Publisher - February 2022

“Be not afraid of going slowly,
be afraid only of standing still.”
– Chinese Proverb -

It’s only February, and though I have made some progress, I need a do-over. The year is already getting away from me, even though 2022 is the year I promised myself I would design my days, weeks, months, and thus my life, with all my heart. I need joy, discipline and freedom to meld together as one super-emotion and reign on my days.

So that hasn’t happened yet, for me. How are you doing?

If you are in the same boat, already seeking a do-over, I understand. I’ve decided to not dwell on what I haven’t accomplished and grant myself permission to simply start fresh, or at least tighten up, in February. You should give yourself permission for the same. Let’s let January be our mulligan and tee off 2022 again. After all, we get to set the rules for our own lives; so be gentle and allow yourself to succeed.

According to Mark Twain, “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” It’s that easy; just simply begin. You can choose any day, at any time, but if you want to see results, the best time to start is right now—pronto! Here’s how not waiting another second can positively play out for you in several popular resolution scenarios:

Losing Weight: Alas, losing weight and/or getting healthy is the No. 1 goal in January for most people. So you blew it last month. It’s OK. You may not be ready. However, if you are serious about getting your weight under control, you need to get real with yourself and start now. A year is going to go by regardless of your actions. Whether you eat good, eat bad, become a vegetarian, blow your diet every day, or hide candy bars in your desk drawer, in 52 weeks you will either like what you see in the mirror and feel better, or not. It’s all up to you and when you decide to start.

What if you set out to lose just one tiny pound per week? Just ONE! If you were to start right now, believe it or not, you will be 52 pounds lighter by this time next year. 52 pounds! If you only need to lose 20-pounds, and adopt the one-pound per week philosophy, guess what? You will reach your goal by July, just in time to buy a new swim suit and head to the beach! Time is on our side when we simply start and stay steady; just like the tortoise who beats the much faster hare—slow and steady wins the race!

Saving Money: Look what time can do for you when it comes to building a nest egg. My elementary chart shows how much money you will have in a year if you choose to start now versus waiting until June, or never starting at all. Remember, the road to success can only be traveled if you begin, so what are you waiting for?

Starting where you are is far better than not starting at all. But if you’re ready to get serious about stashing some of your hard earned cash, begin right NOW and be prepared to be proud of yourself. We’re talking about a huge impact on your financial confidence because having money in the bank affords freedom to have options…lots of options!

Sadly, if you never can seem to bring yourself to get banking on the Benjamins, you can expect nothing, because nothing in merely equals nothing. Please don’t choose nothing.
$10 each week x 52 weeks = $ $520
$50 each week x 52 weeks = $2,600
$100 each week x 52 weeks = $5,200
$250 each week x 52 weeks = $13,000

If you wait until, June 1, here’s the difference at the end of the year:
$10 each week x 35 weeks = $ 350
$50 each week x 35 weeks = $1,750
$100 each week x 35 weeks = $3,500
$250 each week x 35 weeks = $8,750

If you never do it at all, here’s your result:
$10 each week x 0 weeks = $ 0
$50 each week x 0 weeks = $0
$100 each week x 0 weeks = $ 0
$250 each week x 0 weeks = $ 0

Achieving a goal or Finishing a Project: Whatever your goal or project may be, start now doing one thing each day toward making it a reality. By next year this same time, you will have done 365 things to help make your goal/project a reality. With action like that, your chances are stellar—#goals!

The strategy of now acts like compounding interest, putting time on your side. In each of these examples time is the factor that makes all the difference. By allowing time to work for you, baby steps morph into giant leaps. Days, weeks and months are going to pass no matter what. Unless some tragedy hits, many of us will be putting the same weight loss plan, same goals and/or same savings plans together this same time next year, wishing like crazy we would have started last year (which is now) and begging for more do-overs. The choice is yours. Do you want the next 52 weeks to count? If so, just start. Now!

Here we are, at the starting gate with a granted do-over—a second chance— to start 2022 with all our heart. What do you really want? Do you understand the strategy of now? If so, get on your mark. Get set. Go! Go! Go!

Think Pink,
Elizabeth Millen