There is something powerful about new beginnings. I am someone who is motivated by streaks. I enjoy chaining together different activities to see how many times in a row I can perform better. This can be a double-edged sword because the longer the streak grows, the more motivated I am to continue. However, once the streak ends or I’m no longer perfect, finding the motivation to start again can become challenging. That’s why we are naturally drawn to new beginnings on significant days like January 1, anniversaries, or birthdays.
But any day can be the new beginning you need. We don’t have to wait for a specific date to return to the habits or actions we know will motivate us. That’s why the most important day isn’t the day you extend the streak; it’s the day AFTER you are no longer perfect. How we respond on that day greatly influences our immediate health and well-being.
That day will dictate what the future looks like. So, if you feel stuck or need more motivation, let today be your new beginning. Work towards becoming a better, healthier you each time you find yourself with a broken streak or no longer perfect. May we all have the courage to begin again.
Here’s a hint on getting started on your new beginning
Start where you are! For many of us who are now on the north side of 30 or 40 years old, we recognize that our bodies are simply not able to do what they once could. And, if we dwell on this fact, it can be discouraging. Getting started on a healthier version of you requires us to start right where we are. Today. With this version of ourselves.
Give yourself permission to perform at a pace or a level below where you once were. It’s okaIt’sost of us are not competing in high-stakes athletics. Our paychecks are probably not tied to how fast we can run, how high we can jump, or how long we can balance. Our goal is different. We are seeking to get a little bit stronger, a little bit more balanced, and a little bit more flexible each day.
With that slow progress as our ultimate goal, starting where we are becomes a little easier. It is also much easier to restart after a streak comes to an end.
