Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes

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.”

A New Beginning

Shiny as a new penny. A fresh start. Now really is the time. Right? Heard it all before?

What does it take to convince yourself that you are worth what it takes to begin to take control of your health and well-being. No one else can do it for you, and no one else could even begin to do it as well as you can. You know what drives you. You know what you will and won’t do. And, you know the reasons why (and why not). You also know it’s all really up to you.

But, why do you need a new beginning in the first place? There are beginnings which are exciting opportunities. And then, there are new beginnings, which come about when those exciting new opportunities (and all that goes with them) don’t always meet expectations. The reasons are endless. Maybe goals were set too high. Maybe enthusiasm waned. Maybe there was an illness or unexpected disruption in your day-to-day routine. Maybe it was too hard. Maybe you just lost interest. Maybe you felt defeated. Doesn’t matter. All is not lost.

Whatever the reason, there are always new beginnings, and those come with lessons learned. You had your reasons when you decided then was the time—aren’t those reasons still valid? Maybe they’re more valid now. If so, now will be a most excellent time for a new beginning.

If not now, exactly when?