Raise your hand if you have what I call "tomorrowitis". How many times have you heard yourself say, "I will eat better tomorrow." ? Or "I will be more productive tomorrow."? Or "I will confront him/her tomorrow."? I certainly have tomorrowitis. When I notice tomorrow language in myself or my clients, one of my favorite power questions comes to mind - What's going to be different tomorrow? In other words, if you choose to not eat better NOW, or be productive NOW, or confront a person NOW, what's going to be different tomorrow? What's going to change your frame of mind? What's going to make you confront your fears? What's going to support your efforts to take better care of yourself?
Change is difficult because all of us have long established patterns of behavior and thought. Our brains have grown accustomed to these patterns and will put up a fight whenever we try to change the patterns. Our brains like the familiar and known; even if it is not in our best interest. It is for this reason most change experts advise us to take small, but steady steps towards our desired outcomes. The small, slow and steady approach allows us time to get used to the change. If we try to go from 0 to 100 in one step, our brains revolt and the classic fear response occurs.
So, here is your "homework". Whenever you notice the "I will do that tomorrow" voice in your head, do one small thing NOW. Walk your dog instead of walking to the refrigerator. Complete one item on your to-do list. Clarify your thinking before a difficult conversation. A bunch of small things accomplish NOW will soon add up to significant, positive change. It's the old adage, "A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step."