You’ve probably heard a million cliches about how ‘this year is going to be your year.’ We’re constantly talking with others about plans and futures, but how many people actually follow through? How many times have you and your friends planned that trip down to the last detail, but then never booked it? How many times have you told yourself you can do it on your own, but then fall back into the comfort of your daily routine? These things will never fully come to fruition until you just do it.
The biggest things holding you back are easier to conquer than you believe them to be. Number 1- more than likely financials. I’m not saying be irresponsible and throw away everything you have saved, but there are some subtle changes you can make in order to fulfill some bigger desires. That dress you had to buy for that one event, for that one Instagram post? Put it back. Shopping is easily my biggest weakness. I broke it by continuous reminders of what else I could be doing with that money. Do this with every purchase. Eventually, it will become so ingrained that you’ll find your paycheques are lasting longer and suddenly that $500 flight won’t completely bankrupt you.
The second thing- fear. If you start to think through your excuses, the common ground can be brought right back to the fact you’re probably just a little scared. And that’s okay! Making big decisions like moving, travelling, applying for new school programs and jobs can seem daunting and more like a far-fetched dream than an attainable reality. But like every cheesy quote that’s shared across our Facebook feeds, fear can only be solved by facing the thing that scares us head-on. If it’s something you always have on your mind or an aching for change, the fear will quickly be overthrown with excitement and pride with yourself for finally taking the plunge.
Lastly- other people. Most of us hold the opinions of others so close to home that once we start sharing our aspirations and big plans, we look for reassurance from another person. Depending on who you surround yourself with, once your plans and feelings for change are out there, they can easily be manipulated. Other people were probably the biggest thing holding me back in the last couple of impulse decisions in my life. There’s always someone more levelheaded, more confident, more trustworthy that the choices you make are easy to be diverted to the ‘wrong choice.’ To make it over this hurdle, I had to ask myself- who’s supporting me, and who only wants to see me fail. If someone is shooting down your plans, they are more likely to be insecure in their own life choices (unless the change your seeking will seriously be bad for your own good, then there should be room for conversation there). Find comfort in asking for guidance and advice, but also be okay with going against it if you feel it isn’t right or will only be holding you back.
Essentially- these big moves really aren’t so big once you commit. Be confident and comfortable enough with yourself and your desires, and just go for it full force. The schooling you put on hold can always be picked up later, the roommate you had to leave behind for that new job in a new city will find someone to fill the empty room- but you’ll never get to reverse time to make these choices again if you pass them up.