“Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.”– Denis Waitley

At some point, we all get to an end in our lives when we say, “Enough is enough.” We decide to change everything at once. We spend a weekend planning all the changes we are going to make:

• We create lists.
• We create schedules.
• We are determined.

Monday comes, and we do okay. There are few hiccups, but we have a good day.

Tuesday might even go okay.

By the time Friday comes and goes, we are a mess. We have failed on every front and are feeling even more angry and helpless than we did before.

The challenge comes from trying to do too much at once. There is only so much change you can handle at one time. The only way to change a lot is to change a little simultaneously and accumulate many small changes over a more extended time.

Most people take an ineffective approach.

• Start paying your bills each week. How many times have you paid a bill late due to procrastination or forgetfulness? Your bills arrive with plenty of time to ensure they get paid on time. The key is to create a weekly habit of paying your bills.
  
  
  • It might be while you watch Netflix on Sunday night, or you might do it at the kitchen table on Saturday morning.
    
    
  • The time and place do not matter as long as you are consistent each week. Gather all the bills you have received that week and pay them. More significant bills might have to wait until the next paycheck, and that is okay.
    
    
  • By paying your bills each week, you should avoid late fees. You will also cut back on your spending since you know you will be paying your bills in a few days.
    
    
  • It is one of those annoying but straightforward habits that can make a huge difference. Think about the people you know who are great about paying their bills and those who are not. Which would you rather be?
    
    
• Stretch. Babies are amazingly flexible. Most adults are very inflexible. Fortunately, it is never too late to increase your flexibility. You probably remember the basic stretches from your days in gym class. That can be a great place to start.
  
  
  • Stretching can reduce pain, reduce the risk of injury, and make you feel better in general. It can also be a comfortable way to ease into an exercise routine.
    
    
  • There are endless resources available to help you with your stretching. Visit the library or find a video online.
    
    
  • If you like to watch TV, you can make the most of that time by stretching, too.
    
    
• Be on time. Being late can irritate your boss, friends, and family. It can also create stress. It is not hard to be on time. Just stop waiting until the last possible minute. When you wait as long as possible, everything has to go perfectly for you to be on time.
  
  
  • Decide that you are going to be on time for everything. Whether you are meeting someone for dinner, arriving at work, completing a project at work, or doing a task at home you promised to do.
    
    
  • There are many benefits to being on time besides the obvious. People will trust and respect you more. They will also treat you better. When people have to wait for you, you tell them that you do not respect their time.
    
    
• Journal each day. Your is worth living and certain moments recorded. Once you start recording your life, you will find that your life improves, even if only so that you have something more interesting to write. A simple habit only requires 10-15 minutes each day and will prove invaluable down the road.
  
  
  • It is nice to look back on your life and remember it with more detail and clarity.
    
    
  • You will also learn a lot more about yourself in the process.

It is my opinion that journaling is one of the best ways to start transforming your life.

If journaling is something you would like to start doing for yourself, I am hosting an introduction to journaling on February 28^th at 2 p.m. PST. The cost is free, but you must register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/journaling-to-help-you-reduce-stress-and-reach-your-goals-faster-tickets-141650595745 to receive the link to the zoom room.

That is it for now. Until next time, Stay safe, and keep the faith.