Growing up, I often talked about making changes in my life. I could drone on for hours about how I was going to become a star athlete or some other lofty endeavor. But it was all talk. I had no idea how to make changes. Somehow I equated talking about something with doing it.

In my lifetime, I have accomplished a lot and I understand the phases of change and how to move through them. Yet I find myself in this third phase of life talking about changing and creating the life I want more than taking the steps to make those changes happen. Granted some of the talk is rehearsing the change in my mind before making the change. But when it comes to moving into action I continue talking rather than acting.

This year, like most of us, my life has been filled with unexpected events resulting from the COVID 19 pandemic. Time sheltering at home allowed me to complete the manuscript of the second edition of my retirement planning book, Your Countdown to Retirement. I have continued to exercise despite my gym being closed intermittently. But in other areas of my life, I am all talk and no action.

I realize that inconsistency is the root of my lack of accomplishment. I attempt a new behavior once or twice and then abandon my endeavor before the new habit leading to the desired change has time to take effect. Afterwards, I berate myself for my weak willpower and inability to change. This is insanity. Small changes given adequate time to take root can lead to extraordinary results. The key is not abandoning your efforts because results do not occur as quickly as you would like or giving up if you skip a day or miss the mark. 

I am living this reality today. I fell yesterday and sprained my ankle. I cannot move about easily and exercising on the treadmill is on hold for several days or several weeks depending on how I care for my injured foot. Last night, I drowned my frustration and sorrows in chocolate which only compounded my upset today. But today rather than wallowing in self-recrimination and self-pity, I am taking whatever action I can. I can exercise other parts of my body while resting my foot. I can eat healthy food to provide nutrients to help my body heal. I can change my mindset and focus on what I can do (writing, thinking, designing, planning) rather than what I cannot do today.

If you are stuck, wanting to change but either unwilling or unsure of how to do so, try these actionable steps:

1. Identify what one thing you can do that will move you forward.
2. Set a time and place to do that one thing.
3. Do what you have said you will do.
4. Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3.

Keeping our word creates feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction. It strengthens our integrity and diminishes self-contempt. Each time we keep our word, it becomes easier to do so again.