No One Ever Regrets Starting Sooner: A Path to Achieving Goals
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Chapter 1: Embracing Early Adventures
Every Wednesday, my partner Erik and I take on our long hiking journey. As healthcare professionals, our days off are unconventional; we have Tuesdays and Wednesdays free. The night before our hike, we meticulously planned our route, went to bed early, and set our alarms for the next morning.
As dawn broke, we groggily emerged from our warm bed, slipping our feet into boots. With to-go mugs of coffee in hand, we stepped into the cool morning air. Our minds were still hazy, so we played an Indie pop playlist, letting the melodies seep into our consciousness without requiring much thought. The drive along the mountain roads was peaceful, filled with a comforting silence.
Upon reaching the trailhead, the sun was just beginning to rise. The sky was painted in shades of pink, the air was crisp, and the parking lot was blissfully empty. The tranquility of the moment enveloped us, accompanied by the fresh aroma of dew-kissed trees. Turning to Erik, I remarked, "No one ever regrets starting sooner."
Had we delayed our hike by just a couple of hours, we would have encountered a crowded parking lot, hiked under the sweltering midday sun, and missed the breathtaking sunrise.
The Origin of Our Motto
For the past three years, "No one ever regrets starting sooner" has been a guiding principle in our lives. This motto emerged when we relocated to Colorado, where we quickly learned that during summer, it’s crucial to be off the mountains before noon due to potential thunderstorms. This necessitated early starts, often between 2 to 7 a.m., depending on the trail's difficulty.
Initially, waking up at such an early hour felt daunting. Dragging ourselves from the warmth of our blankets and enduring bright lights was far from inspiring. However, with each hike and every summit we reached, we began to appreciate the advantages of starting our adventures early. We secured parking spots before they filled up, enjoyed the trails without the crowds, witnessed the stunning sunrises, encountered active wildlife, and inhaled the fragrant mist from dew-drenched pines—all in serene solitude.
Life Lessons from Our Motto
Initially, our motto served as a reminder that the discomfort of waking early was outweighed by the breathtaking views and experiences we enjoyed on our hikes. Over time, I realized its broader relevance in various aspects of our lives.
This phrase resonates with my approach to writing, artistry, and entrepreneurship. After leaving my previous job in March to establish my own therapy practice and writing career, the sign gifted to us for our wedding—inscribed with "No One Ever Regrets Starting Sooner"—became a focal point in our living room. It prompted introspection as I settled back into a job that left me unfulfilled.
Why would I spend another year feeling unhappy? I thought.
Taking that leap of faith to pursue my own business was challenging yet ultimately rewarding, leading to greater contentment. I’m grateful our motto inspired me to take action, a realization echoed in many of my clients' journeys.
The Motto’s Impact on Mental Health
As a mental health counselor, I frequently reflect on my clients' experiences. In past discussions, I’ve addressed motivation, redefined progress, and the merits of simplicity. A common theme among these topics is stagnation. Many of my clients seek help because they feel stuck, grappling with situations that hinder their mental well-being.
I’ve identified stagnation arising from three primary issues:
- Inaction
- Excessive engagement in detrimental behaviors
- Overcommitment leading to burnout
All these patterns impede progress toward genuine inner peace and wellness, leaving individuals feeling trapped in a cycle of despair, which can contribute to anxiety and depression.
Recently, I’ve found myself recalling our motto during therapy sessions. As I listen to clients express their frustrations and fears, I envision a straightforward remedy for their struggles:
Begin Now. Begin Today.
While these phrases sound simple, taking that initial step can be deeply personal and abstract. For each individual, starting looks different:
- For someone unable to take action, simply getting out of bed may be a significant first step.
- For another who is engaged in harmful habits, learning distress tolerance strategies can disrupt negative cycles.
- For someone overwhelmed by commitments, scheduling rest days can provide essential recovery time.
Even with identified solutions, taking action is crucial. Once we recognize the necessary changes, we must find ways to implement them to achieve our goals. This is where the concept of starting becomes vital.
Unfortunately, no therapist possesses a magic solution that automatically generates motivation. True motivation stems from action, necessitating an acknowledgment of the importance of starting now and avoiding procrastination.
My Strategies for Initiating Change
Throughout my journey to break unproductive habits, I’ve discovered a technique that consistently helps me. Whenever faced with an uncomfortable task, I visualize the enjoyable aspects associated with that experience.
For instance, if Erik and I plan a hike that requires an early start, when my alarm rings, my instinct may be to groan and bury myself under the covers. However, I pause to remind myself of the comforting and delightful elements of rising early.
I think about the warmth of my coffee, the scenic car ride, the refreshing morning air, the stunning sunrises, and the peaceful trails. Focusing on these positive images allows my body to relax and my mind to embrace the necessity of getting up. Suddenly, the act of waking in the middle of the night becomes intertwined with the excitement of a tranquil morning.
Conclusion
The phrase "No one ever regrets starting sooner" has become a mantra for Erik and me. We recite it to ourselves during our early morning drives to the Colorado trailheads. Now displayed as a metal sign in our living room, it serves as a source of inspiration for numerous life decisions and is increasingly influencing my work as a mental health counselor.
Integrating this motto into our personal growth can facilitate progress toward our aspirations. Through trial and error, I have learned that pairing enjoyable aspects with uncomfortable experiences can make starting feel more manageable. Once we take that first step, we begin to move forward, transforming our goals into achievable realities.
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Chapter 2: The Power of Action
Section 2.1: Overcoming Stagnation
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Subsection 2.1.1: Practical Steps to Begin
Section 2.2: The Role of Motivation
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