Act Like You Want It

I heard a very intriguing quote the other day. It went something like this: "It is easier to act your way into new thinking than to think your way into new actions."

How very true is this? How many of us have said I'm going to be a happier person, I'm going to be more spiritual/
religious, I'm going to be more financially responsible. We read books on the topic, come up with grand ideas but we never DO anything. The problem is this desire to make changes stay in the cerebral realm. We think, think, and think, but we never do.

As the quote points out, it may be easier to achieve major life changes by using action not by pondering, wondering, or studying. It's the "fake it until you make it" philosophy. If you want to be a happier person, act like a happy person. Start smiling and being nice to people even if you don't feel like. If you want to be more financially responsible, start acting like a financially responsible person. Start forcing yourself to put money away every paycheck (even if
it's as small at $10 or $20), freeze your credit cards to stop using them. If you want to be more spiritual/
religious start going to church on a regular basis, praying everyday or reading the Bible. The point is to start behaving like the person you want to become even if you aren't sincere and the actions seem forced. Your mind will eventually catch up with your actions.

For example, suppose you wanted to be a physically fit person and exercise daily. You force yourself to get up
every single morning to walk for 30 minutes on the treadmill. Initially this feels like torture; you moan and
groan because you hate getting up and you don't feel like walking, but you are committed to your fitness goal. Then slowly, over the course of several weeks it starts getting
easier to get out of bed, the 30 minutes go by very quickly and you even start to increase your speed. One morning you have to skip your routine because of an early flight or
meeting. Much to your surprise you MISS that 30-minute walk. The simple act of forcing yourself to walk every
morning has now changed you into a more physically fit person. No pontificating, no contemplating, just pure action.

=======================================
NOTE: The following information must be included if you reprint this article:

© Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved
Myrtis Smith is the founder of Premeditated Life. At Premeditated Life we have one focus - Your Career. As a career coach I offer a variety of services designed to improve your professional skills, support you in your career goals and transitions, and empower your job search. For a FREE Career Assessment contact us at
coaching@premeditatedlife.com

http://www.premeditatedlife.com .......because life doesn't just happen!

About the Author

Myrtis Smith is a personal coach and founder of Premeditated Life, a Cincinnati-based coaching company specializing in helping individuals manage life's many transitions, especially career changes.

Myrtis is known for her personable style. She has an action-oriented approach to coaching that uses light-hearted humor and practical information. She has an ability to help her clients see beyond their current situations and recognize the many possibilities available to them.