You can change your world
Ever try to eat an elephant? Just kidding! But in reality, that’s what we’re attempting whenever we try to make a huge change in our life.
I admit I feel most comfortable when I stay in my tried and true comfort zone. Oh, I sometimes think about what my kids call my “boring” lifestyle and wonder about jazzing things up a bit. But it’s all talk. I actually love my routine and regimented schedule. It helps me feel balanced.
I guess we all tend to be creatures of habit. But sometimes those habits don’t serve us very well. That’s when change can be a good thing.
While I don’t throw caution to the wind very often, there are times that I really do want to try something new, take a risk, push myself. For example, I’m currently exploring new ways to find more tranquility in my life. Stretching myself is exhilarating . . . and a little scary.
Maybe you’ve been thinking about stretching yourself a little too.
Approach any change you decide to make as a slow, easy-to-manage process. No need to pressure yourself. Try this:
- Contemplate your change. Devote 5 minutes to just thinking about why you want/need to make a change.
- Imagine your dream. Visualize for 5 minutes how your world will be a whole lot different/better with this change.
- Take one teensy “bite” at a time. Start with one little baby step. Do something, anything, toward your goal for 5 minutes.
- Celebrate your progress. Bask in the inward glow of satisfaction you feel for your 5 minutes of success.
- Increase the time a little. If you feel energized after your 5 minutes of change, add another five minutes.
There’s a multitude of 5 minute possibilities that can lead to a long-lasting transformation in your lifestyle. Consider any change that would bring you closer to how you really want to live your life.
Want to exercise more?
- Jump rope.
- Walk the dog.
- Learn a yoga pose.
- Belly dance.
- Play ball with a child or pet.
Want to eat in a more healthy way?
- Chop some veggies for snacks.
- Enjoy a piece of fruit.
- Drink an extra glass of water.
- Throw out your junk food.
- Eat slower and savor your food.
Want to be more positive?
- Count your blessings.
- Read an uplifting book.
- Do a kind deed for someone.
- Change a negative thought to a positive one.
- Pay a compliment.
Want to be more organized?
- Clear off your desk.
- Make a to-do list.
- Rearrange a drawer.
- Make your lunch the night before.
- Clean out your purse/bag.
Want to find more tranquility?
- Accept whatever is happening this moment.
- Observe your thoughts.
- Love and appreciate yourself.
- Practice stillness.
- Share your light.
You can do anything for 5 minutes! It doesn’t have to be drastic or overwhelming. Don’t judge or criticize yourself. Just spend 5 minutes moving in the direction of your change. Then reward yourself when you’re done.
Hold a clear image of successfully making a positive change and that change will become fact. Simple as it may seem, with a 5 minute mindset, you can change your world!
What positive change do you want to practice for 5 minutes?
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For more about An Island Perspective & finding tropical tranquility, visit palmcanyonwellness.com. And, you can join the island tribe at facebook.com/IslandPerspective.
Coming soon! The complete guide . . . An Island Perspective – Finding the Path to Tropical Tranquility
About Renee
Love your 5 minute tips, Renee! Absolutely, sometimes we need only 5 minutes a day to change our lives for ever. Breathe, smile and be happy….
I love that motto . . . breathe, smile and be happy! Yes, it truly is amazing how little it really takes to make a positive change in our lives. Imagine what just 5 minutes a day for the rest of our lives could do!
WONDERFUL!
And, Renee, all the most successful HUGE changes in one’s life are rooted in stability and contented balance. Aren’t they? (I might have a blog entry to write after that statement)
I love this post. It shows, in simple terms, the little changes you can make to create a huge change in mindset, health, lifestyle, etc… and it highlights for me how I have strayed from understanding change this way. It worked for me to take on big changes a little bit at a time but lately I’ve been struggling because I am looking at the end-result instead of the baby steps it will take to get there.
Keep stretching,
Darren
I know what you mean Darren. Whenever I think of some of the changes I want to make, it seems overwhelming at first. Taking it one step at a time sure makes it seem more manageable. Let’s don’t be too hard on ourselves though. It’s hard for everyone. So at least we’re normal.
Good luck to you on stretching yourself a bit! Thanks for your comment!
Very well put, Renee. I like the steps that you outlined there and also the examples. You wrote this one in a very clear manner. Most people do make the mistake of changing everything at once which usually results in short-lived changes.
P.S. I found your blog through Ann’s Blogger Monday.
Thanks for the post!
Anna
I lovelovelove this concept! I’ve been a great aficionado of my own correlary, “I can do anything for 15 minutes”, which helps both me and my clients get stuff I dread done.
Thanks for the great lists!
Molly Burke CPCC MSU
Queen of Confidence
http://www.lifepurposeworks.com
“Even before I begin, I am made of win!”
Thanks, Anna, for your kind words. I like to keep things simple for myself. I’m so happy it works for you too. Thrilled to have you on the island. Hope you visit again!
Molly, it sounds like we think alike too. Small steps are so much more manageable in life – especially for stuff that’s not that fun. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us!
I recently read a tip in someone else’s blog (my apologies, I can’t remember where. I miss my memory). When starting to change a habit or start a new behavior, turn it into a ritual. Those little 5 minute rituals can much more fun to look forward to than reminding myself “I need to drink more water” or “do my filing”.
Enjoy your journey toward a more tranquil life.
Kerry Hargraves
http://creatingadventures.com
Life is an occasion. Rise to it.
Thanks for breaking it down so simply – the more we can focus and start by doing these 5 minute exercises the more clarity we have.
Great perspective on mindset – thanks for the tips!
Thanks Kerry! I like the idea of turning a change into a ritual. A 5-minute ritual does seem doable, doesn’t it? I like keeping life simple!
It’s amazing how overwhelming change can be for us. I’m happy you liked the idea of breaking it down into tiny steps. Thanks for your comment Joy!
You’re welcome Erin! Hope these tips help you find more tropical tranquility . . . something we can all benefit from!
My favorite part…learn a yoga pose!
I tried that once and got stuck!
Maybe it’s time to try again…great ideas “in pieces” people can try. Thanks!
Yes, learning new yoga poses can be quite interesting and entertaining! Like trying anything new, it takes time and patience. But it’s certainly worth the effort, don’t you think? Thanks so much for your comment Jean!
I have always believed in baby steps, and love your approach to making changes in your life! Fits so beautifully with the “just 10″ concept I teach my clients!
Ann Evanston
The Warrior is Within You
warrior-preneur.com
Definitely agree with taking things one step at a time. It helps build both motivation and confidence. Eventually you can take more steps and it’ll be o.k. to occasionally jump out of your comfort zone — it’s how ya get better!