Drake coined the term YOLO, “You Only Live Once.” But how many of us actually live this way? When you’re offered plans or have to make a decision, how quick are you to say yes?

For most of my life, I was a planner (as you have seen in my previous blog posts); it’s what I know how to do best. I was taught to have things in place so I was “prepared.” A lot of times, though, it led to disappointment. If things didn’t go exactly to plan, I would be upset. I would think, why did I waste all of that time? (Expectations, that’s a blog post for another time…)

Most of my growth in the last few years has been due to my experience as a Health and Wellness Coach. One of the things becoming a health and wellness coach has done for me is that it has taught me to say, “Yes.” I’ve been forced out of my comfort zone on more than one occasion and have come to realize that your health and happiness, like time, wait for no one.

In 2015, I had the opportunity to sign up for the Beachbody Success Club trip, open to the top coaches who have helped people achieve their health goals throughout the year. In the corporate world, it would be considered to be a “President’s Club” of sorts. The all-inclusive trip would be paid for by the company and include five days and four nights’ stay.

I hemmed and hawed over whether or not I should sign up for the trip, partially because it required a non-refundable $300 deposit. Still, the part that scared me the most was the commitment. The trip wasn’t until the following year and I had no idea what I would be doing, whether I would be able to plan my schedule around it, who would go with me, etc. I had my planner’s mindset instead of thinking that I would just figure it out when the time came. I was definitely averse to taking the risk.

The trip came and went and I went through major “FOMO” (aka Fear of Missing Out). I saw my friends attend the trip and have an absolute blast. What made matters worse was that I had earned the trip, but because I didn’t sign up for it when I should have, I couldn’t go. A four-day cruise to the Bahamas and I missed out! I was so angry at myself for doubting myself and missing out on a huge opportunity, but I did learn from this experience.

When January 2016 came rolling around and it was time to sign up for the 2017 trip to the Dominican Republic, I knew what I had to do. I knew how awful I had felt about not going last time and I was determined to not feel like that again. So, I whipped out my credit card and put down the $300 deposit.

In 2016, I continued to help others achieve their wellness goals, and when this past January rolled around I was again eligible to earn the 2017 trip to Mexico. This time around, there was zero hesitation.

I have completely vowed to say “yes” in 2017, and I have my passport stamps to prove it! Of course, saying yes to all of these trips to foreign countries comes with some financial responsibility, but one thing I have learned is that you grow with experiences, not things. I make it my business to work very hard, but I also want to be able to enjoy being with those I love and creating new memories together.

Life is very fleeting. Before you know it your commitments grow on your calendar or maybe certain people aren’t in our lives anymore. Don’t wait for this to happen. Seize the moment now and just go for it!

Everything you do is a learning experience and adds to our journey. They say we regret the things we haven’t done, not the things we have done. Ultimately, you will be defined by the things you’ve done, not what you haven’t.

So, what do you have on your bucket list for 2017? Like I’ve said time and time again, write down your goals, and lose the fear. Do you have a place you’ve been wanting to visit? Do you want to try something new? Whatever it is, I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and make it happen.

Because remember, you only live once.

Maren Motivation