Life Coaching Tip: Are there goals you have been putting off because you’ve convinced yourself that they would take too long to complete? If you would have started back when you first began thinking of these goals, where would you be now? If you’re waiting for some magical moment to be “ready” or adequately prepared, girlfriend, it’s never going to happen! Start the clock, and take one step forward TODAY!
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We had a few hot, sticky days here in Northeast Ohio last week where the heat index registered more than 100 degrees, and our sweet pup, Ginger, was feeling it. She’s a beautiful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, covered in silky, ruby fur, and she was panting while just looking out the window!
And so, on these blistering days of summer, we try to walk Ginger in the wee early morning hours or late into the evening as the sun is just going down, and this seems to work well for everyone.
However, last Thursday night, I had a bit of mind-drama going on and we got a later than intended start to our walk. I had a light schedule that evening, and so there was no real reason for the late start, however it’s amazing how easily an unmanaged brain can slow a person down.
I was trying to time it exactly right. Not too early where the sun would be beating down on us, but not too late that the woods would become pitch black and creepy.
I’ve walked in those very woods before after the sun has gone down, and it really freaks me out. If there is no moonlight to use as a guide, the darkness of the night brings the spooky fairy tales of my childhood to mind, and my imagination can get the best of me!
While the sounds of the night critters feel relaxing at dusk, after dark they sound eerie. And add a coyote or two howling in the distance, and sister, I am running for the car!
And so, on the night in question, I had all of this on my mind. It was so stinkin’ hot, that I wanted to wait until the very last minute so my little Ginger wouldn’t roast.
As I waited for nightfall, I began to worry that I waited too long. At this point, maybe I shouldn’t go at all? There might not be enough time for an “adequate walk” now after all!?
Five more minutes went by, and then ten…
This was about the time I remembered the words my insightful client, Ann, shared with me in a recent coaching session, and I cracked up!
“At least I’ve got to start the clock…” were her words of wisdom to herself that day.
She was referring to a goal she had been putting off for a while. More specifically, she had decided to submit a piece she had written for publication but was rather annoyed that the magazine she was interested in advised to allow for a three-month review period.
This felt rather extreme to Ann, and so her response had been to put off submitting the piece altogether!
Fortunately, Ann was on to herself, and even laughed at the fact that if she had submitted it at the time she originally intended, the three-month period would be almost over.
That being said, she didn’t spend too much time in regret, and got to work and submitted her article. Ann is badass that way!
But gosh, how ridiculous the human brain can be when it attempts to keep us in our comfort zone. It will always embellish the amount of time and effort a goal will require to the point that we don’t even start at all.
And here’s the thing, the clock is already ticking.
So now let’s turn the story to you, my friend.
What goal have you been putting off because you’ve convinced yourself that it would take too long to complete?
Perhaps you’d like to go back to school, lose weight, start a business, draft a novel, or something else? The list of possibilities is endless, and I’m sure there’s a dream in your heart.
How long have you been thinking about this dream? If you would have started back then, where would you be now?
Of course, you can’t go backwards, but you definitely can start TODAY! If you’re waiting for some magical moment to be “ready” or adequately prepared, girlfriend, it’s never going to happen! Take one step forward today. It’s time!
And if you need some coaching support and guidance along the way, I’ve got you. My business is called Moving Forward Life Coaching for a reason! *Just book a free consultation by clicking the link at the top of this page.
Now to finish the riveting story I began with…
Once I remembered Ann’s sage advice, I hopped in the car with my pup right away, and we had an enjoyable, non-dramatic walk by the lake. Amazingly, we were not eaten by coyotes, despite the theatrical warnings coming from my primal brain.
I’m pretty sure you won’t get eaten by coyotes either.
Do it Sister! Start the clock.
Too Busy to Stop for Direction