Are You Making Progress?

 

The above CC0 image comes courtesy of Pixabay.com

 

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

 

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Theme word:

• PROGRESS: definition from Oxford English Mini dictionary

Forward or onward movement; development

 

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This month, I’d like to encourage you to keep going with your goals, (or start afresh if necessary), during the next 6 months.

If you are a regular reader of my posts, you will be aware of my Happiness Challenge (see my recent post).

 

Happiness is a direction, not a place!

Sydney J. Harrison

 

In which direction are you moving? Are you going forward, or slipping backwards?

How can you make December 31^st this year, a time of satisfaction and celebration, and not an occasion for despair or regret?

Let’s have a look at two areas, which may help.

 

Goal setting:

I am sure you are all familiar with the concept of setting goals. But how many of you review your goals? Do you have your goals written down and placed somewhere prominent, so you can see them, or placed where you are able to access them easily?

In the past, one of my biggest errors was writing out my goals but then never consulting that list again until the end of the year. At that time it was too late. I discovered that I’d completely forgotten most of what I wanted to do. It’s no wonder I hardly ever achieved those goals!

It’s necessary to remind yourself of what you are aiming for, so it makes sense to keep your list of goals somewhere handy and review them regularly. Now don’t feel that once you’ve written down a goal, you are cornered, or somehow tied to it. I used to think that way and this made me reluctant to even write down my goals. Now I realise how foolish that thinking was. Anyone out there who can relate?

The thing is, we are entitled to change our minds. Perhaps a goal you decided you wanted to pursue earlier this year, simply doesn’t grab you anymore. If that’s the case ditch it!

No point in pursuing something that no longer excites you. Find a new goal.

Set a goal because of who you are, or who you would like to become, not because someone else is doing it, or because someone you admire is pursuing it or has achieved it, or even because experts suggest you should do it. It’s good to seek inspiration but let it inspire you to be a better version of yourself, not change you into someone you are not.

Also, may I make a suggestion?

Concentrate on pursuing one goal at a time.

Sometimes we place pressure upon ourselves by having an unrealistic list that we cannot possibly accomplish in the time given. Look over your list and pick one goal. It could be one that absolutely has to be achieved by a certain date. For example, do you want to lose weight in order to look good in your wedding dress or that summer outfit? You will already have a certain deadline to work towards, and hopefully you will have the requisite motivation.

I came across the following quote during my devotional time today, which I hope will be a source of relief to some of you. It is attributed to the Earl of Chesterfield:

 

Attend to one thing at a time. The steady, undissipated attention to one object is the sure mark of a superior genius.

 

Over the next six months, depending upon how big or how urgent your goal is, you may only have time to pursue one item on your list anyway. You can break that goal down into manageable chunks, such as reading 2 motivational books per month, or decluttering your home within the next 3-4 weeks.

Choose a goal that is attainable, yet also challenging, so that you feel a sense of satisfaction when accomplished.

It may not seem like much now but if you are successful, at least by the end of this year you can feel good about what you’ve achieved and you will feel more confident about pursuing your aspirations the following year.

 

Time management:

In reality there is no such thing as time management.

After all, if we could truly manage time, I am sure many of us would turn the clock back at our whim. Nope! Let’s face it, we have no control over time. It winds its own sweet way forwards, regardless of our protests, regardless of how we feel.

Now, because the concept is an established part of our every-day vocabulary and a phrase most people are familiar with, I’ll continue to use it.

Time management is really about self-management. Everyone is given 24 hours each day, so how are you spending yours?

Perhaps you are struggling with managing your time. You have responsibilities. You may even have a full-time job, or a time-consuming business. Once you get home or your working-day has finished, you just want to unwind, so you end up sitting in front of the TV to relax and before you know it, its bedtime!

Sound familiar?

Have you ever assessed how much of your spare time is being spent watching the TV?  This is time you can never get back!

Now let me drop a thought seed into your mind.

If you are spending inordinate periods of time watching TV, do you know that you are spending this valuable time watching others fulfil their goals and dreams, whilst yours languishes upon the well-trodden path of good intentions?

Actors, contestants, journalists and screenwriters are all either busy living their dreams in front of your eyes, or have already fulfilled their ambitions. Now, although it may be entertaining to watch them, it means whilst you are doing so, your own dreams are lying comatose upon the paper they’ve been written on.

Perhaps today is the time to wake up and make a change. Become a purpose-driven achiever!

Happy Monday!

Love,

Carol (aka Lady Cee)

A Purpose-driven Achiever

 

 

Are you looking for a resource that will help and encourage you to develop a consistent and confident prayer life? If so, don’t hesitate to check out the links below.

 

 

AMAZON UK https://amzn.to/3ciUt1q

AMAZON US https://amzn.to/3bj6gM1

 

Did you find this post helpful? If so, please share your thoughts in a comment box below. Do you know someone who would benefit from its message? Then please don’t hesitate to share it. Thank you.

 

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