just believe.

It seems too often that we want to make a positive change in our life, but can't seem to actually get around to doing it. We talk about it, write about it, and even take steps in the right direction. Yet most of the time, we are caught "talking the talk," but not actually "walking the walk." Verbalizing we believe in something, verses actually believing in it are two wildly different ideas. Sure, we think we deserve more in life; to live a healthier lifestyle, to have stronger relationships, to live with passion, to chase our dreams, to never settle for less than we deserve. The problem comes when it's time to actually internalize these feats, and chase them. What we all need to start focusing on is the countless capabilities we all possess. We can achieve anything we set our minds to in life. It won't always be easy, and it won't always come without failure, but with constant committed action we can get there.

I recently had the opportunity to share a conversation with someone who decided to take actual committed action towards improving her life. She knew she had fallen into the trap of settling for less than she deserved, and finally decided to not just tell herself "I deserve better," but believe it and take action. It inspired and touched me in a huge way! Whether the change is big or small, easy or difficult, it is still something to be most proud of when all is said and done. The hurt, the time, the effort- all will be worth it in the long run.

We can probably all sit here today and pinpoint several aspects of our lives that are in dire need of improvement. Are you actually committing yourself to that belief and making a plan to actually change it? Or are you guilty of just saying, but not doing? Asking yourself these sorts of questions is the first step towards positive change in your life. The fact that you are thinking, writing, or verbalizing your unhappiness or disappointment in how something in your life is going is a major first step. The next task is asking yourself how exactly you will go about living differently; for the better. Will you get a gym membership? Talk to a professor? Apply for a new job? Have a conversation with your significant other? Talk to a financial adviser? Take time away? Once you refocus your energy from helpless and complacent, to committed and determined, you can move mountains. Life is a matter of perspective. Use that mind for all it's potential- in strong, focused, and enormous ways. Your true capability cannot be reached until you actually believe in yourself. Believe it.