M U S E U P O N T H I S
Life Isn't Black and White
Wondering where I am going here? One thing I see in my clients (and there hasn't been a single exception) is they are either full-on, every minute, working toward what they want, or they aren't. There is nothing in between, no gray area. Either you are constantly working on losing weight, making sure everything you do in a day is "perfect" behavior, or you have fallen completely off the wagon. No one ever appreciates the little changes, it is all or nothing. (And, yes, I mean every single one of my clients -- which is why it has become a musing!)
People, life is all about the gray. It isn't about being perfect in all you do. There is no such thing! Little changes we make are so powerful (and so much more sustainable than the huge, grand gestures!) When you shift your course one degree, one mile down the road you will be in an entirely new place. Think about it!
What is one change you have been itching to make in your life? Choose something that you have tried to change, but continues to elude you. Chances are you were working on it through grand gestures. Instead, is there a much smaller commitment you can make?
In my community, it is often starting a yoga practice. Instead of setting your goal at 60 min a day, commit to 5 min. Yes, it counts! Not only that, it will put you in a significantly new place (money-back guarantee!)
So, what is one thing you could do. I do not care how small it is. Pick something. And, you know what? I want to hear what you are doing. Do you know you are 200% more likely to succeed with an intention if you write it down and 400% more likely to do it if you tell someone. Tell us! Inspire us! I will add one of mine here, too. You might be surprised by what I chose...
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So, one of my "grand gestures" that I have tried to implement for years is drinking enough water every day. I do it for awhile and then I fall away from it. My commitment, so easy, is to drink a glass of water right when I wake up every morning. That I can do!
So, what are you going to do?
Posted by: MuseLaura | October 29, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Happy Monday Morning! I thoroughly enjoyed today's musing and I especially like the concept that we live life in the gray. It reminded me of the saying that "life is a journey not a destination." One of my habits that definitely needs improvement is to click the seatbelt before I start the car. I sometimes get caught up in the need to get some place that I'm driving and seatbelting myself into the ride.
Posted by: Eileen | October 31, 2011 at 05:54 AM
This is the second time in 3 days that I've heard about making small changes in my life, so I'm listening and will go with it. I am committing to doing at least 5 minutes of yoga each day.
Posted by: Ellen | October 31, 2011 at 07:32 AM
I am committing to 5 minutes of quiet meditation every day. Bring on the gray!
Posted by: Sara G. | October 31, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Yes - I love this! For me it will be a 5 minute run on my land each morning!
Posted by: Natalie | October 31, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Trying to get it perfect while working in an EBD program is a good way to get a headache!
I have been trying to be perfect about holding students accountable, find that one technique that will do it! Well, how about I take the new term, starting next week to add a structure (discussed with another teacher today) that will help them to know what is coming, and let them know how I intend to use the accountability sheets that are made and ready to go. The one commitment is to explain the accountability sheets. Right now they are not in the consciousness of students. Let's go!
Posted by: Dan O'Brien | November 01, 2011 at 08:42 PM
What fun! I have been out of internet range since Monday so I didn't get a chance to check these until today. I love what you all wrote! Ellen, LOVE that is was your third message! Time to listen, eh?
Posted by: MuseLaura | November 03, 2011 at 01:21 PM