Dare To Live Without Limits

Where to start on the long road to improving yourself?

Many people would like to make changes to improve themselves and their lives but don’t know where to start. A journey can seem overwhelming when focusing on a destination that appears distant. Regardless of the length or duration, all trips start with taking the first step.
Yet many avoid taking that all-important first step. A successful first step, no matter how small, provides a tremendous psychological boost and is a real confidence booster. To make it even more manageable, don’t think of your action as a first step of many.
Instead of being overcome by the road ahead, consider doing something just for today. Here are some ideas.
Just for today be happy.
Replace thoughts of sadness, stress, or depression with happy thoughts. You can recall pleasant experiences from your past. Visualize any vacations or trips you enjoyed. Think of things that make you laugh. Imagine yourself attaining your goals and living your ideal lifestyle. Smile.
If you find it’s difficult to make yourself happy, then do something to make someone else happy. By immersing yourself in activities designed to help someone else feel better, you will also benefit.
Just for today adjust to what is.
There are those circumstances you have no control over. Things happen you didn’t plan for or didn’t expect. Although you can’t control your environment, you do have control over your reaction to it. Adjust to what has happened and keep going forward.
It’s a waste to devote time and energy lamenting over what has occurred. Doing so drains you of energy that could be used to influence circumstances that are within your control. It would be a shame to miss opportunities to improve your life because you are distracted by what has already occurred.
Just for today take care of your body.
Be selective about what you eat. Choose healthy, nutritious foods. Minimize the amount of junk in your diet. Don’t stuff yourself. Stop eating before you are full. When you go out to eat, don’t force yourself to finish your meal, take home the extra.
Get some exercise. Just doing some extra walking is great. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park at the far end of the parking lot. Whenever possible, walk instead of drive.
Just for today take care of your mind.
Your mind, like your body, needs to be fed, cared for, and exercised. Be discriminating about what information you allow into your mind. Limit your exposure to negative input. Engage in activities requiring the use of your mental skills.
Maintaining a sharp mind takes mental exercise. For example, reading involves much more brain interaction than watching TV. Learn something new. Learning is one of the best ways to give your mind a good workout.
Just for today, help others and be considerate.
You can get everything you want in your life by helping enough other people get what they want in theirs. The best way to learn how to do something is to teach others how to do it. When helping others, there is no act or gesture too small.
Offer help without being asked. Offer help without expecting anything in return. Help people you know as well as those you don’t. Keep your eyes open and you will spot numerous ways to assist others.
You only have to follow the above suggestions for one day. Anyone can do this. If you experience a positive effect, you can always repeat your actions tomorrow. The next column will provide some more recommendations.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2022 Bryan Golden