Cultivating Discipline
The sun is shinning, the birds are singing, the days are longer, but yet I have felt a bit funky lately. Last time we talked about how your life is shaped by your everyday actions and choices. We left off with the question how do you want to show up for yourself and for those around you? I am showing up for myself differently than I have in the past.
Let’s talk about reaching your goals? While motivation may ignite your path, it is discipline that sustains it. There will be days when motivation wanes, but push through anyway. Keep your commitments to yourself. Your goals are the bridge connecting the life you currently live to the life you aspire to achieve. Begin each day with a moment of gratitude; this habit keeps your heart open and your mind clear. Surround yourself with inspiring individuals, and above all, have faith in yourself. Know what you want to do and commit to doing it, even when you don’t want to. I am practicing this right now.
Recently, I have had some reoccurring thoughts that are not serving me. The old me ruminated on thoughts that did not serve me. Today, I am trying something new. When I get sucked into these heavy, unmotivating or critical thoughts, I am trying to pull something from my joy list to move away from the disheartening thoughts. For me, it is Freedom,” by George Michael and a quick dance! Do I always want to do this? NO! But I am committed to tomorrow’s me. Also, I want to rewire neuropathways of these repetitive thoughts so that moving forward, it will be easier to grab the positive thoughts. This is not easy work, and I don’t always want to do what I ought to do. If you ever feel like this, this is not the time to doubt your greatness or to minimize your ambitions. Show up for yourself. Catch the negative thoughts, and keep your commitment to choosing again. You deserve everything you seek to accomplish. Do you believe in your own worth? Don’t let the negative self talk spiral you down the drain. Have you committed to your future self? How are you moving toward that person you aspire to be? In what ways are you keeping your commitments and holding yourself accountable?
Focusing on your existing blessings creates room for more blessings. We have talked about gratitude many times. Gratitude acts as a magnet for abundance. Each day, take a moment to acknowledge the small joys—like the warmth of the sun or a kind gesture. This practice shifts your mindset and elevates your energy, attracting more positivity into your life. I practiced this today when the negativity tried to creep in.
Avoid comparing yourself to others, as this only diminishes your own achievements. Instead of celebrating your unique journey. Honor and celebrate how you show up for yourself, give yourself grace when you fall short, and watch your thoughts. You may find yourself fixating on perceived shortcomings, like I realized I had been doing. Just because you fell short today, don’t give up on the goal or resort to old thought patterns or habits that deter you from your desires. True fulfillment comes from acknowledging your growth and valuing the lessons that have shaped your path. Remember to pause and check in with where you were at some point in the past (6 mo. to a year is a great glance), and where you are now! By doing so, we can see that sometimes lessons are learned when we don’t show up for ourselves, or when we fall short of our goals. When that happens, how do you speak to yourself? What do you say? Would you speak to your best friend or child that way? My inner critic was HARSH, and I no longer want that voice in my head, so I am working to dismantle it. It is not always easy, but IT IS WORTH IT!!! Your narrative is one-of-a-kind. Choose your thoughts wisely!
As you move through this season of transformation, practice saying no to what does not align with your values. Each time you decline an unnecessary commitment, you affirm your priorities and create space for clarity, focus, and purpose. In a noisy world, silence is a precious gift. Take time to filter out distractions and reconnect with your inner voice, the loving one which holds the wisdom and guidance you need.
Growth is not about sudden breakthroughs; it’s about taking consistent steps each day. Recognize that progress may be gradual, and every minor action contributes to building something magnificent. The spring is a challenging time for teachers (and anyone who has school aged kids at home). In years past, I would have been in survival mode trying to get thought the rest of the school year. That is not a fun way to spend 2 months! I refuse to live that way any longer.
Today I choose to stay focused on my goals and what makes me feel good. Celebrate your daily efforts, whether it's writing a paragraph for your dream project, sitting in a chair in the sun or choosing a healthier meal. Consistency, rather than perfection, is what truly matters. By taking the time to do the things I love, I have less stress and more enjoyment during what traditionally has been a challenging time of the year.
Build this discipline! Discipline will guide you through challenges, helping you maintain focus when motivation fades. It’s not just about willpower; it's about committing to your goals regardless of how you feel. So even thought I have been funky lately, I have kept my physical, spiritual and intellectual commitments to myself. Each small advancement is a testament to your commitment to yourself and your aspirations. And when you do this, you rebound from the funk faster and you continue the upward spiral toward your best life.
Finally, it is crucial to redefine success. It should not revolve around external validation but rather align your life with your values and passions. Success should embody balance and fulfillment, not solely achievements. Embrace the journey, recognizing that every moment contributes to your future life.
As you move thought this spring season, remember that your journey is a rich tapestry of experiences that shape who you are. Each decision you make and every lesson you learn adds to the story you will share and the results you will attain. So move forward with intention and embrace the process, for this year is truly your time of transformation.
