Written by: Shayla Lam, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Are these thoughts running in your head? This year was the year you were starting, but it didn’t turn out that way. You’re thinking 2024 will be the year, just get over ‘silly season’ first. No point in starting now, just enjoy it now, get it out of the system and ‘new year, new me’ vibe.
Let's take a moment to consider the benefits of starting now, yes in 2023 instead of pushing it back to 2024. "The best time is now" is an adage that rings true. Why is it that we begin our diets on Mondays?
Similarly, why do we often regard the entire year as a lost cause simply because it didn't play out as we anticipated? Often, we fall into patterns and lifestyles that work against our objectives and, in turn, hinder our progress towards becoming the individual we aspire to be.
As a Health and Performance Coach, I have assisted clients in achieving their health and wellness aspirations, positively transforming their lifestyle and, consequently, their entire lives. The key to their success was their decision to commence their journey right away, without procrastination. It's a simple reminder that the day of the week or the month of the year does not matter; what's essential is taking that first step towards becoming the best version of yourself, irrespective of setbacks.
And if you start now, you are so much closer than where you want to be. When you start doesn’t matter so much, the important part is that you start.
Commencing now puts you significantly closer to your desired outcome. The timing of initiation bears little significance; what matters most is the initiation itself.
It may prove helpful to break free of self-imposed mental barriers and consider the possibility of commencing today. By doing so, you could potentially enjoy the forthcoming Christmas season, rather than writing off your goals and allowing yourself
to spiral into a mindset of "I'll start fresh next year." I strongly advise against adopting this approach, and instead create new evidence for yourself now.
1. Your health is important, why would you wait?
You have been considering undertaking a health and fitness regimen for a while now, motivated by the desire to feel more confident, energised, lose weight, build muscle, look good, keep up with your children, feel fit, and many other valid reasons. The physical transformations are indeed valid and worthwhile, but the benefits of regular exercise extend beyond aesthetics, improving your overall health and well-being.
You can expect better sleep, increased energy, improved heart health, reduced health risks, enhanced mental clarity, and longevity. With all these advantages, there's no better time to start than now, as there's never a perfect time in the future.
2. You are working on your mindset, elevating your mental resilience
One aspect that clients may not initially consider is the presence of self-limiting beliefs.T ypically, individuals seek our services because they feel dissatisfied with their current situation and crave improvement, not only for their physical health but also in their overall life.
Often, the unconscious, self-limiting beliefs that impede progress only emerge while on the personal transformation journey. Engaging in this process can help reveal areas within one's mindset that require attention.
3. You stop yourself self-sabotaging going into a spiral and repeating the same patterns
Entering the final quarter of the year, with the holiday season fast approaching, your calendar may already be filling up. It's understandable to feel a sense of overwhelm during this period. However, it's essential to avoid succumbing to the following unhelpful beliefs:
"I might as well wait until next year for a fresh start"
"It's too challenging to begin now"
"I should enjoy the holiday season first"
Consider the possibility that these stories may be providing excuses to delay your goals. Are you permitting yourself to continue with unproductive habits and behaviors?
4. Your best version of you starts now, not in 2024…not in the distant future.
It starts now.
Just notice how motivated we are when we say we will commit in the future?
And notice when that future arrives as ‘now’ – the moment you said you were going to start, how that often plays out?
It's essential to acknowledge the power of our commitment to take action at a future point in time. However, it's crucial to recognize that the moment we reach that future point, which is now, we must act on that commitment.
Don’t delay your start to the best version of yourself.
So how do I start now?
1. Start small, but start now
You don’t need to adopt an extreme approach to health and fitness. Not at all. The pursuit of a healthier lifestyle does not necessarily entail sacrificing other aspects of your life. To break the cycle of self-sabotage, it's vital to initiate the process, even if it's a small step.
Consider commencing with a daily walk or focusing on one area of your health and fitness journey. Remember, the simplest things are often the easiest to neglect. By starting small, you're creating a new positive habit and, in turn, building self-confidence.
Identifying self-limiting beliefs and unhelpful habits is critical in this journey, leading to the creation of new, beneficial habits that serve you, to becoming the version you desire to become.
2. Start with your why
I ask my clients to identify their "why," their ‘motivation’ for initiating change, before we begin our partnership. I don't conclude this inquiry until we've uncovered their deepest, most profound reason for pursuing their transformation
– their “deep WHY”.
By tapping into this deep why, the client has an anchor to which they can remain accountable throughout their journey. As I often remind my clients, it's not just about motivation but rather devotion. An article I wrote earlier can be found here about Devotion – Discipline – How Discipline Confines And Restricts You
Ask yourself, what is your deepest reason WHY.
3. Hire a coach
Lastly, if you're committed to turning this year around, I strongly suggest hiring a coach to help you make the most of the final quarter. There's no greater motivator than having a vested interest in your success.
I've had clients join me just before Christmas, determined to commence their journey, despite the festive season's distractions. Such a decision, in itself, is symbolic of taking action and a commitment to creating change in your life.
And remember you are the Leader of your life. You initiate the change you desire.
You are not too late. The year is not over.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or would like to embark on your journey of transformation.
If you would like more information, visit our website here – Mind You Performance
Shayla Lam, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Shay Lam, Health & Transformational Coach is the Co-founder of Mind You Performance (MYP). Since what she calls the ‘re-birth’ moment, a pivotal moment that became the catalyst for transforming her whole life through freeing her mind, and unshackling herself from mental constructs and old paradigms, she discovered the ultimate freedom and unlocking the potential of human performance across what is now MYP’s methodology of Brain, Body and Balance. She runs MYP with her partner devoting her life to harnessing the potential in others so that each individual truly believes they are possible and fully live their life in their best Brain, Body and Balance.
Photo Credit:
Brett Earl Photography
