leading to significant results. Even if you only have 15 minutes, use those minutes.
You’ll find the more steps you check off of that action list, the more energized you feel. You might also feel mentally and physically exhausted, but that’s not always a bad thing. It means you're using your mind and your body to get to where you want to be in life. Approaching all of these changes and actions with a positive mindset and remembering your “WHY”, will help you along the way. You might be surprised by how many people you inspire and motivate to make some changes of their own. The magic is in the doing.
The Magic of Doing:
Momentum and Confidence:
Action creates momentum. Each step forward builds confidence and fuels further progress.
Real-World Learning:
Experience is the best teacher. Doing allows you to learn and adapt as you go.
Tangible Results:
Instead of empty wishes, you'll have tangible achievements to celebrate.
A Life of Purpose:
By actively pursuing your goals, you create a life filled with purpose and meaning.
Today is the day to transform your dreams into reality. Stop wishing, start doing, and unleash the incredible power within you. You have the ability and the power to create the life you desire. So, take that first step, and watch your garden bloom!
