You Only Live Once: Are You Really Living By It?

We've all heard the phrase "You only live once." It's become a mantra, a rallying cry for living boldly and chasing your dreams. But how many of us actually live by it? How often do we say the words and then continue our routines, keeping the same fears and limitations in place?

It’s not a judgment, but an observation: We preach about living life to the fullest, yet we hesitate to take the bold steps required to make real changes.

The Comfort of Saying vs. Doing

It's easy to say “you only live once.” It feels good, empowering even. But saying something and doing something are two entirely different things. We might get inspired for a moment, but then our fears, habits, or the pressures of daily life sneak back in, keeping us in our comfort zone.

It’s understandable. Taking risks or making big changes can be daunting. Whether it’s pursuing a dream career, leaving an unfulfilling job, moving to a new city, or simply trying something new, stepping into the unknown is uncomfortable. It’s tempting to stay where things are familiar, even when we know that staying put won’t bring us the fulfilment we desire.

The Misalignment Between Words and Actions

This misalignment between what we say and what we do is where many people get stuck. We declare, "You only live once!" yet we don’t act in ways that reflect that belief. Why? Because saying it is easy; it's a phrase that can motivate others and even inspire us for a brief moment. But without action, it becomes empty, and the results we hope for remain out of reach.

True alignment comes when our words match our actions. When we commit to living with purpose and pursuing our passions with determination, we start to see shifts in our lives. But this requires more than talk; it demands effort, dedication, and at times, facing discomfort.

Taking Aligned Action

If you truly believe that you only live once, then it’s time to assess where your words and actions might not line up. What are the areas of your life where you're holding back? What are the dreams or goals that you’ve been too scared to pursue?

Start by taking small, meaningful actions in the direction of what you truly want. You don’t need to leap into the unknown all at once. Maybe it’s starting a new hobby, reaching out to a mentor, or setting time aside to plan your next big move. Every small step builds momentum.

The Courage to Align

Living in alignment with “You only live once” requires courage. It asks us to face our fears, embrace vulnerability, and make decisions that may feel uncomfortable. It challenges us to step away from what is safe and familiar in order to grow and evolve.

But here's the thing: Real change, real success, and true fulfilment rarely come from a place of comfort. They come when we push past the barriers we’ve placed around ourselves and take action towards what we truly want.

Turning Words Into Action

At the end of the day, it's not about being perfect. It's about being intentional. If you believe that you only live once, then let your actions reflect that. Take the risks, make the changes, and step into the life you truly want. It’s not always easy, but in the end, it’s worth it.

You only live once—so why not live in true alignment with that belief?

glennmarsden.com