Have you ever wondered why percent of the population can show up to New Year’s resolutions or commitments and 91 percent fail?
Did you know that my oncologist said that 60 percent of cancer patients don’t show up to fight cancer? What makes the difference between the ones who show up and the ones who don’t? If you look at gym memberships and attendance, you’ll see this is not surprising. Those first few weeks at the gym in the new year are packed and then it gets to be fewer and fewer that show up for the hard stuff.
When motivation and inspiration leave you, disci- pline is what moves you forward. I live with stage 4 breast cancer and I live a life loudly and on point and I can tell you that showing up for chemo every three weeks is not something I am motivated to do but I have the disci- pline to do it so much so that sometimes against all odds I end up in the Mayo Clinic parking lot and wonder how I got there and figure if I’m there, I might as well go do the work.
In fact, if you want to curate your most epic life then you must start it today. I have become an expert on this topic, and I’ve written books on it. So, I am going to give you a Cliffs Notes version that starts with you deciding what you need to start showing up for and committing to in life.
Here is how the best shows up and are the survivors and the achievers. You are that. You just might not have been given the tools to be successful up to this point.
THREE CRITICAL ACTIONS NECESSARY CHOOSE HAPPINESS
This is done by cutting the things in life that don’t bring you joy. For instance, if you have never woken up and said, “I want to be inspired today so I will turn on the news,” then maybe you need to cut the news. Or if social media makes you feel sad then cut it. Also, infuse a mini vacation in every day. Lastly, choose to do something for someone else every day and you’ll notice your own pain disappears.
MOVEMENT
Moving your body every day, many times in a day, is necessary to release endorphins and create sunshine in your mind. It means you dance hard for a minute when you wake up (try to be grumpy when dancing. It isn’t possible). Unless you are a professional athlete, you do not need a rest day. You rest on average 23 hours in a day.
Stop making excuses by choosing movement that enjoy and vary it. You must also do it with someone or tell someone you are doing it, so they check on you and give you accountability. Teamwork is crucial and so is account-ability through an app or human-centered action. This is the No. 1 requirement for moving anxiety and depression or ambivalence out.
BOUNDARIES
You must know what your boundaries are and learn how to communicate them to be able to accomplish your epic life. Start with evaluating the relationships in your life that bring value, positivity, and strength and cut those that do not. Evaluate how others would view you, and whether you show up to be a light or strength for others? Protect your energy and your time. These are what the most epic do differently. Sending you strength, intentionality, and laughter in your day.
If you want to learn more about any of these specifically, then you can find me at victoriacramer.com. As a stage 4 breast cancer survivor, I talk often about the importance of being your own medical advocate and the importance of boundaries when tackling life’s speed bumps. Owning your journey often leads to medical outcomes that fuel your success.