Are there issues, problems, or even opportunities that you know you should address, but just haven’t? In some cases, it’s a habit that you want to start, but just haven’t gotten started. In other cases, it may be a habit that you need to let go of but just haven’t dropped it yet.
It’s not because you don’t care. In some cases, you don’t know what to do. In others, you know the next step, but it’s going to be hard, and you already have a full plate. Maybe you just don’t want to deal with it, hoping it will go away.
I’ve been there. I have struggled getting started on a workout plan, embracing healthier eating habits, committing to a Bible reading plan, focusing on a more intentional prayer time, embracing a more consistent developmental reading approach, and the list goes on, I’ve also delayed tough conversations hoping the issue would resolve itself.
We talk a big game of what we are going to do, but when it comes down to it, we delay. We put it off, make an excuse, and justify our lack of action.
Direction, not intention, determines destination. Our intentions don’t lead us anyway until we act on them!
The challenges of today consume us and keep us from taking the next step toward a better tomorrow. That better tomorrow will be improved by the positive actions we take today. While planning, aspiring, and dreaming are great preparatory and motivational traits, at some point we must act.
So many talk about getting started on an exercise program, but the start day is always tomorrow. Many want to seek growth and development, but we don’t have time now, maybe next month. Others want to serve in some capacity, seek impact in some way, or strive to improve in an area, but the seeking, serving, and striving are all put off for the “right time”.
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Every day is a gift, a new opportunity, and a chance for a fresh start!
The question for all of us is: Why not Today?
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Get started: Don’t tackle the entire issue or your whole list, just take one step today. Just get started. Getting started is the first step toward moving forward in your organization, changing direction, or developing an entirely new life.
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Priority: If we keep prioritizing the seemingly “urgent” over the important, we will always be dealing with those issues. Make some time to “make it better” today!
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Showing Up: Don’t get hung up on results in the beginning. Just keep showing up, addressing issues, taking next steps, and moving forward. Consistency matters.
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Momentum: Track, chart, display, and/or share progress regularly to promote awareness (both internally and externally) to generate momentum and maintain focus.
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Mindset: Continual improvement, progress, growth, and development become a key aspect of your personal values. While you are content and at peace, you are not satisfied with accepting a “comfortable position.”
Why not today?
Get started, take the first step, and move toward a more desirable outcome. The energy from getting started will fuel the next step. The fulfillment from progress will re-energize you.
Don’t settle for today’s problems or life. You can be in a better place.
Just get started. Why not today?
Doug equips leaders to make organizations better. He has two leadership books available on all online platforms. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build an authentic team, contact Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS
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