In the whirlwind of life, it's easy to lose track of your path, letting days blend into years until you're left wondering, "What the hell happened?" I've been there, looking back over decades of my life, feeling lost. But here's the good news: getting back on track and realigning with your purpose is entirely within your grasp. The mantra I want to share with you today, one that has been a cornerstone of recent episodes on the "What's Your Problem?" podcast, is "Something's Got to Give." It's about deciding what you're willing to give up and what you're willing to give your all to.
The toughest adversary you'll face in this journey isn't external; it's the person you see in the mirror—the old you, clinging to past habits, vices, and voices, holding you back from becoming your new self. It's staggering how many of us remain stuck in the past, unable to shake free from old wounds or setbacks, even as the years pile on.
Initiating Change
When I decided it was time for change, the primary question I faced was about sacrifice—specifically, sleep. "How much sleep do you get?" became a recurring question as I shared my early mornings on social media, waking up at 3:30 or 4:00 AM. The curiosity wasn't about the act itself but the perceived cost. But here's the thing: drastic situations call for drastic measures. For me to rebuild my confidence and reshape my life, something had to give.
Life's erosion isn't sudden; it's gradual. Two years ago, I hit a wall. Bad eating habits, a slide back into drinking, and a realization that I was preaching practices I no longer followed. It was a wake-up call. I wasn't spiraling out of control (yet), but I was certainly on the wrong path, and direction, as I've learned, is far more important than speed.
The 80/20 Principle
The journey back to self is not about punishing yourself indefinitely; it's a season of sacrifice, a period to establish the groundwork for lasting change. For me, it meant a year of minimal sleep, distancing from social gatherings, and strict dietary discipline. Not as a lifelong sentence but as a season to reset my life.
This is where the concept of the 80/20 principle becomes vital. It's about shelving 80% of your old life, focusing instead on the 20% that aligns with your future self. This process isn't about finding a perfect balance but creating a mixture that works for you, even if it's as disjointed as oil and water.
Embracing the 5C's
Communication with yourself is the first step. It's about setting clear boundaries and being honest about your intentions and sacrifices. Curiosity follows, driving you to explore new paths and ask, "What if?" even when the outcome is uncertain. This mindset of continuous questioning and exploration is crucial for breaking out of complacency.
Creativity is your ally in this journey. You're closer to life-changing breakthroughs than you think, often just 90 to 120 days away from a significant shift or a dent in your old patterns. By adopting a simple three to five-step daily process, focusing on consistency over intensity, you set the stage for profound change.
Daily Commitments
The commitments you make to yourself during this season of change have to be non-negotiable. Waking up at the same time daily, irrespective of when you went to bed, is a commitment to self-discipline. It's about refusing to negotiate with your old self, pushing through discomfort, and maintaining focus on your health as the lead domino to overall well-being.
Writing It Down
I cannot stress enough the power of writing. It's a daily practice that clarifies thoughts, unravels complexities, and solidifies intentions. By writing just one page daily, you communicate with yourself and set a clear direction for the day ahead.
Conclusion: Your New Mantra
As we wrap up, I urge you to reflect on what "Something's Got to Give" means for you. What are you willing to give up, and what are you willing to commit to fully?
Start with simple, actionable steps. Wake up at a set time, break a sweat daily, and write. These practices are routines and building blocks of a new life where uncertainty, adversity, and complacency no longer hold sway.
Embrace the 5C's—Communication, Curiosity, Creativity, Continuous Learning and Action, and Productive Confrontation—as your guideposts. And remember, every day is Day One.
Let's get it!
