Accountability and Change – No More Waiting

A no more waiting attitude creates a path for the desired change.

The New Year creeps ever closer. I decided not to wait for it. I am jumping into the new me right now.

I could wait. I have waited in the past for someone to tell me how to make my books a success. I have waited in the past for someone to give me a job that would provide the income I desire. I have waited in the past for someone to make all the unhealthy extra weight vanish from my being.

I could keep on waiting.

In 2015, I had a great plan to push me to the next level in all of my wants and dreams.

In 2016, I had an outstanding plan – one that covered half of a wall in my office, no less – with the details required to make it happen.

As 2017 comes to a close, I began plotting for what it would bring. I realized that I didn’t have to wait on 2017 to begin.

I stopped waiting – right in that moment. I make the choice for no more waiting and the choice gave me to determination to push on.

A Plan for No More Waiting

Round one:

I went through my closet and removed every piece of clothing that I either don’t love or can’t wear. I also released those poor items that should have long ago been buried (because of stains or holes or general wear and tear). I also removed the items that I love, but that I am not able to wear at this moment. I then went shopping – at some local thrift stores – and purchased an entire wardrobe for $25.00 (we have some INSANE prices at thrift stores in our area). I found some dress pants for $1.00 a pair and determined that I could use them as casual wear if they were only $1.00. Now I have clothes that I can wear around the house, while doing school, or straight to the office – plus it gets me out of my sweats.

Round two:

I set my alarm. I had been getting up at 4 am – but I utilized a myriad of excuses to stop doing that. I knew that it was going to take a few days (or weeks) of alarm service to get back in the habit. New start times would also allow for a more organized schedule. My days change little – except for where I will be – so simple schedule took only ten minutes. It made room for my Bible reading in the morning, workout in the morning, getting “ready” for work, school/work, meals, family time, reading, and my evening Bible study. The biggest key for me will be getting ready for work. I have stopped “going to the office” and that has allowed me to put off getting ready – which sometimes means sweats or pajamas all day for this homeschooling family.

Round three:

It only works if I work it. My problem with my awesome White Board of World Domination for 2016 wasn’t the steps or the goals. It was the execution. I started out strong and then fell into a hole of nothingness somewhere along the route. I will make a new plan. I will include others in the planning. I will develop accountability for the execution of the plan. In 2015, I joined the 365K challenge with the 10 Minute Novelists. It drove me to keep up with my word count every day. That accountability made a huge difference in when I wrote, how much I wrote, and often if I wrote. A similar group for yearly goals and focus will push me to stay on track.

Round four:

Monthly reviews – written out by me about what I have been doing, what I haven’t been doing, and what I need to change to make it work. I need to stay honest with myself if I am going to make the changes I want to see in my life. I am the only thing in the way.

I could wait – I have waited – but now is the only time that will make a difference.

Be blessed,

Are you ready for a change? I am looking for other like-minded folks that are ready to encourage, engage, and push each other to that next level. Sign up HERE and I’ll email you an online location where we can meet and share on a regular basis.