Everyone lives like tomorrow will always be there, taking time for granted and neglecting our health, our dreams, and the things that truly matter. But tomorrow isn’t a promise for anyone. If you want to live a life of high performance—physically, mentally, and emotionally—it may mean doing the things you find uncomfortable. Health and fitness aren’t just about how you look. They are about squeezing as much life out of each day as possible, fueling your energy, creativity, problem-solving skills, and grit to handle life’s challenges. Your physical well-being is the foundation upon which everything else is built.

While physical health is essential, your mindset is the ultimate driver. Your thoughts and attitude shape your focus, and your focus drives action. You have the power to choose your thoughts and, in turn, the actions that will shape your life.

So, what will it be? Will you continue with excuses, or will you harness the focus and energy you know you possess? It’s time to decide and take the actions that will lead you toward the life you truly want. Here are 8-steps to help:

1. See the Reality of Time: Reflect on the fact that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Write down meaningful goals or experiences you don’t want to miss out on—this brings urgency to the forefront.

2. Define Your Why: Get clear on why you want to improve your health, mindset, and life. Is it for your family, a dream project, or simply to feel your best? This ‘why’ will fuel you during challenging moments.

3. Start Small, Start Now: Don’t overwhelm yourself. Choose one small action in either physical health (a 5-minute walk, a healthy snack) or mental health (a few minutes of mindful breathing). Focus on starting, not perfecting.

4. Embrace Discomfort: Understand that growth often occurs outside your comfort zone. Each time you choose a small but healthy/growth-oriented action, you flex the muscle of overcoming resistance.

5. Refocus Your Thoughts: Catch yourself when negative self-talk arises. Replace it with a neutral or growth-oriented phrase (instead of “I’m too tired,” try “I can always try for 10 minutes.”). This will train your mindset for positive action.

6. Get Accountable: Find people with similar goals or who inspire you. A workout buddy or an online community can make a huge difference in motivation and accountability.

7. Track Your Wins: Celebrate small victories! Keep a list or a jar where you drop notes about your achievements. This reinforces positive momentum.

8. Rest and Reflect: Rest is as crucial for health and performance as action. Schedule time for reflection and evaluate what’s working and what needs adjustment.

Keep in mind:  Time is finite; it is the most precious thing we own, yet others believe their time is more important, that their time is all that matters, and they will try to steal your time. Protect it like a miser with his pennies and only give them away to the things that add value to your life.