Have you ever noticed that when it comes to setting and achieving goals, how easy it is to dream and to plan, but how much harder it is to take the first step of action?
We tell ourselves:
- “I’ll start after the holidays.”
- “I’ll get serious in January.”
- “This month is just too busy.”
The truth is, there will always be a reason to wait. But the cost of waiting is high. Every month, every season, every year that we put off taking action toward our goals, we lose momentum and miss out on living fully.
No matter what your goals are: to write a book, improve your health, start that side business, or finally take that trip with your family, the only thing standing between you and that reality is the choice to start.
A 48 Days Story: Alan and Angie Thomas
Many of you know Alan and Angie from the 48 Days community. Years ago, they were struggling with their health and their weight—until they decided to stop waiting and take bold action. Together, they lost 192 pounds in 260 days.
When Dan Miller saw their transformation, he said, “You ought to teach this.” At first, Alan thought it was crazy. But because he took action on that encouragement, Alan and Angie have since helped countless men and women transform their lives through their program, Rethink Dieting.
Their story is a reminder: life doesn’t change through dreaming or planning—it changes through action.
Why October Is Actually the Best Time to Start
We often think January is the “right” time to launch a new goal—whether it’s weight loss, starting a business, writing a book, or pursuing a new career. But here’s the irony: the best time is almost always before the calendar flips.
Here’s why:
- Momentum beats motivation.
If you start now, you’ll roll into the new year already moving forward, instead of starting from a standstill. Our own Dan Miller recommends we start setting our goals for the new year in October so we have them set and ready by November 14, giving us the last 48 days of the year not to coast but to build momentum. Read more here. - You build resilience during the hardest season.
Alan and Angie call October through December the “official eating season.” If you can take action now, you’ll prove to yourself that you can handle any season—not just the easy ones. The same is true for any goal—if you can take steps forward during a busy or challenging season, you’ll build the confidence and resilience to keep going no matter what life throws your way. - Small wins compound over time.
Imagine being 5, 10, or even 20 pounds lighter—or a few chapters into your book—by January 1st. That kind of progress is fuel for even bigger results. If you use Dan Miller’s 15-Hour Per Week Model to build a side business, you would be 195 hours into building your business. Imagine what you could do in 195 hours! - You train yourself to take action every day, not delay.
Every time you choose action over delay, you’re strengthening the habit of showing up—even in small ways—and that daily practice is what creates lasting change.
Your Next Step
Whether your goal is weight loss, career growth, financial freedom, or creative expression—don’t fall into the “January trap.” You don’t need a new year to start living the life you love. You just need a decision—and one small step today.
Here are three practical ways to put action into motion:
- Write down the one area of your life that feels most stuck. Clarity comes before momentum.
- Decide on one action you can take this week. It doesn’t need to be big—it just needs to move you forward.
- Find accountability. Share your goal with a trusted friend, mentor, or community. Momentum grows when it’s shared.
Alan and Angie are living proof of what happens when you stop waiting and start acting. They remind us that action doesn’t just transform bodies—it transforms entire lives.
So here’s the question for you:
👉 What action will you take today to move closer to the life you love?
