Monday Motivation

#321 - Monday Motivation: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."

 

Welcome to another short and empowering episode of Monday Motivation, giving you a dose of inspiration as you head into your week...

Today, we explore a timeless and profound Chinese proverb:

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."

 

Here are three key takeaways you can expect from this episode:

  1. The importance of starting today, no matter how late it feels.
  2. Practical steps to plant the seeds of your dreams.
  3. Tools and habits for staying motivated on your journey.

Listen in and discover how small, consistent actions can lead to extraordinary results, helping you move closer to your dream life, whatever that means to you.

As always, I’d LOVE to hear what resonates with you from this episode and what you plan to implement after listening in. So please share and let’s keep the conversation going in the Dream Life Podcast Facebook Group here.    

Have a wonderful week… and remember, it all starts with a dream 💛

Enjoy! 

💛

Dream Life & kikki.K Founder  

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TRANSCRIPT:

Hi there, and welcome back to another Monday Morning Motivation episode.

Today, I want to start with a simple yet profound quote:

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."

This Chinese proverb holds the power to change not only your perspective but also your actions.

How often do we find ourselves looking back, thinking, "If only I had started sooner?"

Whether it's about fitness, meditation, or a dream we’ve long held, we can all relate to those moments of regret.

But here’s the thing: while the best time to start may have been in the past, the second best time is right now. We can’t change the past, but we can absolutely influence what we do today.

Think of the tree in this proverb as your dreams, goals, wellness, or relationships. Maybe the roots you could have planted years ago would have grown into something strong and beautiful by now. But the good news is that it’s not too late.

The Power of Now

A tree doesn’t grow overnight. Each day it grows a little taller and its roots grow a little deeper. The same principle applies to you.

Tiny actions taken today—steps that may feel small or insignificant—will lead to transformation over time. Progress doesn’t happen in leaps but in consistent, intentional steps.

Three Practical Steps to Start Planting Your Tree Today

  1. Start Small, But Start Today
    Choose one action that will bring you closer to your dream. Maybe it’s writing down a business idea or going for a short walk to begin your wellness journey. As James Clear highlights in "Atomic Habits," lasting change is about consistency, not intensity. Small habits compounded over time create extraordinary results.

If you’re interested, we’ll be reading "Atomic Habits" in February as part of my coaching book club, Grow. It’s not just a book club; it’s a community focused on growth. You can join us at yourdreamlifestartshere.com.

  1. Create a Plan, But Stay Flexible
    Use tools like journaling to clarify what you want and why. Break your goals into actionable steps and reflect on your progress. Remember, perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
  2. Commit to Your Why
    Ask yourself, "Why is this dream or goal important to me?" When your “why” is strong enough, it becomes easier to keep going, even when the path gets challenging.

Staying Inspired Along the Journey

Let’s be honest: the journey can feel long, and growth can be slow. But just because you can’t see immediate results doesn’t mean your efforts aren’t working.

One of my favorite tools for staying motivated is journaling daily wins and gratitude.

Write down three things you’re grateful for and three wins, no matter how small. This practice keeps you present and helps you see progress even on tough days.

Another powerful tool is visualization. Picture your tree fully grown—imagine the life you’re building. Let that vision inspire and pull you forward.

In my previous business, we grew from nothing to a global, multimillion-dollar enterprise. Holding onto a vision was critical—not just for me but also for the team.

Take Action Today

As we wrap up, I want to leave you with this thought: imagine a year from now, looking back and thinking, "I’m so glad I started."

That moment is waiting for you, but it starts with a decision today.

So, what seed will you plant today?

My seed is planning for the year ahead as part of the Dream Life Coaching Program. If you’d like to join me, check out yourdreamlifestartshere.com.

Here’s to planting the seeds of your dreams, nurturing them with love, and watching them grow into something extraordinary.

Thank you for listening, and remember: the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

Act on that today.

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