117: "One Degree" of Effort Could Be All You Need
It's amazing how one small degree of change can make a difference.
For example, at 211 degrees water is merely "hot."
But...at 212 degrees water boils.
That one degree of change in the water's temp would produce the necessary steam to power a locomotive.
That's food for thought the next time you're tempted to dismiss a small change in your habits that could have an impact on your health, mental state, emotions, attitude, relationships, and more.
I'll admit, growth and change at any age can be overwhelming.
The gap between where you are, how you feel, or where you would prefer to be creates anxiety.
Crossing that gap could be nothing more than...one degree of effort on your part.
One "extra" degree of effort can empower you through the age-related challenges you encounter
It's defeating to live as though any growth and change you desire requires monumental effort.
As a runner, I don't sign up for a half-marathon event the day before, I do so months in advance and then train for weeks leading up to it.
Mile by mile I increase my endurance capacity - that's the power of one-degree effort.
Habit, lifestyle, and mindset changes begin one incremental step after another.
- One degree of focus
- One degree of margin
- One degree of movement
One degree of focus creates a renewed outlook on life
Focus stealers are rampant.
I'm referring to the doom-and-gloom, the-sky-is-falling "prophets" and pundits who would have you believe we're all going-to-hell-in-a-handbasket.
When your outlook on life has a shorter horizon it's easy to get caught up in negative, back-in-my-day thinking.
One degree of focus change could shine some light where you currently see darkness.
Focus on the good aspects of your health and wellness and improving them without needing to always seek a diagnosis.
Focus on a better future by recalling how far you've come.
Focus on the best qualities of yourself and those around you by being reminded that we're all works in progress.
One degree of margin makes room for improvement
Margin is that space you intentionally create for yourself to stay physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy.
Margin is the space allowed for improving your aging mindset instead of believing all the myths.
Make room for relationships that replenish you.
Make room for thinking instead of allowing others to do your thinking for you - I'm looking at you media.
Make room for books, time outdoors in nature, hobbies that interest you, and travel or experiences outside of your normal routine.
One degree of movement strengthens your resolve
Yes, I talk about movement A LOT because staying put, seated, and stationary for long periods of time enables time to take a greater toll on your body and health than it would otherwise.
Movement matters, whether it's steps down the hall, around the block, across the parking lot, up the stairs, or a mile or two.
Those "one degree" increments of movement have the potential to turn up the heat in your physical and mental momentum.
However you choose to move - that's up to you.
Walk, stand-up, stretch, squat, run, bike, hike, yoga, Tai Chi, swim, water-therapy, pickleball - you have options to get moving.
Don't overthink it - we're talking about the difference "one degree" can make.
Change is incremental and one (extra) degree of effort is your starting point
- One degree of focus
- One degree of margin
- One degree of movement
Press on...
Eddie