Last Updated on July 22, 2016 by Michael Brockbank
So, here we are. It’s my 40th birthday today, and all ready I am exhausted. In reality, I don’t feel any different than I did yesterday. However, it’s getting harder to ignore the passage of time. I still try to do the things I did back in my 20s, which take far more effort today. I suppose I just need to adapt in order to achieve the things I want.
Getting Over the Hill?
I’m having a hard time remembering what I did on my 30th birthday. For years, turning 30 was the final step to signify the end of youth. To be honest, I don’t really know if that was ever an issue. Now, here I am, 40-years old and I am no where near my goal weight.
Lack of Motivation
It’s getting harder to keep focus and have motivation for losing weight. I don’t know if that’s because I’m getting older or if it’s because my life is wrapped in a thick blanket of stress. Perhaps it’s a bit of both. In either case, today I need to get myself into a better mindset. Each passing day is just one more than is contributing to a decreased metabolism.
Having the Right Mindset
I don’t know what my problem has been lately. I’ve been performing poorly in almost every aspect of life. I find myself more angry than usually, which fuels an “I-don’t-give-a-shit” attitude. That’s not the right mindset to have if you want to get into better shape. I’m not accomplishing any daily objectives, and I feel more like I’m drifting through life rather than swimming. That’s got to change, especially now that I am going over the hill.
I feel that this birthday is a bit different than the others. I can’t really afford to sit idle any longer. It’s time that I take a more active role in my own life to improve the things around me…and within.
What Can I Do to Change My Life?
Perhaps the first thing I need to do is sit down with myself and discover what is causing my lack of focus. Taking an inventory of your life can help you pinpoint problem areas that need to be addressed. This is where a lot of people may fail. It’s not because of the lack of effort, but because they are dishonest with themselves. This is never a good thing, especially on your birthday.
Being Honest Doesn’t Mean Ridicule
I’ve seen a lot of people try to be honest with themselves who turn out spewing more ridicule than anything. When you start to belittle yourself, you’re actually causing more harm than good. Identify your problem areas, but don’t dwell on them. A pity party isn’t going to do anything but put you into a more depressed state.
Commit to Daily Follow-Through
My biggest failing is the lack of follow-through. I can come up with these brilliant plans on paper or in this blog, but I just can’t seem to make them happen. I need something to help me keep focus when the day starts until I lay down at night. Lately, it’s been somewhat difficult. It’s kind of hard when you feel like you’re spinning your wheels in the sand. However, nothing is going to change unless you face the issues.
My Plans for the Future
So, what am I going to do for the next 40 years? Something different, that is for sure. I usually have issues playing the front 9, but I always improve my game to finish the course. Yes, that was a golf reference. It’s true in just about everything, though. I always perform better towards the end. This will be my “back 9” of the course. Do I finish strong, or shall I spend most of the time in the rough?
That is completely up to me.
No one can force you to live a certain life. You make the decision. The most difficult part is getting out of your comfort zone and making a difference. You won’t know what you’re capable of if you simply drift through life like a piece of wood floating down a steady stream.
This weekend, I am going to take a good hard look at my life and decide whether or not I want to live it or if I am satisfied with the way things are. I can tell you right now that there is no satisfaction. But I still need to take the time and examine what facets of my life I need to change if I want to be healthier and happier.
Although some days seem to pass by slowly, life can happen in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, you’re walking your daughter down the isle. The difference will be whether you do this on your own two feet or if you’re dragging an oxygen tank behind you. Either way, you can’t ignore the passage of time. And each day is only getting you closer to that one inescapable truth of finality.
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