Make a Small Change
Most of us have something in our lives we'd like to improve, but we sometimes allow fear, procrastination or lack of energy to block us from taking action. But change doesn't always have to be major. In fact, a personal transformation often begins with one small adjustment that opens the way for change. Over the next week, I want to challenge you to try one small, meaningful change for seven consecutive days. Seven days is long enough to "try out" the change, prove to yourself that you can do it, and experience the difference it makes in your life.
Think for a moment about a problem or issue you are dealing with - in your health, relationships, career, finances, or how you manage your time. What change would address the source of the issue? For example, tension with a family member may be eased if you make a decision NOT to engage in an argument. When they say something that "pushes your buttons" over the next seven days, choose not to react negatively, but instead to respond peacefully or not all. Small, but meaningful changes can boost your energy and give you the opportunity to connect more deeply with yourself, your goals and those you care about.
Making a short-term change can build momentum for a long-term change. A couple of years ago, a colleague who was a smoker for over twenty years decided to stop smoking for one week. Encouraged by his success, one week turned into a month and then a year. Today, he's still smoke-free. You have the power to change your habits, but the key is making small, meaningful changes, one day at a time.
This "seven-day challenge" is an exercise in discipline and the power of living one day at a time. Before you finish reading this column, choose one simple goal. Commit to it for seven days. You can do anything for seven days, right? Here are a few ideas:
- Spend 30 minutes per day taking action towards a key goal
- Eliminate red meat, junk food or caffeine from your diet
- Be ten minutes early for every appointment
- Don't bring work home with you
- Do at least one thing every day to make a loved one feel cherished
- Exercise 20 minutes each morning every other day for the next seven days
- Turn off the television for an entire week
- Maintain a clutter-free house/car/office
- Pray, meditate or read your Bible for 15 minutes per day
- Sit down for breakfast or dinner with your family
Write down your meaningful change and put it somewhere you'll be reminded of it. I'd love to hear what meaningful change you plan to make over the next week, so feel free to reply to this email and share your success stories and how they impacted you.
Journaling assignment:
What small change would do the most to upgrade your quality of life on a daily basis?
My challenge to you this week:
Make one small, meaningful change.
