Here’s something I struggle with. I don’t think I’m alone.
I make really great, detailed, awe inspiring plans for the future and am able to picture exactly what I want my life to look like. Down to the time I should wake up, all the things I want to accomplish each day of the week, even how I look (incredibly fabulous) while accomplishing all of those things.
Then my alarm goes off for my before dawn exercise. Ugh. Everything HURTS. I immediately push snooze. An hour later, I have convinced myself that my toddler is getting up soon and I would be much better off getting my beauty sleep than trying to fit that grueling workout. I’ll start next week instead.
Recently my family has moved toward the goal of a plant based lifestyle. After watching a documentary that changed my perspective completely I decided we had to change. Yes we miss Chick-fil-A. Cutting out things like seafood, eggs and yogurt eventually in the future seems impossible. In my fervor for doing what I believe is right, I research recipes, meal plan and make grocery lists. I follow Vegan blogs and inspiring peeps on Insta.
But when 5:30 PM rolls around Cameron is getting hangry and impatient. Toddlers do not appreciate the intentionality of whole food eating or how long it takes to plan and execute. Then there are three more hungry guys coming in hot after football. Guys that LOVE all the nostalgic comfort foods I grew up with. This is when I have a really hard time psyching myself up to change our lifestyle so radically – even when I have a list of recipes and the ingredients in the fridge.
In my business I have a wildly optimistic view of my future team and our widespread impact to other people’s health and lifestyle. I get super psyched knowing what a difference I can make for them, especially other moms in my stage of life. I set goals and daydream how my future income can help our family get debt free in 5 years.
Then I get three “no”s in a row and a family member or friend makes a quip about what I do – boiling it down to something shady and based on “fluff”. Ouch. Picking myself up and moving forward after that day or week or month isn’t a cakewalk. Continuing the next conversation with positivity and passion for what I do isn’t always easy.
Yes this is my daily struggle.
But I have learned a few things being knocked down in the past few years. I have had enough personal failures and scary, uncontrollable events happen and have passed through to the other side wiser. I have listened to enough John Maxwell and Brene´ Brown to have a few tricks up my sleeve when fear, doubt and negativity tries seeping through.
Action – creates opportunity. When I stumble or have a door closed in my face I have to remember this. Don’t EVER stop moving forward. Maybe the door I went through didn’t get me the success I expected to achieve, but it could have opened up other another opportunity I need to walk into. If I decide to say yes to my alarm clock going off, the unfamiliar recipe, or to the risk I could hear another “no”, I have given myself the chance for a win. I could have created an opportunity for a dream I didn’t even plan for.
Attitude – is everything. Go into your next action smiling! Go after it with a can-do, excited attitude. It’s contagious! People are drawn to positivity and confidence. And because I’ve been there, I know if I convince myself that the goal I’m going for won’t work, I’ve given up before I even start. Don’t let you stop you before you even try.
Consistency – is key. So what if you didn’t get where you wanted by your deadline. Commit to what you believe in and keep showing up! Change will not occur overnight. There will be forward and backward steps. Persistence is what transforms the your plans into reality.
Be Honest: What are the things that make your heart beat faster? What are those lofty dreams you hardly dare to believe are possible? Forget the naysayers. Stop talking yourself out of it before you even begin.
Be Kind: Maybe the picture in your mind isn’t the perfect plan God has for you. Maybe you’re supposed to be somewhere else in the next 5 years. Unless you move forward on the path, with passion, your future can’t start. What are you waiting for?
Great article Courtney! I think you verbalize what we ALL go through. You have a lot going on with 3 boys and a husband. Don’t be too hard on yourself or demand too much out of yourself. You’re beautiful, smart, sweet, and a great mom and wife! Remember that!!