We all have gods plans for the future, good intentions and big ideas to change our life, or at least part of it. But we are often overwhelmed by apathy, resistance to change and fear of what others will say. Consequently, we remain in our comfort zone, where we cannot grow as individuals, but only limit ourselves to doing what we already know how to do, even if it does not give us satisfaction or even make us unhappy.How to get out of this vicious circle?
Dr. Frank Crane, columnist for the Boston Globe in the 20s of the last century, it gives us an idea. Although this journalist wrote a lot, he became famous for his “four minute essays”. These were very short articles containing tips for improving people's lives. Among these writings, one of the most famous was published in the aforementioned newspaper in 1921 and was entitled "Just for today". Here is what he proposed:Only for today
Here are 10 good resolutions you can put into practice when you get up in the morning. This is not a compromise for life, but only for one day, for the next 24 hours. These small goals are pleasant, but they also require self-discipline. After all, making good resolutions isn't easy. 1. Just for today, I will focus on the challenges of the day, without worrying too much about the other issues. 2. Just for today, I will be happy. As Abraham Lincoln said "People are happy when they decide to be." 3. Just for today, I will accept everything that happens to me without complaining about my bad luck, and I will do my best to improve my situation. 4. Just for today, I will take care of my body. I will exercise, eat well and not abuse it, to make it a perfect machine in my service. 5. Just for today, I will try to strengthen my mind. I will learn something useful for my life. 6. Just for today, I will test myself: I will do something good for someone without expecting anything in return, I will complete something that I have always postponed and if someone hurts me I will not get angry. 7. Just for today, I'll be nice. I will not seek the approval of others, nor will I criticize anyone. 8. Just for today, I will plan my day carefully to know what I will need to do at all times, even if it means that I will not be able to complete everything. 9. Just for today, I will relax for half an hour. During this time I will devote myself to myself and promote my well-being. 10. Just for today, I don't want to be afraid. I will not be afraid to be happy and fully enjoy the things I love. Undoubtedly this is a busy schedule for the next 24 hours. And while it probably won't change your life permanently, it could be the spark that ignites the fuse - in fact, the idea of ​​focusing all of our energy and willpower into one day is brilliant. In the field of personal growth we get stuck too often before taking the first step, simply because we don't know where to start or because the company seems colossal to us. However, this idea offers us something feasible, it is a commitment that does not scare us because it is only one day of our life.How to put the “just for today” challenge into practice?
1. Simplify. The resolutions suggested by Dr. Crane are excellent, but they are also many, so that they may frighten many. So if at the end of the day they fail to achieve these goals, they can get frustrated and abandon the idea of ​​change. Instead, only make three changes that you can make throughout the day.2. Customize. It is not a question of making good resolutions, but of making them yours. For the “just for today” challenge you need to identify those changes that really motivate you and will make you a better person. Because only when motivation is intrinsic can it lead to lasting change.
3. Specification. Dr. Crane's good intentions are very general, sometimes vague, so it can be difficult to implement them. Try to identify more specific goals so at the end of the day you will know if you have really achieved your goals.
4. Share. Did you know that sharing a goal with the people around you increases the likelihood of being able to achieve it? Taking on a social commitment allows us to be more persevering because we know that, in some way, our social image is at stake. Therefore, share your challenge "just for today", if you prefer in social networks or with the people around you.
5. Persevere. Even if you are motivated, have only set three goals and know exactly what to do, old habits are likely to set you back. Don't be discouraged and don't complain about it. Accept that you have deviated from the route you proposed and take it back as soon as possible.
