Oh, To Be Sure

"It's never too late to start. It's always too late to wait" - Jeff Olson

Beginnings are vital to us individually and collectively. We place a lot of meaning and importance on beginnings.

Whether it is a birthday, a new school or job, the day we met our true love or married them, the beginning is significant and often carries meaning.

There are strong cultural structures that place much stock in beginnings too. What are some beginnings that are important to you?

I share all of this to demonstrate the power in beginnings. That power is available to you.

In a simple yet practical way, this moment and day is a beginning too.

You may be wondering, what is this beginning you're suggesting?

It is an opportunity to begin creating your ideal life by choosing an optimal you.

Now you may be asking, how do I do that?

The following information and prompts that will enable you to begin.

Are you ready?

The best days often begin the night before.

Why is that?

While there are numerous reasons for this, we will simplify things by stating:

A little planning can go a long way.

A good night's sleep is a beautiful thing.

Waking up to certainty reduces stress.

Waking up with a plan to take action increases confidence.

Movement creates progress.

Progress creates happiness.

As you wind down and prepare to sleep tonight, begin a new practice.

Get a piece of paper or notebook and a pen. Keep these close to your bed from now on.

Write

One thing you learned today and why it is important.

One thing you are grateful for and why.

One thing that you need to forgive yourself or another.

One thing that you want to focus on tomorrow.

Feel free to write anything else, though do your best to finish with the above items.

Next, settle into going to sleep and do a minute or two of breathing, affirmations, meditation and prayer as the mix most applies to you.

Upon waking, begin your day by setting a foundation that positions you for optimization.

Today, you begin prioritizing your self-care. You will do this by choosing to invest in yourself for the first seven minutes of the day.

Begin your day by doing the following practices.

*Do these immediately upon waking.

One minute of box breathing (inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds and repeat)

One minute of listing things for which you are grateful

One minute of forgiving yourself and others

One minute of visualizing your day

One minute of reading (self-development or spiritual guidance)

One minute of journaling (write whatever you are thinking or feeling)

One minute of exercise (any bodyweight exercise)

Drink 8 to 12 ounces of water

Once you've completed the above, do your best to carry the feelings, lessons and energy to the rest of your day.

At the end of your day, do your nightly wind-down/pre-sleep routine:

Write

One thing you learned today and why it is important.

One thing you are grateful for and why.

One thing that you need to forgive yourself or another.

One thing that you want to focus on doing or improving tomorrow.

Do this practice for 21 days in a row. If you miss, start over until you complete 21 days.

Once you complete 21 days, contact me to share what you learned, what has changed, and get the next assignment.

P.S. Are you ready to jump start your progress and begin moving through that one area of life that has you feeling stuck? Contact me today to learn how to start making progress today.