dearhistory

Have you always been so put together and motivated and wise? Was there ever a moment for you where you consciously started self improving and changing from your "old ways" (not to say you even have old ways). I guess I'm asking if you've ever reached a real rock bottom and decided: from here on out I will build upward.

Yes, I can think of a time in my life when I just decided to change the way I think and consciously focused on my goals and habits. It was hard to deal with but it’s shaped everything I do now – and I love my life because it made me focus on what is important to me. Family, friends, love, community work, and gardening + growing.

A truly low point isn’t a bad thing – it’s a starting point, and the beginning of exponential growth that we are all capable of.

Some things that were crucial to me feeling more in control and motivated were:

1. Realistic Goal Setting: to know what and what you want. It doesn’t have to be something to impress other people just something that makes you feel fulfilled. For me that’s academically, and working on projects that reflect my values and making a difference in my community.

2. Discipline: This is important for any major achievement or goal, and if you think of it like a physical thing you can work on it and exercise it. This means making short term sacrifices now to stay in, work, or study, when you could get instant satisfaction if you just went out.

3. Time management: your time is the most important thing, and to use it well is something that takes effort and planning. It’s something I constantly work towards.

4. Be Assertive: knowing when to say no to things that might take more time and energy than you have.

5. Be forgiving: let yourself down easy when you face set backs and focus on the lessons and future rather than as a failure.

6. Validation: it’s silly but tracking progress in a journal or just verbally with someone you trust is a good thing to this whole process. To look back at how far you’ve come just reaffirms your hard work and helps you focus.

7. Narrow focus: Don’t get distracted by other people’s success. Celebrate that with them but know your own path is unique to you and we’ll get there.

All of this is corny maybe, said too often, or cliche, but it really is a good foundation to being more balanced. The self doubt will hit you at any level of success and you will be unsure, but as long as you are endlessly creating yourself that’s all that matters.