A new year has come and that means we all sit down and write out new goals. These goals are so amazing and we know we can accomplish them so we set off to do just that...and then here we are a few weeks later and those new shiny goals are the thing of the past.
For years New Years has always meant, "new year, new goal" and I, like many, have written my share of applaudable goals: lose weight, be financially responsible, finish those projects I didn't the last year, spend more time with my husband and kids, or advance in my career. I set my timeline and take off running, literally. The problem isn't that the goals are unrealistic, the problem is that I expect myself to be perfect NOW and when I mess up my all or nothing thought is "why try." Or maybe the thought is "I knew I couldn't do it." We get discouraged and go back to the comfortable. Sometimes we think, "I'll try next year."
In my journey of self-discovery, I have learned that when I expect myself to be perfect, I will fail. Interesting that we will give others that benefit of grace but never ourselves. If instead I can look at things as, "progress, not perfection," I can keep moving forward.
So what does this look like.
It is being intentional with your goals, and kind to yourself.
Set a goal. Then ask yourself: why is this important to me?
When you know WHY you want to accomplish something, then you are more likely to move forward with progress.
When you fail. Be gentle. Don't tell yourself, "You are a loser!" Instead say "we will keep trying."
Be your biggest champion. And move forward with progress not perfection.
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Julie