This is the part of the reboot where ACTION is required! Without it, all you’ve done is daydream up to this point.
Step #5- Let’s start with baby steps here. You’ve already decided to create major change in your life by creating the Reboot list as well as the Eliminate List. Both lists are going to require you to begin thinking very differently about what’s possible in your life. I’ll dive deeply into that soon.
But here’s the thing- you can begin to create these major changes with baby steps! Look back at your #1 priorities from the Reboot and Eliminate Lists. Ask yourself this question:
WHAT IS ONE THING I KNOW I CAN DO TODAY THAT WILL MOVE ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?
Let’s say that on your REBOOT list, your #1 priority is to get into the best shape of your life. What is 1 thing you can do today to make that happen? You might consider:
- Make a doctor’s appointment
- Go for a walk
- Research articles on healthy eating
- Find an exercise video on YouTube and follow along
- Create a health journal and make your first entry, which describes specifically what ‘the best shape of your life’ looks like
- Hire a personal trainer
- Post on NextDoor to find a walking buddy in your neighborhood
- Throw out one thing in your refrigerator or pantry you KNOW isn’t healthy
- Meditate for 5 minutes, visualizing your best health
- Schedule time on your calendar for 20 minutes of exercise 5 days a week
There are at least 10 examples to help you get started. The point here is that there are likely hundreds of baby steps you can take to help you reboot your health!
Now let’s look at the ELIMINATE list and follow the same example. Let’s say that your #1 priority on this list is to leave a toxic work environment. While this may not happen immediately, there are steps you CAN take to move out of that situation. Again, ask yourself, “What is one thing I know I can do TODAY?” You might consider:
- Start with an honest self-conversation- is there any behavior on your part that is contributing to the negative work environment? If so, what can you begin to shift immediately?
- Schedule a conversation with your boss about your concerns (unless your boss IS the concern!).
- Schedule a conversation with HR to discuss as yet unresolved concerns you’ve already tried to repair yourself (such as with your boss).
- Begin exploring next step employment options while still employed. Make a list of resources you can investigate, such as LinkedIn. Then research them.
- Schedule a call with a mentor to advise you.
- Perhaps you’ve always wanted to be your own boss. Begin a list of business fields that are of interest to you.
- Look at the list you created in the previous step. Who do you know in those fields? Make a list of their names or research on LinkedIn as well as other job/networking sites.
- Schedule a conversation with the person/people whose names you listed in the previous step.
- If the immediate work environment is potentially jeopardizing your ability to perform your job adequately or to think clearly, consider a leave of absence where you can clear your head. You NEVER want to make a major life change in an emotional state.
- Research job coaches who can help you in your area of need and/or expertise.
Again, every one of those 10 steps could be taken in a single day. I want to encourage you to THINK DIFFERENTLY about what is possible in and for your life. What I’ve described here with these baby step suggestions are absolutely within your ability to create and execute.
You FIRST have to make the decision that your life is worth making the change. And take the step(s) you CAN take, with where you are, with what you already have. I GUARANTEE you have more within you than you realize.
