Take One Step, Because a Body In Motion Stays In Motion

It's a law...Newton's First Law.  Maybe you learned it in high school science.

A body at rest stays at rest.  A body in motion stays in motion.

So decide to be the body in motion.  Don't stayed mired in situations that don't fulfill you.  Take one step, any step, to start moving in the direction you want to go.  Starting is the hard part, but once you do it, you'll have momentum to keep going.

Want to get more active?  

Take any tiny action and do it consistently.  A body in motion stays in motion.

• For every hour you sit, do two minutes of physical activity such as stretching, jogging in place, jumping jacks, sit ups, push ups, leg lifts, whatever you can think of.

• Always park further away.

• Take the stairs.

• Walk around the block.  Don't worry about speed (unless you feel like power walking), just take the walk.

Want to get out of debt?  

Try one of these.  Then try another one.  Be the body in motion.

• List what you owe, to whom, and the payment amount.  Add it all up.  This knowledge may give you the kick you need.

• Cut up one credit card.

• Make a double payment.

• Drop one perk (one restaurant meal, one movie ticket, one Starbucks visit) per week, and use the funds to pay down debt.

Want to eat healthier?  

Start today with just one improvement.  You know the law.

• Add vegetables to every meal, including breakfast.  

• Add onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach and other veggies to egg dishes.
• Add shredded carrots and zucchini to your pancake or muffin batter.  
• Spread whole grain toast with natural peanut butter and top with thinly sliced cucumbers and radishes.
• Top a small baked sweet potato with cottage cheese and toasted pumpkin seeds.

• Eat protein at every meal – eggs, nuts, beans, plain Greek yogurt, lean meats and poultry, seafood. 

• Eat dessert only on the weekend.

• Drink smarter.  Coffee and tea are zero-calorie drinks and healthy in moderation – added sugars and syrups are not.  Soda is a nutritional disaster – have ice water with a fresh citrus or herb garnish instead.  Watch out for smoothies made with juice or flavored yogurt.  Cut down on alcohol.

Want to get rid of clutter?  

Start with the easy stuff.

• Donate or toss duplicates, such as kitchen utensils, mugs, blankets, tools, makeup, etc. 

•  Delete the junk drawer.  You will never need all those rubber bands and twist ties.  Or those expired coupons.  Or power cords and keys for items you no longer own.

• Get rid of clothes that don't fit, that aren't comfortable, that don't go with anything else, or are permanently stained or otherwise damaged.

• Pinpoint one to three areas where you tend to impulse buy.  Books?  Shoes?  Kids' clothes?  Candles?  Music or apps?  Being more mindful of your tendency to buy what you don't need is a key to getting clutter (and spending) under control.

Want to lose weight?  

Use these tips to start moving in the right direction.

• Use a smaller plate for smaller portions.

• Don't touch the bread basket.

• Split the entrée.

• Get a little snobby.  Would a successful, well-educated, classy person stuff themselves with Cheetos, Oreos, or M&Ms?  No way.  They might nibble on one piece of organic fair trade extra-dark chocolate, a small handful of raw almonds, or some crisp apple slices instead.

Want to improve your marriage?

• Turn off text and email alerts before dinner and don't check them again until the morning.

• Treat your partner with the same consideration you would like to receive.  I know we pay lip service to this, but so often we don't do it.  Ask questions and really listen to the answers; let him know how much you appreciate the value he brings to your life.

• Find one fun activity you can both enjoy together such as a choir, a dance class, bicycling, hiking, gardening, fishing, photography.  Whatever it is, make time for it.

• Let it go.  She's not perfect, you're not perfect.  Let patience and humor rule the day.

Whatever your goal or desire, reaching it always begins with the first step.  You may think, "A tiny step won't make much difference in my life.  How can cutting up one credit card get me out of debt?"  It won't.  It's only the first step on a journey.  Keep taking those tiny steps and I guarantee you'll get somewhere.  Keep doing what you always do, and a year from now you'll still be in exactly the same place.

Wouldn't you rather look back and be glad you took that first, tiny step today?

Updated January 2023