Action First: Navigating Feelings Through Proactive Steps

Feelings—those intricate mixtures of positivity and negativity—accompany us throughout life. When we experience joy, we yearn to prolong it. Conversely, when negativity creeps in, we seek ways to banish it. But how can we actively influence our emotional landscape? The answer lies in action.

Before we delve deeper, let’s acknowledge the obvious: to change our feelings, we must first change our actions. It’s not a chicken-and-egg situation. we can't wait to feel better before we start taking action but we have to start taking action before we start feeling better.

Consider self-image—a critical aspect tied to our self-esteem. Sometimes, we harbour negative self-images related to our appearance. These feelings can be debilitating. Now, we have two paths:

• The Hopeful Wait: We hope that someday, magically, we’ll feel better about ourselves. Perhaps a compliment or a change in circumstances will transform our self-image.
  

• The Proactive Approach: Alternatively, we can take action. We recognize that waiting won’t suffice. We start small—perhaps a fitness routine, a new wardrobe, or self-affirmations. The results won’t be instant, but they’ll accumulate over time.

However, the journey varies for each person. Some experience instant gratification—their actions yield immediate emotional rewards. Others tread a gradual path, patiently awaiting visible change. Regardless, consistent action is key. The more we invest, the closer we come to feeling good about ourselves.

But let's get this right, having a good feeling as an end goal in itself is not the best you could do. Feelings as with most things are bound to pass, some stay longer than others depending on the impact they had, the whole goal of acting first before we feel something is to get you to a point where you are doing what you can regardless of what your feeling, to get you to continue moving. Rainy days will come, but our actions propel us toward sunnier horizons.

To master this art of proactive living, practice is essential. Like any skill, acting first requires repetition. So, embrace the discomfort, take those steps, and watch as your feelings gradually align with your actions. Remember:

Action first, feelings second. It’s not just a mantra; it’s a compass guiding us through life’s ever-changing weather.