Have you noticed that when you make a commitment to start something new, all kinds of circumstances show up to derail you? For instance, you start a new diet and then get invited to a must-show-up family dinner or you create a new budget and are told shortly after that you need new snow tires.
I’ve noticed this trend every time I start a new initiative in my life. My circumstances show up as reasonable excuses for not completing my goals. For example, some of the circumstances are practical such as lack of time or resources; others are more insidious and work subconsciously to sabotage.
The most relevant example I have in my own life is my commitment to writing and posting my blogs regularly. I sit down to write and all of my insecurities about not being good enough, not having adequate English skills and not having a worthwhile message to share show up to wreak havoc on my self-esteem (and occasionally my deadlines!)
Since my commitment is to help women achieve their goals is stronger then my roadblocks, I’ve created the following 5 strategies to stay out of the Sabotage Pit and stay grounded in my commitment.They are:
1. Take one bold action every day.
Yep, this keeps the fear alive but it also reminds me that I’m ALIVE and I am in control of my actions. Doing this at least once a day maintains my momentum in overcoming roadblocks.
2. Keep a journal and list at least 3 accomplishments a day.
After a few “no”s, I tend to forget my commitment. Having a journal to reflect on my accomplishments reaffirms me and the work that I do. It also has me be grateful for all that I have accomplished. It creates a state of openness for what is next. Curiosity and gratitude become my lens for viewing the world. Try it yourself and see what opens up for you!
3. Get an Accountability Partner.
I start every day with a 7:00 a.m. call with my accountability partner. We create our day by outlining 3 things we are going to accomplish that day, and report on our progress from the previous day’s accomplishments. This call sets me up as I know my partner has my back if I get stuck. Find someone you can trust to partner with, someone who will hold you accountable and is up to achieving big goals like you.
4. Hire a Coach.
If you want to improve your performance then hire a coach. I’ve worked with some fantastic coaches who have helped me accomplish my goals. When looking for a coach, make sure you have good rapport and have high trust in them; after all you will be having some intimate conversations with this person. Make sure you can count on them to give you straight feedback in a open non critical manner.
5. Meditate for 15 minutes.
I noticed that when I spend 15 minutes meditating, I am more flexible with the speed bumps that occur every day. I am calmer over what I need to do the next day rather than being deeply anxious. If you are not in the habit of meditating, start with 5 minutes and continue sitting as long as you can manage.
These strategies keep me grounded and keep me from becoming sidetracked by the roadblocks that inevitably show up to get in my way. What strategies have you found useful to keep you on track for your goals? I would love to hear about them in the comments below!