Chapter 1: The Power of New Beginnings

The phrase “old things have passed away; behold, all things are become new” resonates deeply when reflecting on life changes.

As a father of nine, I find that my children keep me feeling youthful. Their innocence and energy prevent me from succumbing to the common belief that age brings decline. Yet, it's all too easy to feel that time is slipping away, leading us to believe we are stagnant or lost. This feeling can affect anyone, regardless of their age.

I experienced this feeling myself some time ago. With my children maturing and beginning their own journeys, I began to doubt my own significance and how much longer I could contribute meaningfully. Although I still felt vibrant and engaged with life, I questioned my next steps after leaving the corporate realm 25 years ago to become a stay-at-home dad. As my kids moved out, I sensed that this joyful chapter might be closing, prompting me to seek change.

Recognizing the need for transformation is one thing, but taking action is another. Frustration alone won't suffice; decisive steps are essential. Successful individuals identify the need for change and, crucially, they act.

So, what actions should one take?

In my situation, I decided to zero in on a singular goal. The second worst scenario, after inaction, is attempting to do too much at once. From my experiences, I can affirm that this approach leads to underachievement and often failure. Therefore, it’s vital to set a specific goal to pave the way for new challenges and enhance our capabilities.

My focus became improving my fitness and strength while enjoying the journey. In January 2023, I committed to this path. I eliminated alcohol, became mindful of my diet, and began kettlebell resistance training. I also increased my walking and resumed meditation.

A crucial lesson I've learned is the importance of clarity in one's objectives. You must assess your current status and performance to adjust effectively, recognizing both where you excel and where you face challenges. It’s vital to be intentional, allowing the process itself to become the goal, rather than merely an endpoint. This journey is endless.

This transformation is not a quick fix; it’s a life change that must be integrated into daily routines rather than treated as an afterthought. You must carve out time for this commitment and treat it as sacred.

My focused training has revolutionized my life, establishing a robust physical and mental foundation for my next phase of renewal. I am currently fitter and stronger than ever, and my mental clarity and zest for life have greatly improved.

Over just a year of dedicated effort, I've laid a system into my routine that I plan to continue refining. My next objective is to dive back into writing and content creation, which I did for a decade prior to becoming a dad. Rather than feeling unmoored as my children transition into adulthood, I've chosen to share my experiences and the lessons learned over 25 years through my writing.

The first lesson is that mastering our thoughts is essential for a fulfilling life. We must take control of how we think and respond to the world, refusing to let age, ability, or fate dictate our actions.

As I mentioned, action is key. It’s insufficient to consume motivational content or feel passionate about something for a brief period before moving on. You must consistently engage in meaningful actions with focus and discipline.

For example, I've taken on the role of our family cook—what one of my sons aptly dubbed the “home chef”—for over 30 years. In that time, I’ve prepared around 35,000 meals for our family, which has grown from three to eleven. Imagine starting out knowing you'd need to plan and cook 35,000 meals over decades! I would have been overwhelmed after the first meal!

The journey worked because I love cooking and concentrated on the meal I needed to prepare at that moment, regardless of the family size. There was no distant goal of preparing 35,000 meals or having nine children. The objective was simply to make that meal at that time, striving to do my best. Each meal was a standalone achievement, and then I would begin again the next day.

This philosophy applies to everything. Part of my healthier lifestyle includes walking five days a week, averaging around 15,000 steps daily while enjoying podcasts or videos. Last month, just my walking accounted for 202 miles (342 km) and over the past year, I've walked around 2,500 miles by taking our dog, Buddy, to the park every weekday, rain or shine.

Every day presents a fresh opportunity, and we can begin anew.

Do not let the feeling of being unable to restart hold you back. The essence lies in taking action in the present, not in fixating on distant goals. If you genuinely wish to transform your life, act now.

Cast aside the excuses that prevent you from starting today. We've been conditioned to think we lack time, but if change is your priority, you will surely find the time.

In my past as a meditation teacher, I often heard people express their struggles to find time for stillness, citing work, family, finances, and other challenges. It all comes down to priorities. How much do you truly desire this change? Achieving greatness requires time and consistency. We are often drawn to the allure of quick fixes, but they do not exist.

Real transformation necessitates sustained effort over time. This reality can deter many from even starting.

If you lack urgency, a helpful strategy is to immerse yourself completely in the present activity, similar to cooking a meal. Just take the first step. They may be small at first, but consistent action leads to progress and a cumulative positive impact.

By directing your full attention to the task at hand, you eliminate distractions and concerns about the future or past failures. This journey should be enjoyable enough to incorporate into your life and ideally share with others.

Think of this as a progression. Embracing progress is a natural law for those of us striving for improvement, overcoming challenges and obstacles along the way.

If you commit to daily progress for yourself, I assure you will rise from weakness to strength, from darkness to newfound clarity and optimism.

You will come to see how all things can indeed become new.

It is never too late to start fresh.

“For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear: Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away: And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.” Job 11: 15–17.

Chapter 2: Taking Action to Transform Your Life

The first video titled "It's Never Too Late To Change The Rest Of Your Life" emphasizes that it’s always possible to initiate change and redefine your path, regardless of your current circumstances.

The second video, "It's Never Too Late | God Is Still Able To Turn Your Life Around," reassures us that transformation is always within reach, and with faith and effort, we can turn our lives around.