We get 72 occasions for a fresh start every year, by my count. There are the more momentous occasions like New Year’s Day, your birthday, the start of a new school year, or a fiscal year. Then there are the occasions that mark a new period of time, like the start of a season, month, or a new week. But why is it we need an occasion for a fresh start?
I recently came across this quote by entrepreneur and author Seth Godin, “If you don’t start, you can’t fail.” I can’t tell if Seth is a realist, as that sentiment is very factual, or if there is a hidden optimism in his message – by not starting, you can protect your dreams from failure and they will still be your dreams? Is he a pessimist, implying that you are bound to fail, so keep your dreams safe and don’t go after them? Or maybe, like me, Seth is a procrastinator and just needs an excuse to put off starting?
Weeks ago, as mid-August crept in and September approached, I found myself gearing up for yet another new start. I saw the end of summer, and the beginning of the month, as the perfect time to make well-being change. But why would I be any better at making that change in September than I was in mid-August? The truth of the matter is, there is no reason. I was procrastinating. I was protecting my dream from failure, and pessimistically assuming I would fail if I tried right now. And I was just lazy. Change takes sacrifice. A sacrifice I didn’t want to make now, but would somehow be capable of making in a few weeks.
After a few days of soul-searching while writing this blog, I am more empowered to see that there are 365 occasions for a fresh start. Fresh starts can happen every day!
I challenge you to figure out how to start now. For me, this comes down to decision-making. Every choice I make throughout a day brings me closer to, or further away from, my well-being dreams. I have the opportunity to act on my dreams with each choice that I make. There is no starting – just doing!
Kate N, MS, CEAP, joined Empathia in 2005 as an EAP Counselor, then became a Performance Specialist in 2012. Kate has a master’s degree in Educational Psychology. Kate is devoted to helping individuals determine how to make lasting changes. Prior to joining Empathia, she worked in the social work field as a case manager for Child Protective Services. Kate enjoys baking, yoga and escaping into the woods of Northern Wisconsin.
