Have you heard that before? It’s so
simple, and it’s so true.
If you follow
this Blog, you are already familiar with LoneStartNow. You know we promote a
gratitude attitude, as well as making modest yet meaningful changes in daily lifestyle
behavior choices. We also ask that you are open to new opportunities and make
the most of them when presented with fresh information or a new direction.
This is where change comes in, real
change, and sometimes it means making a really big adjustment. Sometimes it
means simply (or not so simply), changing your mindset.
All of us have made up our minds
about any number of things—things we care about, don’t care about, what we
think is right, what we think is wrong, what makes us happy and what makes us
unhappy. When it comes to healthy behaviors and healthy lifestyle choices, most
of us know what we should do, but
maybe not how we should do it. And,
if we’re lucky enough to know both the
what and the how, we still need to figure out the from here to there part of changing a mindset to reach those
healthier goals.
This is where you need to ask
yourself a few questions, and provide honest answers.
Consider what it would mean if
something you believe is absolutely set in stone right now, is really flexible?
What might happen if you open some of those non-negotiables up for
discussion—with yourself? And then, what might happen if by changing the way
you think about all of those fixed mindsets in your life, you could create real
change in your life?
Changing your thoughts, or mindset,
is the first step in changing behavior and lifestyle behavior choices. So how
do you go about changing your thoughts? You can start by reconsidering those
mindsets you thought were permanently fixed. Question yourself about what
matters most, and then it’s time to make what may be a few hard choices. Let
your mind consider options that might be a little outside of your comfort
zone. The opportunity for change just
might open the floodgates.
At the same time, it’s time to begin
looking beyond yourself. Your change in thoughts may require some help from
friends and family. Reach out to those you trust—you’ll be amazed at how ready
they are to help you meet your goals—they may even want to join you on the
journey.
Finally, you have to realize
everything doesn’t happen all at once. Changing just one modest, but meaningful
thing is a start. And, keep in mind, that first step is sometimes the
easiest—it’s the steps that come after that require commitment and dedication.
You will come to see that when your
mind is open to new ideas you will find greater flexibility in how you view
what you can and can’t and will and won’t do.
Change your mind—change your life. Just
remember, “if nothing changes, nothing changes.”
