It's not magic

Years ago, I was given excellent advice from a dear friend. After  listening to my grumblings over a few months about not getting enough exercise, she finally said, “It’s not magic, Minda. You just have to do what it is you keep saying you want to do.” 

So that night I laid out my exercise clothes beside my bed, set my alarm for earlier than usual, and when I woke started my exercise regimen. It was that easy.

What she offered was a fresh perspective on how to view my "problem" and got me to the heart of the matter.  She simply said you've done this before and you can do it again. It's not that complicated. Just do it. (I believe I was even wearing Nike shoes at that time!) There was no judgement or emotional enmeshment either.

It's not always this simple. There are many forces at work exerting pressure on us. The problem at hand might be an illness, a disability, depression, anxiety or deeply ingrained inertia and bad habits. You might feel overwhelmed or ineffectual starting something new or changing an old and unproductive habit.

But, if you believe in yourself and what you desire, your natural strengths and capabilities will provide you with just enough energy to do what matters and counts for you.

There is no magic. Only deliberate and active effort results in change. It starts with: bits of time, commitment, perseverance. And it thrives with: heaps of kindness and patience towards oneself.

Secretly, what we probably hope for is a magic wand and fairy dust sprinkled on command, to catapult us into our idealized fantasy of the  habits we would like to fully possess.

For my part, I have always fantasized about a disciplined life, with a routine like this: Wake-up 5:30 a.m. Meditate. Stretch, run, lift weights. Read and write. Then begin my work day.

But I'm not there yet! Instead of living my fantasy fully I pull together pieces, here and there, making them fit into my current routine. It's not nearly as elegant but works well enough.

If there's no magic out there, what works for you? Share your stories on the site.


Keep you posted,
Coach Minda