What area of your life would you like to change? I asked more than 500 women this question when I was compiling information for my audio book, Secretos de La Mujer Segura (Secrets of the Confident Woman).
The answers I received were varied: Some wanted to change careers or jobs; many hoped to make a change in their love life; some wanted to lose weight and change their physical appearance.
Interestingly enough, I discovered in my research that, regardless of how she wanted to improve her life, each woman gave the same reason as to why she hadn’t found the courage to do so.
For example, some of the women who wanted a different career said that, due to the state of the economy, “It isn’t the best time.” Those who wanted to leave a bad relationship also said that, because they weren’t ready to be alone, “It isn’t the best time.” Women who wanted to lose weight stated that they would wait until the holidays were over, because in December, “It definitely isn’t the best time” to start a diet!
“It isn’t the best time” is the perfect excuse to hide behind our fears. Deep down, we are afraid that we won’t succeed. We want a guarantee that a bright future without obstacles or other complications awaits us.
It is like waiting for God to tell you, “Once you leave this destructive relationship, you will be alone for five months, three weeks, and four days. Then you will meet your Prince Charming, who will be handsome, 6 feet tall, and green-eyed. His name is Chuck.” With that kind of guarantee, you would leave your boyfriend in the blink of an eye!
Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself: Do you really believe that you can go through life without any obstacles?
Putting your life on hold until it becomes uncomplicated is like waiting for the day when all of the planets and stars in the solar system become aligned. You can do it, but you’ll be waiting a looooong time!
The more you hesitate, the more your insecurities will paralyze you. Stop putting off making that decision. The excuses are over! You have to find the courage within yourself, make that commitment, and take the first step.
Don’t wait until you get fired from your job to look for another one, or until you weigh 300 pounds to go on a diet, or until a man abuses you or your children to leave him. Don’t wait until life becomes unbearable to change.
How long have you been paralyzed? Days? Months? Years? Start taking control of your life. Focus on the positive things that being courageous will bring. Make a list of all the benefits you will receive, and visualize yourself getting everything you want.
Don’t waste another moment allowing your happiness to slip between your fingers. Show your true potential. Believe in yourself. You have the power to make the changes that will improve your life.
 

Remember: The best time is always today!

Maria Marín is a national columnist and the author of Secretos de la Mujer Segura. To learn more about her, visit MariaMarin.com. For speaking engagements and bookings, contact Oralia Michel, OMMPR at 626-568-0902 or email oralia@ommpr.com.