As we get older, we get resistant to change
Okay, when we were younger, it was easy to start new things because we hadn’t done that much yet and there wasn’t anything to lose. However, the older we get, the more resistant to change we get. It’s easy just to do the things we’ve always done and just coast through life. I get it. Why cause waves, and why make things more difficult on yourself than they already are? Why choose the rough road when there’s a perfectly smooth paved one right in front of you?
Here’s the deal. Let me use the smart phone as an example This is arguably one of the most brilliant technological advancements, we’ve seen in a long time at the scale it’s become. Its changed the lives of millions of people and it’s changed how we communicate. But try handing an iPhone to an average 76 year old, and they’ll hand it back. They don’t want anything to do with it because it’s new and different and they don’t understand it. It’s easier to not embrace a new technology at all, than it is to try and fail. That’s a decision based on fear. But what if it could change your life for the better? What if making that change, or embracing new ideas could put you on a path and a new trajectory to a life you never knew you could have? Knowing this, would you still pick the smooth road?
OK, I admit. That was a bit dramatic. But look, nothing good in life is guaranteed or comes easily. The first step in making changes in your life is simply wanting to. They can be big changes or small changes, it’s doesn’t really matter. Most everything you want in life is out there just waiting for you. You just might need to change your perspective in order to attain what you want for yourself. OK, let me jump into a few practical things you can do to help switch your perspective and start experimenting with change.
Listen to your intuition
The first thing is this, listen to your intuition. You already know the answer. Your gut is always trying to tell you what you should be doing. What does your heart say? What does your heart feel? Chances are, you already feel it and you already know what you’re supposed to do. You just have to get out of your own way and let it happen. Stop fighting it. Is it gonna be hard? Hell yes it might be hard. But nothing worth having comes easy. I’m not telling you stuff you don’t already know my friend. That’s what’s so great about being older. We don’t have the time or the patience for bullshit.
Visualize the life you want
Next one is this.., imagine and visualize your life and how you want it to look. Be realistic though. I mean, I’d love a beach house in Malibu with a Bentley for each day of the week, but that’s not realistic for me. I do admire the vision, but let’s work on this one step at a time. Imagine where you’re living. What does it look like? Are you in a different state? Are you in a different part of the world? Who’s with you? What would it take for you to get there and what would you have to change?
Maybe you visualize a house with a yard instead of the high-rise condo downtown. The price is comparable, so what’s stopping you from putting yourself where you want to be? Is it apprehension based on fear? Write down your fears and your concerns, and then write down all of the reasons why the move would be smarter and better for YOU. Maybe it wouldn’t be smarter, I don’t know. But if your gut is telling you to move and you’re constantly thinking about it, there’s something going on there that you should listen to. I’m just trying to help you key in to that voice, and listen to it.
Be kind and thankful to others
Next, and I’m glad you’re still here. Be kind and thankful to others. Why, because it feels good. I always try to be nice to random people every time I’m out. I’ll even go out of my way to hold doors for people, or to help pick up something they may have dropped. Why? Because it makes ME feel good and I like to feel good. Every once in a while though, you meet someone who’s miserable. I get it, maybe it’s just a bad day. But it’s pretty easy to spot the people who aren’t happy with their life. And it’s so clear that these guys are unhappy, but why aren’t they doing anything about it? What’s better, being miserable all the time, or being happy? Now, of course, making major life decisions isn’t something you should take lightly, but what’s the alternative? Regret?
Go walk and clear your head
Get outside and talk a walk. Walk around your neighborhood. Or maybe go to a different part of town and walk around. Find a new park and go explore. For me, walking is therapeutic, and I do some of my best thinking when I’m out walking by myself. I’ll turn on a audio book or a podcast and before you know it you’ve walked 5 or 6 miles and you’ve made your own list of projects you want to tackle. Write them down and start checking them off one by one.
Change up your routine
Change your routine. This kind of gets back to walking somewhere new. Change your scenery. Go to a different part of town. Instead of waking up at 7:00, get up at 5:30. Try intermittent fasting. Try watching some different documentaries. Whatever your normal routine is, change it. See new places and experience new things and new people. Buy a new pair of shoes that’s outside of your comfort zone, or wear a suit for no reason. Talk to strangers at the grocery store or buy your partner flowers just because. If you always go to the same restaurant, go somewhere else. Shake things up. All of this new activity that you’re doing trains your brain and puts you in a mindset that trying new things is fun, and okay.
Have goals and make progress
Have goals and make progress towards those goals. And remember, the goal is not the finish line. For example, if your goal is to lose 50 pounds, you can’t reach the goal and then stop. You can’t lose 50 lbs and then go back to eating Ding dong’s and diet Coke every day. The way that I like to gauge success is by making progress. If I’m doing something every day or at least on a regular basis to reach my goals, that’s being successful. Achieving goals are great, don’t get me wrong. But, if I’m doing nothing to better myself, that’s failure in my opinion. I was that guy for a long time, and that’s not who I wanna be anymore.
Book your 1-on-1 ZOOM call with me
Hang in there because I’m almost done, but before you go, just know this.. I want the best for you. I haven’t mentioned it that much, but if you want to talk to me one on one, hit this booking link and schedule a zoom call with me. We can talk about your wardrobe, the weather, cars, shoes, it doesn’t matter. Maybe you just need to vent, it’s fine.
Go after the things in life that you want
Lastly, and if you’re still here, hit the thumbs up button to let me know you made it to this point. I feel like I could keep going on about this, but I should probably call it. But lastly, go after the things you want in life. Like I said earlier, your gut is already telling you what to do. You already know what you want. You just have to get out of your own way and go after it. Because it’s there waiting for you. Visualize yourself in that place, with that person, doing the thing that you actually want to do. Yes, of course, it’s easier said than done. I know, trust me. I know. I’m just here to try to help and motivate and to do my part to prove that it’s never too late and you’re not too old to make a change or start something new.
You are valuable!
You’re a valuable human being my friend and this world wouldn’t be the same without you in it. So if you’re not already doing it, start treating yourself like you’re valuable. Start treating yourself like you’re important, because you are. I promise you.
Alright, this is where I call it. This was a bit of a rant but I hope you got something out of it. If you’re a subscriber, I’ll see you in a few days for a brand new video, but until then, live well, stay healthy and I do hope to see you soon.
