We all have dreams—the book we want to write, the business we want to start, the adventure we want to take. We talk about them, daydream about them, maybe even make a vision board. But then what? For too many of us, the dream stays parked in neutral, collecting dust while we wait for the “right time” or for something magical to give us a push. Spoiler alert: The magic is you.
In the bestselling book, The Change Guidebook, we talk about what it really takes to create lasting, meaningful change. It’s not about waiting for permission or hoping the stars align—it’s about getting in the driver’s seat and actually driving. So, if you’re ready to stop dreaming and start doing, here are 10 ways to shift gears and create the life you’ve been imagining.
1. Stop Waiting for the Right Time—It’s Now
I hear this all the time: “I’ll do it when I’m ready.” Well, guess what? You’ll never feel 100% ready, and if you keep waiting, you’ll be waiting forever. The people who make things happen don’t have some magic confidence boost—they just start, ready or not. The only way to be ready is to begin.
It’s easy to convince ourselves that someday will be easier, less stressful, or more convenient. But life doesn’t hand out perfect opportunities—it hands out choices. If you want to make a change, today is just as good as any day to take action.
2. Make a “No More Excuses” List
We all have reasons why we think we can’t do something, but most of them aren’t true roadblocks—they’re just comfortable lies we tell ourselves. Write down every excuse you've ever given yourself. Then, next to each one, write a solution, an alternative, or a way to work around it.
This exercise will show you how much power you actually have over your situation. The truth is, most of our excuses are just fear dressed up in logic. When you stop entertaining them, you free yourself to take action.
3. Do One Brave Thing Today
Fear is sneaky. It whispers that we should wait, that we’re not good enough, that we need more preparation. But courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s action in spite of it. Do one thing today that scares you just a little.
It could be sending an email to someone who could help your dream, signing up for that class, or finally sharing your work. The more you push through discomfort, the easier it becomes. Before you know it, bravery will be your new normal.
4. Reverse Engineer Your Dream
We love big goals, but sometimes they feel overwhelming. The trick is to break them down into bite-sized pieces. Instead of just saying, “I want to write a book,” ask yourself: What’s the first step? What’s the second?
Make your dream a series of small, doable steps. When you break it down this way, it stops feeling impossible and starts feeling like a plan. One step at a time, you’ll get there.
5. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
I wish I could tell you that change is easy, but it’s not. It’s awkward, uncertain, and sometimes downright terrifying. But here’s the thing—every bit of growth in your life has come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Instead of resisting discomfort, learn to see it as proof that you’re moving forward. If something feels hard or scary, you’re probably on the right track. Lean in, and keep going.
6. Tell Someone Your Dream
There’s something powerful about saying your dream out loud. It makes it real. It also makes you accountable. Tell someone you trust what you want to do and ask them to hold you to it.
When we keep our dreams to ourselves, it’s easier to back out. But when someone else knows, we feel more motivated to follow through. Share it, claim it, and watch how much more committed you become.
7. Surround Yourself with Doers, Not Doubters
If you’re constantly surrounded by people who tell you why something won’t work, you’ll start to believe them. But if you spend time with people who are making things happen, their mindset will rub off on you. Find a community of action-takers.
Energy is contagious. If you want to change your life, be intentional about the company you keep. Seek out people who inspire and challenge you to be better.
8. Start Before You Feel Ready
This is the biggest secret successful people know: No one feels ready. The difference is, they start anyway. You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to begin.
Think about all the things you’ve learned by doing, not by waiting. Action builds confidence. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll grow into the person who can handle whatever comes next.
9. Rewrite the Story You Tell Yourself
We all have a voice in our heads that tells us who we are. If that voice says, “I’m not disciplined,” “I’m not good enough,” or “I’m not the kind of person who does that,” then that’s the story you’ll live out. But guess what? You can change the script.
Start telling yourself a different story—one that empowers you instead of limits you. Your words shape your reality. Choose them wisely.
10. Live as If It’s Already Happening
Want to be a writer? Write. Want to start a business? Act like an entrepreneur. Too many people wait until they "arrive" before they behave like they belong. But the fastest way to become something is to start living like it’s already true.
Your actions reinforce your identity. When you show up as the person you want to be, everything else falls into place. Stop waiting. Step into your future now.
Change isn’t something that happens to you—it’s something you create. You are in the driver’s seat. The road ahead is wide open, and the only thing left to do is press the gas. So go. You’ve got this.
The Change Guidebook is an award-winning, bestselling, powerful resource designed to help you embrace change, navigate challenges, and create the life you truly want. Written by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino, this book provides practical steps, inspiring stories, and proven strategies to help you step into your full potential. Whether you’re making a career shift, working on personal growth, or simply want to live a more fulfilling life, The Change Guidebook is your roadmap to transformation.
Get your copy today and start taking control of your journey.
About Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino
Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino is a bestselling author, speaker, and personal development coach dedicated to helping people be their best. She is the CEO of Compliance4 and Founder of of Best Ever You and the author of several life-changing books, including The Change Guidebook, The Success Guidebook, and Percolate: Let Your Best Self Filter Through, co-written with Dr. Katie Eastman. Elizabeth is known for her ability to inspire and guide people through change with humor, wisdom, and heart.
As the founder of The Best Ever You Network, she has built a global community focused on personal growth, leadership, and success. When she’s not writing, speaking, or coaching, Elizabeth can be found enjoying life in Maine or South Carolina, spending time with her family, and inspiring others to make the most of every moment.
For more insights, coaching, and resources, visit ElizabethGuarino.com
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