It’s the last day of January. Based on popular opinion, the first month of the year is notorious for its snail pace. I personally wish it went even slower — at least, while I still have this ‘student’ badge on.
According to my school’s timetable, the first month of the year is always dedicated to taking exams for the first semester. Given that I’ve never been a fan of exams myself, the mental stress associated with it, coupled with the internal pressure to start the year on the right foot with my goals can be overwhelming if not balanced properly — another thing I don’t thrive at.
Speaking of goals, over the weekend, I checked in with my goals for the year to gauge how I’ve fared one month in. Well, to be honest, I didn’t do so bad considering I had a lot on my plate this past month. And even though I’ve been avoiding “eating the big frogs” on my list (yeah, I read Brian Tracy’s book), I made some progress on the rather smaller ones.
The month was far from perfect, but definitely had some good lessons to offer. I’m just gonna highlight one that stood out for me.
Flexibility over Rigid Systems
Needless to say, unforeseen circumstances that aren’t factored in when we make plans do arise, and sometimes, it can be difficult to navigate through these challenges. I don’t consider myself spontaneous. Usually, little violent waves have a tendency to rock my boat real hard and probably cause it to capsize, but this year, I’m making a rather conscious effort to ride the waves instead.
Life indeed has a special way of dishing us things beyond our control and we can either choose to work around such situations or let them halt us. I’m learning to do the former. This requires me to constantly review my plans, weigh them up against present conditions, find new alignment patterns and act accordingly. Trust me, it’s easier said than done.
Being flexible also entails the ability to add to or subtract from the initial script as need be. We can only see as far when making plans, and many times, things play out with a huge deviation from our expectations. It is necessary to have a good level of flexibility to modify as we go.
Quite often, we come across things that influence our interests either positively or negatively. Life itself is dynamic and we should be as well. A goal might become redundant as you become exposed to new perspectives. Some others may turn out to be more important. Staying flexible is the only way to keep your goals relevant to your journey.
Knowing that your goals are editable also has a subtle way of reducing the friction related to taking necessary actions to achieve the things we have planned out. There’s a certain level of motivation that comes with knowing that you’re totally in control of your ambitions and not the other way round.
Review Often.
I mentioned in passing how I am forced to review my goals often. This serves two main purposes — one, it helps me know if I’m on track or not. Secondly, I’m able to see how my goals align with my current outlook. This is vital to staying on course. Based on your judgment per time, you’re able to refine things as you deem fit and get to work on what’s most important at the moment.
Losing Motivation?
Hey… just in case you feel like you’re losing the spark you started the year with, or you probably didn’t start on a good note. Whatever the case may be, your position is totally valid, given your circumstances. However, it’s not too late to get back on track.
We’re only 8% into 2021 — that’s less than one-tenth. There’s still a lot of time to create the year you desire. You’ve got this! We’re all cheering for you…
Have a blissful February!
👍
Thank you!:)
I learnt that challenges will come, you can either run from it or face it. I almost ran (literally), but it was too cold (winter😂😅). I am happy I stayed though.. overcoming gives me more confidence.
What were you running away from?😂
🙃🙃🙃….
😅😅
I think this post is just for me😔. Yes, I think to the best of my abilities, I started January on a good foot. I started a new business in December and I had lot of laid down plans, and expectations too for January. To cut the long story short, it didn’t even go 30% the way I had planned it. Right now, I’m just trying to forge ahead despite all the odds and results. I’m trying not to let the mindset I started with to change. “We are only 8% into 2021″ there’s still a lot of time to create the year you desire”, this is the motivation I got this morning. And I hope at the end of the year, we’ll look back and smile. Thank you for this.
Keep pushing man!💪🏾
Dust your books, modify your plans and keep moving… We’ll definitely look back and smile:)