INSPIRATION THIS WEEK: THE RACE TO THE FINISH LINE

People must have taken one of my last posts to heart, because I see everyone slaying it at their goals! Go you! I love the momentum! 

But I also see the anxiety and negative self-talk associated with working so hard towards a goal or milestone. I hear clients and colleagues talk about the focus and determination towards their goal, but almost with a sense of hyper focus. We're so focused on the track that is up ahead and fighting to get to that finish line...and it often leads to some anticipatory stress. Or if your goal is a bit further out still, you might be saying something like "it's taking forever, I'm never gonna get there." 

There is a sense of impatience and almost disappointment. And that can lead us towards wanting to quit, which we certainly don't want! 

THEME OF THE WEEK: TURN BACK AND LOOK AT THE TRACK

Instead of getting stuck on what's ahead, I invite you to take a moment and look behind you. What have you accomplished thus far? What progress have you already made?

When we are "on the track" and having laser focus on the future, we often forget to think about what progress has already been made. It's important that we remember to give ourselves credit for what we've already accomplished. 

A favorite mantra and reminder of mine is the simple phrase, "remember when you were wishing for what you have now?" We get so preoccupied with the next thing, what's ahead of us, that we don't recognize that we have already breezed through a milestone or many that we have been wanting in the past. 

So take a look back at the track BEHIND you. What traction has been made towards your goal? What milestone have you already hit that you used to wish for? How have you or your life changed in the last week/month/year? 

These moments of gratitude can be just the momentum and encouragement we need to keep for the rest of our journey towards our goals. Sure as heck beats the militant discipline you're probably beating into yourself to get to that finish line; I can guarantee that's not working. We need to cheer-lead our way to our goals with positive reinforcement.

CHALLENGE THIS WEEK: PAUSE AND REFLECT

Great job for kicking butt and staying focused on your journey to your goals. But right now I give you permission to pause a moment. Breathe. Look behind you and take in the groundwork you've already laid down. And use that as the fire to keep you going!