As I’ve been thinking of making changes in my own life, I’ve observed two tendencies in myself. First, when I achieve small goals I often minimize them and don’t feel much accomplishment. Second, when I don’t accomplish bigger goals I criticize myself and use the situation as proof that I can’t manifest change in my life. It’s a lose-lose!!
Realizing these thought patterns don’t serve me, I began to explore practical ways to motivate myself and get the changes I wanted. While researching one of my long time desires of hiking part of the Appalachian Trail, I noticed how different parts of the trail were marked with different difficulty levels… easy, moderate, advanced. Hmm!
Pulling out a pen and my journal, I began to list things I wanted to accomplish- my intentions for this year. After making the list, I scanned it and meditated on the difficulty level of each one. Amazingly and thankfully, several of the intentions were relatively easy. To me, the easy level would be something where I was more in control and could get quick results. Exercising, dancing, taking my supplements were all easy really.
Teaching classes on essential oils, traveling more, decreasing debt and increasing savings were moderate difficulty. For me this meant they wouldn’t require a long-term sustained effort, but they would not be something I could completely achieve this week or month. The moderate difficulty goals would take more focused attention and more effort.
Lastly were the advanced or more challenging tasks- as seen through my eyes. Getting a newer car, improving my work situation, writing a book would take the most consistent intention and effort. I would have to stay very focused and have continued deliberate changes in my actions to bring about these changes.
There have been times in life when I’ve felt I could accomplish anything, but for the past few years I’ve been in a wimpier mode. In my own mind, I’ve felt limited, confused, jealous, downtrodden… blah blah. But as I explore the idea that I am responsible for my own life changes, and I start making the easiest changes regularly, my attitude and strength have improved. As I hike through life, it seems there are easier patches and steeper, more challenging parts of the journey. Every day in every way, I’m getting stronger and going the places I want to go! Maybe I’ll meet you there!!
Speaking of the Appalachian trail, have you read, or better yet, listened to Bill Bryson’s book about his experience walking the trail? It is hilarious! Bill narrated his book. In my opinion, it is the best way to “read” it. Love this blog entry & can relate to it!
Thanks Debbie! I read it a long time ago and maybe it would be good to read again!!