The Perfect Time

Waiting for a “good time” or the “right time” to make a change (big or small) is a false loophole we give ourselves. 

This magical thinking implies that there will be some stretch of time where there will somehow be no challenges and it will be easy.  This is a common refrain I hear in my work with clients, but it applies to all the things we commonly want to get started on…decluttering, a new exercise program, daily meditation, no junk food, cooking at home more, etc. At this time of year we may think that “after the holidays” is a good time to begin (don’t get me started on that), but at other times of year we might think that we will begin after summer ends, after a trip, next week, once my husband retires, once the kids start school.  

Trust me when I tell you that if you pick a time to “get started” thinking that you will have no challenges, you are wrong - something always comes up.  Real change is uncomfortable, challenging, hard and scary, and that is why we put it off.  But, living in that place of fear keeps us stuck, often frustrated, and certainly away from our best lives.  

There are real struggles that come up when making personal changes.  Resistance from those around us, our own behaviors and patterns, medical issues, child care issues, finances or work.  But even in these situations, with creative thinking there is always a way to get started right now. If you are feeling like your struggles are worse than, bigger than, or harder than anyone else’s, I would encourage you to challenge your thoughts.  Most of us have no real idea of what other people are going through.    

Do you want to be someone who just talks about making changes but never does?  Why wait until January to change how you eat - that is 13 weeks from now (aka 3+ months)? Instead of spending your precious time plotting about the best time to get started, or worrying about the challenges that may or may not materialize, why not just start?