Following on from last month’s post where I talk about self care and burnout, I wanted to share something about the times when you might feel the opposite; full of get up and go! Firstly, I have noticed a few distinct things about when I feel the most motivated and full of mental energy:
The first few days after my period (as my estrogen levels rise)
Around 2/3pm (wasted on days when I have to do the school pick up!)
If my IT is working well (I’m in the market for a new laptop)
When I am up against a deadline (note to self – put deadlines on stuff)
Are there times of the month/day that you feel the most revved up for action? Generally, I can be quite productive. We joke that my super power is “getting sh!t done” and that is a common thread in most areas of my life, but that doesn’t mean I always feel like doing it. So how has Getting My Act Together panned out this month?
I have chosen a new website template (more on that to come)
I have created a month’s worth of Social Media content (if only I could remember to actually post them on time)
I have successfully delegated some of my trickier admin to a virtual PA (who is already worth every penny!)
I have eaten better (slightly less junk) and felt less stressed due to meal planning
So, getting your act together. Easier said than done, am I right? But hey, don't worry, I'm here to give you a gentle nudge and some motivation to get started.
Let’s talk about motivation. It's like the fuel for your engine. Without it, you're not going anywhere. So, how do you find it? Well, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to that. You need to do some soul-searching and figure out what lights a fire under you. Maybe it's the thought of achieving a long-term goal, or maybe it's just the satisfaction of crossing something off your to-do list.
Once you've got your motivation sorted, it's time to start taking action. And let me tell you, taking action is the hardest part. It's so easy to get bogged down in planning and strategizing and never actually do anything. But here's a little secret: imperfect action is better than no action at all.
So, start small. Take one tiny step towards your goal today. Maybe it's finishing that course assignment you've been putting off or contacting a local birth worker. Whatever it is, just do it. And then tomorrow, do another thing. And then another. And before you know it, you'll have built up some momentum and be well on your way to achieving your goal.
Now, I know that sometimes life gets in the way and it can be hard to stay on track. But here's another little secret: progress is not linear. There will be days when you take two steps forward and one step back. That's okay! Just keep moving forward and don't beat yourself up over the setbacks.
Life is a rollercoaster ride full of ups and downs. We all face setbacks at some point in our lives, whether it's a failed exam, a breakup, or losing a job. The key to overcoming setbacks is acceptance. We need to accept that setbacks are a part of life and learn to deal with them in a positive way.
Acceptance doesn't mean giving up or being indifferent. It means acknowledging the situation and choosing to move forward. When we accept setbacks, we give ourselves the power to control our reactions and emotions. We can choose to learn from our mistakes and grow stronger or dwell on them and get stuck in a rut.
One of the biggest challenges in accepting setbacks is our ego. We often associate setbacks with failure and feel ashamed or embarrassed. But setbacks are not a reflection of our worth or abilities. They are simply roadblocks that we need to navigate around. It's important to remember that everyone faces setbacks, even the most successful people. And the doula mantra “it’s not about me” can help here. Ask yourself “how can I put this lesson to good use to support families better?”
In fact, setbacks can be a blessing in disguise. They offer us an opportunity to re-evaluate our goals, priorities, and strategies. They can help us discover hidden strengths and talents that we didn't know we had. Setbacks can also make us more resilient and empathetic towards others who are going through similar challenges.
So next time you face a setback, remember to take a deep breath, accept the situation, and focus on the positive. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who can lift you up when you're feeling down. And most importantly, don't give up on your dreams. Setbacks may slow you down, but they don't have to stop you from achieving your goals.
Basically, getting your act together is all about finding your motivation, taking imperfect action, and persevering through the setbacks. So go forth and conquer, my friend!