Most people know what they want in life: a promising career, better relationships, a good source of income, a retirement investment account, quality time with family, etc. The list goes on.
But what everyone wants is personal and different.
“Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action,” says Benjamin Disraeli.
Apart from knowing what they want, many people are also knowledgeable about what they should be doing to improve many areas of their lives.
We know investing is good for our future selves, but more often than not, we hesitate. To get going, get started by making small investments every month.
If you choose the right product that minimises risks over the long term, you don’t have to worry about the ups and downs of the market. I use index funds.
Many people know nature walks, some form of exercise no matter how small, eating healthy food options, and making time for brain breaks are good for their long term health.
But they still won’t make time to embrace one of these habits in their lives.
Why we don’t do what’s needed for our future selves, knowing their importance is a human enigma.
A lot of people fall short of the most crucial step in the process of getting better. They just can’t or maybe won’t do what they need or have to do to get the results they want.
Procrastination is one of the main reasons they just can’t take action. Others don’t have a good enough reason to make time for what they want for their lives.
Yet, others are desperate for change, but their circumstances or current schedule make it extremely hard to make time for the change they want.
Starting anything new or changing an existing system or routine is hard.
The hardest part is taking the first step: showing up for yourself even when it feels uncomfortable and leaning into your challenges and fears even when you don’t want to.
Starting something new is a mindset game.
How you perceive challenges will determine what you do about them.
If you are convinced you are ready for your next challenge, no amount of advice will get you started or moving.
The great aim of learning is not just knowledge accumulation but action
Action is the foundational key to all success. — Pablo Picasso
A simple change of mindset from “I’m not ready” to “I have almost everything I need to at least begin” can put you into proactive mode.
More often than not, people wait for the right time, wait to find enough tools or wait to find courage. Whilst you wait, time slips away.
“Don’t wait for something big to occur. Start where you are with what you have, and that will lead you into something greater,” says Mary Manin Morrissey.
Every good progress, success starts from the bottom.
Every successful story has a beginning. That story may be in the distant past, but it’s still contributed to the success you know today.
The good thing about starting a new habit, routine, behaviour, or ritual is that you can make the action so small that it will be practically impossible to fail.
Want to start accumulating modern wisdom for a good life?
Buy your favourite book about building a better life and read just a single page every day. The aim is to make reading a habit but not crush a reading challenge. And most importantly apply what you learn to improve your life.
If you want to start exercising, practice your favourite exercise routine for just 10 minutes or less every morning.
Small actions compound in your favour. In the end, you will build a good habit, and most likely, the new habit will stick.
Putting yourself in the best position for a good life tomorrow often means committing to long term habits that compound in your favour over time.
It also means investing in good habits that allow you to earn more, become wiser and live a fulfilling life.
All it takes is a small step. An action towards something valuable: a beginning you can build on almost every day.
“Action is the real measure of intelligence,” says Napoleon Hill.
A strong bias towards action is the most important habit for success.
People who consistently practice good habits tend to be happier, healthier, and wiser. The goal is to make your new behaviours automatic, without consciously deciding to do them daily, getting breakfast in the morning.
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This post was previously published on MEDIUM.COM.
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