There are people who are great at determining a goal, staying focused on the commitment and executing extremely well. I don't know many of them. In a world that is filled with distractions and changing environments, it's not easy to stay focused on anything. Your phone is urging you to indulge in the irresistible allure of swiping and losing yourself, as new video games emerge, drama unfolds, and beckons you to step into its captivating world. I have to tell you that with my personality, I have to work and use tools and techniques to avoid time stealing traps. I read the other day on social media where someone referenced that on a tombstone, there are two dates. The day you were born and the day when you die. In between those two dates is a dash. The dash is where life happens, so we best all make that dash count. You are living in the ash right this minute if you are reading this text or playing it on audio.
Photo by David Fimio / Unsplash
The point is we have a finite amount of time to live life and make it mean something amazing. To positively impact our loved ones and friends. To experience the blessing of life. We beat all odds just by being born, and for that reason you are special. Regardless of your origins, you have the power to shape your own destiny by defining your personal vision for life. So you and I have an obligation to take our starting point, and then grow and learn more each and every day. Turn off and avoid the digital distractions, and read or watch something to learn and grow. Protect your body and mind by refraining from the consumption of drugs, alcohol, sugar, salt, and other detrimental substances. Lead by example and demonstrate the significance of self-respect, discipline, knowledge, compassion, empathy, and goal-setting to yourself and others. Being disrespectful and hanging out with other disrespectful people show weakness and a need to be around unsuccessful individuals to feel better about oneself. Instead, learn to feel great about yourself by doing what is right, instead of what is easy. Doing what is right is always harder. Do it any way.
So today I say pick something you want to be different in your life. Make a clear statement about what you want and why you want it. Get clear on what success or your achievement looks like. Start by breaking down your new goal or behavior into 12 major activities, working backwards. Maybe you want to cut back on junk food and beer while playing video games. So set goals to buy 1 six-pack a month. Commit to reducing hours of gaming to 4 hours per month. When you shop for food, 80% of your food is all healthy choice foods and the remaining 20% is for that 1 day per week when you have some chicken wings and a cold one while playing Fortnite with friends. Your plan changed a daily habit that caused tiredness, irritability, overweight, and depression into a healthier option. You filled your stomach with food that fueled your body. You have more energy because now you eat better, sleep better, and took that extra time to walk, swim, bike and strength train. In essence, you architected and reshaped your life. You developed a vision, a plan, and you sized it in a way that was realistic and sustainable. If you chose a goal, and achieved it in 12 weeks once, then you can do it over and over. You can make differences in your life with your mental health, physical health, relationships, finance health, and spiritual relationships.
You are in control of your life, and there is no outside entity that controls you unless you let it. Of course, you will be challenged, and things will go wrong on occasion. But you will have the tools and coping mechanisms to deal with challenges. You will surround yourself with others who are like your new self and release the negative people in your life. Together, you can all support each other on the journey of living the most amazing DASH.