I love seeing pictures of people’s dramatic transformations. Accomplishing fitness goals is something to be celebrated. One thing noteworthy about these transformations, though, is that they are always over a period of time greater than days or weeks—usually months or, more likely, years. There is no such thing as a “30-day transformation”. Lasting habits are rarely established in such a short period of time. Sustainable change in such a period is nearly impossible. Change takes time and effort.
Physical transformations are easily photograph and thusly shared. Transformations of one’s Spiritual, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social well-being are less easily documented. There are no clear “before-and-after”s. Like Physical fitness these take much time and progress occurs in small increments—baby steps. Don’t expect to change overnight. Don’t expect change in others to be immediate and consistent. (Ebenezzer Scrooge is a character in a Charles Dickens novel. Few of us will be so transformed—even after a visit from the Christmas ghosts.)
Transformation (Spiritual, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social, as well as Physical) requires time and a plan. It require persistent and consistent effort.
As we start looking to change in 2019, understand that it takes more than writing a resolution or goal. Don’t merely write a list of “resolutions” in the coming weeks. Rather select one major transformation for 2019 and develop a plan—a 365-day plan—to accomplish the goal. Document your progress and be prepared for setbacks. Moreover, don’t quit on your goal. Persist!
Be your best today; be better tomorrow!
Carpe momento!