Shoot Your Shot!

Whether I’m working with coaching clients, nonprofits, or in fitness, one common thread I see is hesitation. Too many people put off taking action, waiting for the "right moment" that never seems to arrive. How many times have I heard fitness clients say, “I’ll eat better after January 1”? Really? What are you waiting for? You can still enjoy that apple pie at Thanksgiving without putting off your goals.

If you want to write a book, get a new job, start a work initiative, or improve your health, the best time to start is now. Yes, planning and strategizing are important, but they’re meaningless without action. Waiting for the perfect time only wastes time—perfection is the enemy of progress.

Writing a Book

I’ve self-published a few books. Book number three is with my designer right now (the picture above is for the cover), and because of that, people often ask me for advice on getting pen to paper. Out of everyone who’s asked, only one person has sent me their draft—and it made my day. There’s no secret formula.  You need to make time. Carve out 20-45 minutes to write at least once a week. More is better, but consistency is key.

I start with an outline, though I rarely stick to it. The important thing is to get your thoughts down and clean it up later. Yes, grammar is crucial, but don’t let it derail your momentum. Once you’ve finished a chapter or the entire book, have a friend edit it, then read it again yourself. If you have the budget, hire an editor.

Pursuing a Career Change

Starting something new can be daunting, especially when it involves your livelihood. Trust me, I know. When I launched my consulting business, I had a handful of great prospects lined up on day one, and they all vanished. After a briefly wallowing, I got out there, networked, started a blog, and kept learning. I haven’t stopped pushing, and the momentum is paying off.

When planning your next move, consider these questions:

1. What do you enjoy about your current role?

2. What are you passionate about, and can you get paid for it?

3. Who has a role you’d love to have?

4. Who recruits for the jobs you want?

5. If money is the issue, would a raise be better than a new job?

6. What type of people do you want to work with?

If you know what you want to do, that’s fantastic. Connect with people who have that job. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to talk, offer advice, or pass on a resume.

Health Goals

I wish I could say, “Follow this plan, and you’ll be ready to model swimsuits.” The truth is, slow and steady wins the race. Quick weight loss often leads to quick weight gain. There are countless workouts and diets out there, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting anything new.

The best results I’ve seen come from people who:

1. Lift weights. You don’t have to go heavy, or spend hours in the gym, focus on good form. If you have any medical issues, consult your doctor. As we age, exercises like back squats and overhead presses may not be the best choices.

2. Do cardio. Cardio is great for heart health and burning calories. Walking is my favorite exercise because it burns calories, is weight-bearing, and doesn’t leave me ravenous afterward.

3. Pay attention to nutrition. We’re all different, but most people need to cut back on sugar—especially in drinks—and eat more protein and fiber. My best advice is to track your eating for a week and review it. When I did this, I noticed I was overeating between 3-5 PM. To fix that, I added a snack at 3 PM: Greek yogurt with a pinch of granola and fruit. It keeps me full until dinner!

Summary

The biggest barriers most people face are fear of failure and finding the time. But failure isn’t the end—it’s a step in the process. Basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo wisely said after a playoff loss, “There is no failure, only success and learning.” That mindset is powerful.

So, here’s my message to you: DO IT!

• Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for guidance, support, or advice.

• Seek feedback. Use the insights of others to refine your approach and grow.

• Talk about your goals. Sharing your ambitions makes them feel more real and helps keep you accountable.

• Believe in your vision. Visualize your success in rich, vivid detail. This might feel a little weird but trust me—seeing and feeling your success is a powerful motivator.

  
  

Now go on and shoot your shot!