My topic for you this week is about breaking out of the “good enough” rut. Are you living your life on autopilot, waiting for the perfect moment to finally do the things you dream about? In this episode, I’ll share three ways to break free from the “someday when” mindset, so you can start living with more purpose, energy, and joy—right now.
Are you too comfortable in your life? Have you settled for “this is good enough”? Are your days blending into one another, where you don’t even know what day of the week it is? I want to challenge you, because I want to challenge myself. Our lives are not a dress rehearsal. This is it; we don’t get a do over. If you’re in the mindset of “someday when” and you have a whole story you’ve told yourself about when these things are all in place you’ll start living your life, I’m here to tell you that is an illusion. It’s the someday-when lie, the someday when the kids are gone, I’ll put more time in my marriage. Or I’ll take that writing class and write that book I’ve always wanted to write. I’ll plan that trip. I’ll meet my person. I’ll use the nice china that’s been in the cabinet all these years. I’ll call some of my friends that I haven’t talked to in years and rekindle that friendship. I’ll start on my better health journey, by walking, hiking, working out, eating better. I’ll take my friend up on their offer to come out and learn pickleball. I’ll get that knee replacement I’ve been putting off. I’ll start attending church in person again. Someday, I’ll figure out what I really want.
When I shared all of that, what did it bring up for you? What’s the area or area’s you’re saying someday when? What is your someday when? This is important, and yet we put it off.
Let me tell you about a time this hit home for me.
Several years ago, I was sitting on my side porch after I had a quiet time of reading the Bible and journaling my prayers. I wasn’t sad but I wasn’t too happy either. My kids were out of the house, we were empty nesters and my husband and I were basically roommates. He did his thing, I did mine, but I knew it wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted a loving thriving passionate marriage, but I was in the “someday-when trap.” I knew if things were going to change in this area, I had to change. So, I did! Our adult kids do not even recognize our marriage from then to now. I have that loving thriving passionate marriage I had only dreamed about.
Let’s talk about three ways to break free from the “someday-when” trap and start living more fully, right now.
Point A: Notice Where You’re Settling
What?
Take a real, honest look at your life. Where are you saying: “this is good enough” instead of: “this is what I really want”?
Why?
Awareness is the first step to change. If you don’t know where you’re settling, you can’t make a shift.
How?
Today, write down one area of your life where you’re waiting for “someday.” Is it your health? Your relationships? Your creativity? Name it. That’s your starting point.
Point B: Take One Small Action
What?
Choose one tiny action that moves you closer to your “someday” today.
Why?
Big changes start with small steps. Action breaks the cycle of waiting.
How?
If you want to write a book, write one paragraph today. If you want to reconnect with a friend, send a quick text. If you want to get healthier, go for a five-minute walk. You want to be more connected with your husband, do something unexpected bring him a cup of coffee. The point is to do something, no matter how small.
Point C: Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
What?
Acknowledge every step you take out of your comfort zone.
Why?
We get discouraged when we focus only on what’s left to do. Celebrating progress keeps you motivated.
How?
At the end of each day, write down one thing you did that moved you forward. It could be as simple as using the nice china for dinner or saying “yes” to a spontaneous invitation. Or moving over to your husband’s side of the bed and giving him a hug before you get up in the morning.
So, let’s recap:
1. Notice where you’re settling.
2. Take one small action toward your “someday” today.
3. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
Remember, your life is happening now—not someday. Don’t let comfort or exhaustion steal your moments. You deserve to live fully, right now. And you get to decide.
Are you going to do one thing today that your “someday” self will thank you for?
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Monette hosts a weekly podcast: Mornings with Monette. She has been a lifelong learner and and appreciates the opportunity to share what she has learned–both through her podcast and here at The Best-Life Project (based on the content of her weekly podcast). Her messages are raw, honest and straight from the heart. She lives in Albuquerque, NM with her husband Leland. They have three adult children and are enjoying living their best lives filled with travel and adventure. For more information, visit: http://morningswithmonette.com/.
Thanks for these reminders. It’s never easy to break out of an old routine. Almost 2 years ago I badly broke my whole wrist and have had 3 surgeries and lots of PT on that arm. I’m still not recovered and I’ve heard it could take a couple of years. So this has really limited me on what I can do. But I’m so sick of it that I’ve hired a cleaning lady to help me so I can focus on catching up on other things that I’ve been unable to do or discouraged in doing.
I’m trying and truly wanting to turn this all around and spend more quality time out w others and my kids since our days are numbered.
I’ve been feeling isolated after my accident and a lack of energy and joy that I want to get back asap but I know it’s still a process.
Prayers are greatly appreciated about this🙏
In Him,
Deborah