How to Become Unstuck/The Domino Effect
Ever get that feeling you’re never going to make it? That your dreams are just impossible to achieve? Or simply stuck in a rut and can see no way out? Well fear not, help is at hand. And it all begins with one simple step.
With the UK teetering in and out of a recession, it goes without saying that money worries are high on our agendas. Many of us have been unfortunate to have lost our jobs or are in fear of losing them. Whereas others are in jobs they hate yet can see no way out.
It’s time to stop hiding behind the covers and to take action. That action beginning with just one tiny step. Don’t be afraid to face up to the fact you need help. You are not alone. There are many forums on the internet where you can ask for advice or simply let of steam. Book an appointment with your local Citizens Advice Bureau who will help put a budgeting plan in order. By allowing a professional to look at your finances they can often put steps in place which will help reduce the debt you’re in.
For those of you that are in a job you hate then commit to taking one small step a week. Is your CV ready? If not, set aside a weekend to work on it. The next weekend write that covering letter. Week three - make friends aware you are looking for alternative work. Week four - contact some agencies to see what they have on offer. Week five, if you can afford it, ask your employer for fewer hours. It could simply be the case that by working less you will enjoy your job a lot more.
And what about those so called impossible dreams of yours? Desperate to lose weight yet have consigned yourself to always being fat? Planning on completing the marathon one day but can barely run for the bus? Once again it begins with one little step.
Take running the marathon for example. Now I know what some of you might be thinking. How can I possibly achieve such a dream when walking up the stairs is a struggle? No problem. You just have to start small.
Every year, across the UK, Cancer Research organises the immensely popular Race For Life 5ks. And there are many run-walk programmes on the internet to get you started. Also think about joining a running group. Nowadays many of them have sessions for those new to running. And the Women’s Running Network is an organisation which prides itself in catering for the complete beginner.
The same goes with losing weight. Once again just start with one small step. Which might be to drink a litre of water every day for a month, before joining a local exercise class. And for those who fancy trying something different why not see if there’s a British Military Fitness Group nearby. You only have to read the testimonial page to see what a difference regular exercise makes.
But what about those who are so stuck you no longer know what you want anymore? That’s okay. Simply start by buying a journal and committing yourself to taking 5 small steps a day. A typical entry could read:
1. Walked to shops instead of going by car
2. Called an old friend
3. Checked opening times for swimming baths
4. Wore my hair in a different style.
5. Cleaned out my desk drawers.
Through taking small steps every day, I guarantee that within a fortnight your mind will have opened and you will begin to look forward to things in life.
All good so far? Yes? But what if I try all this and fail? Then what’s the point? Let’s rephrase that question. Fail what? Many years from now, on your deathbed, what will you be regretting exactly? It’ll be what you didn’t try, never said, not what you tried but what didn’t quite work out.
Failing allows us to learn from our mistakes. Failing also allows us to determine what we really want from life. Remember it’s not failure, just a learning curve. There was once a journalist who was fired from his local paper because he lacked imagination and had no original ideas. That journalist? Walt Disney.
And never think it’s too late. Rosie Swale Pope, who has just returned from a five year run around the world, only started running marathons when she was 48.
As that famous saying goes “Life’s a journey not a destination.” Enjoy that journey.
Useful Links
Citizens’ Advice Bureau - www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Race for Life - www.raceforlife.org/
Women’s Running Network - http://www.womensrunningnetwork.co.uk/
British Military Fitness – www.britmilfit.com
This content was provided by one of our users, JoannaSa
