Whatever you are working on in life whether it is personal growth, fitness, health, relationships, academic endeavors or career aspirations there comes a time when you feel like giving up. You get tired and discouraged. You can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. It can feel hopeless and it would be easier to quit. But you know you would regret it! So how do you keep going? Here are some insights I have gathered from personal experience as well as watching my clients persevere and reach their potential:
Vision. You must see it. Visualize yourself where you want to be.
Purpose. A goal backed by purpose is powerful. How do you know your purpose? Look within. What motivates you to take action? Identifty your gifts, talents, abilities audience, platform and influence. Explore how you can make a difference with what you have to share and serve others. Knowing "it is not about you" can help inspire you.
Goal. Map out a desired outcome and then break it up into small doable goals with a reasonable timeline. Write it down, date it and check for progress.
Desire. To put it simply, "you gotta have that want to!" And, oftentimes, being "sick and tired" of feeling "sick and tired" is a great place to start.
Belief. You must believe in yourself, even when no one else does. You need to dig deep and believe that you are worthy of achieving your goals and desires.
Discipline. Successful people do a lot of things they do not want to do, over and over again. Motivation fizzles. Do it no matter how you feel.
Accountability. Some people are self starters and have internal drive to push themselves. Others need an accountability partner, an encourager, cheerleader or often someone to administer some tough love. This is where a coach and mentor come in.
Tools. What is in your toolbox? You have to set yourself up for success by having resources handy. Prayer, meditation and mindfulness techniques. Examples of this might be hiring a personal trainer. Or when you start your new school semester, get a tutor or form a study group. There are support groups and meet ups with like minded people.
Winners. Study successful people, read their stories, take notes and do what they do.
Mistakes. Take a risk. Be willing to fail and more importantly, learn from it.
Sacred Circle. Be selective and choose SAFE people to share your life with; people who want to see you win and cheer you on! You need intelligent people that have MORE experience and also willing to tell you the truth when you need it.
Mindset. If you are going to succeed you must control your thought life. What your mind feeds on, grows. Feed it faith, hope, belief, positivity, art, music, creativity, inspirational stories and testimonies.
Show up. If all else fails, remember this pithy phrase, "Suit up and show up!" Show up when you least want to. You will be disappointed if you quit and but always be grateful for never giving up on yourself!
This list is not exhaustive and everyone's definition of success is different. The path to where you want to go and how you get there is individual. What are your thoughts? What tool did you use to help to keep going?