“You’ll never do it!”

“Here you go again, trying to lose that weight.”

“What a loser!”

“Why can’t you be more disciplined like __________?”

 

These are just a few of the negative things we speak over ourselves.  Would you ever say these words to a friend?  To your children?  Even to your enemy?

Then why do we speak so harshly to ourselves?

Many times, while on the road to accomplishing a goal, we get in our own way.  Perhaps you and I could accomplish our goals if we got out of the way?

Here are 10 simple ways to help you get our of your own way while attempting to achieve your goal:

Stop the negative talk

Negativity breeds more negativity.  Our brains will become hoarders of hurtful words.  Those shelves in our brains become full of negative words we have spoken over ourselves in our lifetime.  Is it time to dust off the shelves in your mind, throw away all the garbage you are feeding yourself, and start a new chapter of positive, life-giving words?

Take baby steps

The needs for speed is contagious.  We want to get there, and we want to get there fast.  The struggle is avoided, and any quick-fix to get us to our goal is sought after.  In doing so, we get frustrated and burnt out.  It’s unrealistic to think we can get to our goals by taking the easy road.  Most of the time goals are achieved by tiny baby steps in a day, plus another day after that, and after that.  Have patience and endurance. . . you’ve got this!

Visualize yourself crossing the finish line

Can you picture yourself crossing the finish line?  Perhaps your goal is a degree.  Visualize the ribbon saying Nursing Degree or Business Executive.  Now run through that ribbon and celebrate!  You can and you will do this if you keep at it!

Enjoy the journey

Many times we forget to enjoy the journey!  We so badly want to achieve our goal, that we forget to stop and enjoy the view.  Perhaps you would miss that beautiful sunset, awesome field of daises, or that long awaited breath of fresh air if you are rushing the journey.  Don’t.

Remove comparison

There will always be someone prettier, someone fitter, someone more organized, and someone more suited for the job.  Then there is YOU!  You were made for excellence.  No one in this whole entire world can do the things God has planned for you.  It sounds cliche, but – JUST DO YOU!  Don’t worry about the others in the stands, you are the only one on your playing field!

Find contentment

Gratitude + Humility = Contentment!

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis

Stop wishing for more, and realize all that you already have.  Celebrate the people and the things in your life that could never be replaced.  Remember to cherish the fleeting snapshots of your day.

Know and solidify your purpose

Many times we have a goal, but don’t know why!  If we don’t know our why, we will be driven by any breeze that pushes us a little.  Know and solidify your purpose behind your goal.  If you need to write it out and post it somewhere, do it!  Once we have this nailed down, we can plant our feet firmly and not even a hurricane force breeze can cause us to falter!

Grasp the big picture

Understand the big picture.  What’s prepared you for striving for your goal today?  Where are you at today?  Where do you want to go?  Why do you want to go there?  Your past, your present, and your future are the big picture.  Ask God to give you the vision for seeing it full circle.

Develop your cheer squad

Do you have people in your life that are causing you to stumble?  Perhaps they even have a cheer leading uniform on, but they are doing anything but cheering for you!  You might need to just cut them from your cheer squad.  This isn’t saying you necessarily have to cut them from your life, but pick your core cheer squad carefully!  Do you all share the same vision and purpose?  Do they have your best interest at heart?  Do they want to see you succeed and not fail?  Perhaps you need to make some cuts, or start recruiting?

Make the gospel your focus

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. – Colossians 3:23

As a Christian, the gospel is everything!  What we do for the kingdom of heaven, is our soul purpose (or it should be).  What, (if any) does your goal have to do with the gospel?  Will accomplishing your goal bring others to God’s kingdom?  Will accomplishing your goal bring Christ honor and praise?  If your answer is YES to all of these questions, what are you waiting for?