Over the past too many months I’ve been sharing 10 helpful wakeup thoughts I say to myself (almost) every morning to start my day. I say “too many” because I intended for this series to be done by now;I need to be more consistent with this blog. If you’re reading this, thanks for your patience.
I’m learning new routines and responsibilities after handing off a 45 year career. Now, I’m still enjoying mentoring leaders, helping organizations with their “DNA” of mission, vision and values….and trouble shooting the problems that just happen in life and work. I also get to do enough public speaking for organizations and teaching in churches to keep that saw sharpened (to borrow a Stephen Covey idea.) I also am my own administrative assistant! Yikes!
All that enjoyable work, plus being “papa” to our grandkids, and being husband and dad…and keeping up my share of our household….AND a good amount of recreation and exercise…Life is still full, and I’m still trying to manage it all, and I’ve STILL not mastered it yet. Hence…and overdue blog post!
With all that said (excuses ,excuses)I think it’s time for the next wake up thought.
NUMBER 6: I NEED TO GIVE MYSELF CREDIT FOR HOW HARD I’M TRYING. I remember hearing a thought like that on a Mel Robbins podcast and I thought, “wow, that’s good advice.”
So…take a moment and say that simple encouraging statement out loud! (go ahead…right now…”I need to give myself credit for how hard I’m trying.”) Most of us battle a little voice in our heads that is quick to criticize us, and diminish our efforts. We are easily aware of what we are NOT doing, how we are NOT measuring up, and how we are NOT getting the job done or doing it right.
I find when I say this simple reminder…and take a deep breath and just let my shoulders relax, smile for a few moments…it’s like a soul hug or reassuring pat on the back. When I DO look at how hard I’m trying, it’s actually encouraging. I realize I can’t please my inner perfectionist (or those who surround me in daily life), and I need to learn to be a work in progress (Daily thought number 5 from the previous blog) and to be CONTENT in how hard I am indeed trying! I AM trying, I AM doing a lot of things right…and of course, I’m failing and learning some…that’s how a fruitful life goes!
Have an amazing day, start it with some good words out loud!
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