Do you remember? The twenty-first day of September is the autumnal equinox.

Tomorrow, September 22, is the first official day of Fall.

It is the season of harvest, and it’s no coincidence that this is the last week of prep season.

This preparation season was meant to help us transition well into a new season of life, and also reap a harvest of results.

Physically, the prep has been a success.

  • I have lost nine pounds with one last weigh-in this week.
  • I’ve started getting up at 4:30 AM
  • I have worked harder in the gym than I have in many years
  • My nutrition is much better than it has been in years, with more protein, less snacking, and just a healthier mindset around food.

Mentally, the prep has been an even bigger success

  • I finished a creative writing course through the UC Berkeley Extension
  • I’ve found fitness role models online that have inspired me to push myself harder.
  • I’ve devised a plan to improve my financial health, so I have options to move ahead
  • I can see the light
  • Situations that I am ready to move on from are organically phasing out
  • I’ve built my capacity to believe for more and to do more.

September

Here we are on the twenty-first day of September (I am also supposed to see Earth, Wind, and Fire this coming Saturday), and I know the transition and major changes have already begun.

I just haven’t seen them yet, but there was a reason: even as far back as February and March, I heard whispers about September and started getting ready for something.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the change process this past week. Most of us are desperate for change, but we are not desperate to make changes.  We resist leaving comfort, convenience, old ideas, and habits, but the truth is that everything is changing because everything will eventually change.

Transition means that I can’t wait

I’ve long held the attitude that I’ll make changes and upgrades when my circumstances change, but one insight from this prep season is that I have to make the necessary changes and upgrades BEFORE my circumstances change.

Transition is not just about getting to the next place; it’s also about how you get there.  A good transition looks ahead and makes the adjustments needed to strengthen the foundation for the next phase and prepare for the changes that must happen.

That’s also what faith is about. It’s the confident assurance that what we want will happen, even though we cannot see it yet.  If we truly believe what we want will happen, then we will prepare accordingly.

I always liked the story about the farmers who called a prayer meeting during a drought. One farmer showed up in his waders because he believed God would answer their prayer, and he had to go home in his wading boots because it was raining!

I believe certain threads and situations are yet to be revealed, so I’m not waiting! I’ve put on my waders to prepare, then say, “I’m ready for the rain!”

Prep Season has come to an end, and now we step into the Fall Acceleration. It is the harvest season we’ve been preparing for, where I’m believing for major changes and events to unfold.

Wrap Up: Lock in and Step on the gas

I finished my prep season with a 5AM cardio session at the gym to push myself and prove that I am not playing around.

I am hearing the whispers, and they’re saying, “Lock in and Step on the Gas.”

It’s time to let go of dead weight and anything that no longer serves a purpose. The time for change is now.

After the prep season came to an end on Saturday, my first thought was: “You can’t let up. You’re going to have to go even harder. Lock in and Step on the gas.”

Risk and Disappointment

I have thought about how one may put their heart into an endeavor and lock in, but still come up short.

Locking in does not guarantee success, especially when the stakes are high. When you lock in, you risk major disappointment if you don’t achieve your goal.

BUT

What’s worse: the person who never invests deeply in anything—never locks in, never goes after anything high-stakes, never puts their heart into their projects—because they’re afraid of being disappointed?

OR

The person who sets a high-stakes goal, locks in, gives it everything they’ve got, and still comes up short?

I think the first person has it worse because you will always be wondering, What if? Or thinking of what you should have done. Life will also become very stagnant and boring.  I should know. I’ve been the first person for the last few years.

After completing the prep season, I realize that I’m ready to lock in, step on the gas, and put my heart into something. I’ve been on autopilot and going through the motions for too long, and I’m ready to take some risks, even if it means disappointment.

Speaking of disappointment, the Earth, Wind, and Fire and Lionel Richie concert was canceled again because Lionel Richie had to have a medical procedure after falling ill at concerts over the summer.

What’s next?

Fall Acceleration!!

I’ve come to the conclusion that there are some major changes that have to happen fourth quarter because the path is becoming clearer.

Overall, I am proud of myself for completing this Prep Season. For months I have said that September was going to be significant, and it has been. There have not been cannonball events in the physical, but I can already tell there has been a shift in my identity and mindset, which is where real transformation happens.

Lock in and Step on the gas!