What if I…?
How about if I tried…?
What if I changed…?
Have you ever asked yourself those questions? We probably all have.
It’s simple human nature to lament that we’re not living up to our personal potential. We regret our shortfalls; ponder opportunities lost.
Those lingering questions echoing through your head may sound something like:
What if I got up at 5 am instead of 6 so I could go to the gym?
What if I only had alcohol on the weekends?
How much better would my day be if I went to bed an hour earlier?
How would I feel if I communicated and shared more with my spouse?
What if I waited and calmed down before responding?
Look, the what-if conversation is a tough one. We can all point out where there’s room for improvement. No one can honestly say that they give 100% all the time – and to everyone in their lives.
But change is hard. We often set goals and renew our efforts to improve across all aspects of our lives, only to see that passion diminish back to the status quo within short order.
So, in my experience, the ONLY answer is the one that works best for you.
What do YOU want out of the situation? Not your expectations, unyielding FOMO, or impossible external pressures, but what changes YOU want to see?
Pursue only those things that make you happier, healthier, and be of greater service to others. Growth is the only goal, being a little better each day.
Find the answer, then ask the questions.
Very soon, I will be turning 46 years old.
Life keeps bringing me a lot of questions and, hopefully, more answers.
But one thing I know is true – we’ve got to stay true to ourselves…and always enjoy the ride!
-J.D.