Are you someone who gets caught up in your busy day-to-day life, only to be left wondering how you're ever going to achieve the many things on your "when I have time" dreamers' list? I used to be, and well, probably always will be. I'm one of those people who have goals, achieves goals, make new goals, and while achieving those, I'm already making a list of new goals.
Perhaps you're the person who goes with the flow and doesn't speak their truth for fear of rocking the boat, being shamed for your beliefs, or for who you truly are? I've struggled with this one for the majority of my life. I'm sure we all do to some extent - unless you're already a badass who doesn't care what anyone thinks. And if you are, kudos to you!
Maybe, you're that person who has goals and has great intentions of achieving those goals. The only problem is, you just can't get out of your own way to jump over that first hurdle towards achieving them. It might feel like you're always walking into an invisible wall! On the other side of that wall is this incredible feeling of freedom and bliss. The kind of freedom and bliss that allows you to take that sigh of relief, let your hair down, be the you you've so desired to be, unapologetically, of course. Sounds nice, doesn't it? Back to reality!
I've spent my life needing answers to virtually everything. The obvious thing to do is sign up for every class, certification, or program I can, on top of working, starting a business, and competing in pageants (Whaaat? Those still exist? Obviously!), and even now while being a mom. For the tasks that don't require my undivided attention, I download books, podcasts, etc. So while I'm driving, cleaning, exercising, DIY-ing, hunting, or just being glammorous(See what I did there? wink, wink!), I listen. My brain needs answers... for everything! Audible is one of my must-haves!
I've been told by so many all of my life that you can only do one thing at a time and do it well. Well, I'm also one of those people that if you set limitations on what I can do, I will most certainly challenge you and prove you wrong. It's just in my blood. God designed me that way. But now you see why I have so much on my "to-do" list... it's not only full of my "to-dos," but it's also full of the "prove you wrongs." Haha!
Like you, I've also gone through phases in my life where I've shut my mouth to save face, not rock the boat, or what have you. I've gone through phases where I've run into that damn invisible wall so many times!!! I have never given up until I get the results that resonate deep in my soul, though. If I decide to move on rather than give up, it's funny how things just work out!
Speaking of never giving up, deciding to move on, and things just working out, my winning Miss Vermont USA is the perfect example, which is why I chose that specific cover photo for this post. I competed for Miss Vermont USA a total of 7 times over a decade before winning. I'll give you the nutshell version for this example but will dish details in future posts:
I didn't want to compete
Once I did, I was hooked for many reasons
I made it so close to winning with several top 5 placements
I finally chose to move on to invest my time in business endeavors
I was unknowingly nominated for an online pageant and won everything I needed to compete again
I competed one last time and won Miss Vermont USA
I opened my business the very next day
I'm sure you've heard the saying, "If it's meant to be, it'll be." There's a reason these adages don't go away. It'll happen if that's God's plan for you, even if you choose to throw in the towel or change courses. So there is never a reason to think someone else took your opportunity, or you missed the train. There will always be another train.
The only explanation I have for the amount of motivation I possess is God. I suppose my parents are partly responsible for shaping and molding me into the outstanding and sarcastic human I am today. My early childhood is undoubtedly an interesting story for another time that I'd love to half-share. I think it's essential that everyone understand, your background and circumstances don't define your future or who you are. I can't stress enough the importance of focusing on the goals of who you want to be, what you want to achieve, and how you will get there, rather than wallowing in self-pity and victimhood. It's certainly not easy, but most all things in life that hold value don't come without a little blood, sweat, and tears. If I had a dollar for every time I got frustrated, lacked support from others, felt inferior, or cried out of frustration, I'd be a millionaire. That never stopped me from furthering my pursuits, nor will it ever.
You will forget the negative and leave behind the things that make you a victim when you choose to focus on your target. We all have a past that we've perceived one way or another. It's your job to change that perception from negative to positive. For your own health and well-being, I might add.
So what new perception will you choose to help you reach your goals?
What's your ammo?
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Photo Credit: Edwin Shaw Photography