Did you know apparently people give up on their New Year’s Resolution around January 19th. We make it on average a little less than 2 and 1/2 weeks. Sad. All those big amazing plans sabotaged. All that sports equipment sitting unused in the corner. This is an unnecessary tragedy! We can make it farther! Much farther! Let’s not settle into mediocrity, there is not happiness there. We can in the least inch towards our potential, but don’t give up! I like your big dreams! I like my big dreams!
I think sometimes we just make our plans and goals too massive. Like let’s scale Mount Everest, when really we need to start by walking a mile a day for the first week or just around the block! Moving forward by an inch is still moving forward. It is also better than giving up! Don’t give up! Something about that goal ignited hope in you. Don’t let it fade. You can do this!
We often want to lose 10 pounds in a week with minimal effort. If your mama didn’t tell you, then let me be your mama for a minute: “That ain’t gonna happen, and if it does, that ain’t gonna stick.” Most lasting change takes effort, but it can be small and consistent and more importantly completely doable, inch by inch.
I really love the saying “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” I have seen this come to fruition in so many ways. Each of my 5 kiddos plays the piano and it started with just a few notes plunking awkwardly “Mary had a little lamb.” Now years later, inch by inch or rather 15-45 minutes practice a day have created amazing musicians. You should hear my youngest play Debussy. It is transporting. (Don’t think there wasn’t plenty of drama along the way…there is more here if you are looking to help a kiddo learn music)
Consistent small effort brings amazing results. You know this. You got this!
A couple years ago, I met with a health coach. She challenged me to do a Hiit work outs three times a week and to not eat past 7 p.m. I was already working out 5-6 days a week so to change my work out was not a big deal, but we were often eating dinner at 7 p.m. when hubby arrived home from work. None the less, I implemented those 2 small changes, and within 8 weeks was 10 lbs. healthier. Hooray! Small and consistent effort adds up! So just keep swimming.
Do you know how delicious self mastery can be? I really hope you do, but if you don’t I highly recommend it. It is amazing. It is a tricky recipe that requires diligence and consistency and is even more effective if you incorporate vision. (You know the dream inside your head kind of vision–that kindles hope) The end results are exhilarating and like nothing else. If you haven’t experienced this for awhile, I encourage you to keep with your goals. Write down your dreams and figure out what it takes to move one inch forward every day.
Reading a good motivational book, often creates just the impetus I need to make a few small changes. Although I can be sometimes overwhelmed how someone else has dramatically succeeded in what I am barely considering. I choose not to spend too much time in the nay-saying portion of my brain, because that takes my time and energy and I need it to move an inch, and another inch tomorrow and of course another inch the next day in the direction of my goals. Here’s a few books I’ve read that I found helpful:
In the end, most of us do not need a complete life make over, but all of us find joy in progress. Hooray for progress! Big joyous party banners for progress! Just picture the face of any elementary school kiddo who has successfully delivered an oral report. Such goodness. There is jubilance and satisfaction in a job well done.
So I’m just sayin: Don’t give up! What would you say to 10 year old you?
You can do it! Just make a small step towards the goal today.
It seems in the United States a lot of goals revolve around losing weight, toning up or the like, and while I am a big cheerleader for healthy living, here are some other goals to consider:
- Make someone’s day! (by compliments or a small service)
- Learn to make a new dish (try out these easy rolls!)
- Write down 3 things you are grateful for every day (more here)
- Drink more water every day (amazing health benefits!)
- Write a thank you card once a week
- Stretch your body 2 times a week (Sydney Cummings on YouTube is amazing for exercise and a good stretch)
- Plant a garden or just a planter of herbs
- Learn a new sport (we are learning Pickleball- and I LOVE it!)
- Try a new musical instrument (my neighbor learned the harp–so cool)
- Learn what requirements are needed for a promotion and start on it!
- Take a community class in photography/computer skills/dance/organization/flower design or anything!
- Organize one cupboard/drawer a week (or overhaul a closet!)
- Use your phone less/connect more with people (Read this one!)
- Get rid of 22 thing in your home that are not blessing you (Go! You got 30 minutes! Set a timer)
- Make travel plans and study the area where you will go (So fun!)
- Look for more reasons to laugh or smile (I LOVE this one)
- Learn some of the new dance moves (Check You tube for tutorials)
- Get a Masters
- Write a book
- Tell the people you love that you really love them (often!)
- Your Dream Here
You can do it! I know you can. Just keep trying. Even if today was not perfect, start again and keep moving forward.
Did you also know that the most “depressing day” has been pin pointed as January 20th. It can’t be coincidental that the most depressing day follows the day that most people give up on their plans for improvement. Hope comes from vision and vision becomes aglow with actual progress! So take that inch forward. Make it happen!
I can hardly wait to see what you will do. You are amazing!
