It has been a rough month for many of us and I think many can agree that COVID-19 has brought more negatives than positives into our lives. While the optimist of the world can find the silver lining in this all, not all of us have that gift. However, as we are (hopefully) coming to the end of this stay at home order, we can all look at this as an opportunity for a fresh start.
Personally, this confinement has allowed some time for self-reflecting about the future and how I can get from point A to point B. It’s easy to dream, but being able to visualize the pathway can ignite that spark inside of you that becomes the catalyst to your success.
I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who did not have goals or dreams. Sure, plenty of people feel like those aspirations are out of reach, but are they? Or is it that you just haven’t found the correct mindset? I can almost guarantee that you’ve spent more time making excuses as to why you aren’t capable of reaching those goals than you have spent on developing your path to get there.
I jotted down the following guidelines in my planner and thought I’d share in hopes that maybe you could find your spark:
You Are Not A Product of Your Past Decisions.
Wrong past choices do not define us but should be thought of as tools for future success. Many of us tend to dwell on mistakes and let them create doubt within us. Your life is not a standardized test. There is no pass/fail score depending on how many mistakes you make, so make mistakes, review those answers, and then repeat with a better understanding of what needs to be done.
Creating Your How-To- (Insert You Goal Here)
Lying in bed dreaming about your future and imagining the possibilities is great, but a dream alone is just a dream. When the time comes to turn a dream into reality, it’s all about focusing on the details, the small actions have to be executed consistently and with purpose. You can “How-To” anything. It’s all about taking it one step at a time.
Don’t Hate, Celebrate.
There is no step on your pathway to success that doesn’t deserve a pat on the back. Celebrate progress along the way, no matter how small. In the beginning, it’s going to require you to be a party animal of sorts, celebrating the smallest of goals. It is then that habits will form, and progress starts occurring with less extrinsic motivation. Just realize that every step, no matter how big or small, is progress towards your end goal.
Roadblocks Will Happen.
Have you ever been on the way to a destination and came across construction or a roadblock? Did you just end the trip and go home, or did you find an alternative route? Exactly, we adapt and overcome adversity in our everyday life. Why shouldn’t your goals be attacked the same way? Don’t allow the journey to end just because you run into setbacks or failures.
Has Anyone Seen My Confidence?
Yes, it is easier said than done, but self-confidence is crucial. When you believe in yourself great things can happen. Knowing and believing that you will succeed is paramount to you reaching your goal. You will most likely come across people who doubt you, but when you start seeing your worth, you’ll find it harder to stay around those people who don’t.
DNA Bro….DNA
We are all unique because of the mutations (aka mistakes) that occur in a DNA sequence. So, if we are all different, what is the point of comparing yourself to someone else? We all have a unique mission that only we are capable of accomplishing. When we start comparing ourselves to others, that is when we begin to doubt ourselves.
Next Level Type of Focus
If you are looking to expedite the journey without missing any of those essential steps, then prioritizing becomes key. Every decision you are making in your life should have this question accompanying it: “Is this current decision helping me better myself?” Why waste your time on trivial things when you’re on a mission to achieve greatness?
Enjoy the Ride
Part of the beauty of fulfilling your dreams and reaching your goals is the journey it took to get there. All those trials and tribulations are what make reaching your destination so sweet and rewarding.
I hope you all come out of this pandemic with a new sense of hope and a drive to become a better version of yourself. Much love and God bless all of you.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11-
