How to Keep Moving Forward
As I have shared, this has been a theme of my life. From being an Air Force BRAT and constantly starting over and moving on, to going to college a country away from my family, to being married to an addict, to a divorce, his death, parenting my kids through all of it alone, starting over, finding forever love again, blending families, menopause, trauma and well…just life, right?
We are all going through good…and hard…things, because that’s life. I don’t know many people that having faced big challenges and changes. And the biggest part of it is learning how to keep moving forward…in learning, healing, growing, and changing to become the strongest, kindest and best version of ourselves. We can choose to grow what we go through or we can choose to stay the same and most likely becoming bitter and hard. We can go through hard things without becoming hardened.
Photo by Alexander Grey on Pexels.com
In reading Atomic Habits and The 12 Week Year (and being obsessed with all things personal development, reading, podcasts, therapy, and wellness), the most important lesson I have learned – besides DEAL WITH YOUR STUFF – is making small changes that create sustainable habits over a long period of time to see real change and results. Here’s how to break it down through small changes, create habits, review, audit, adjust in short increments over a long period of time to keep moving forward.
Self-Reflection:
Regularly reflect on your life, goals, and values. This self-awareness will guide your choices and actions.
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement is crucial for building momentum.
Identify Areas for Improvement:
Pinpoint specific areas of your life where you want to see change or improvement.
Prioritize these areas based on their importance to your overall well-being and goals.
Set Small, Specific Goals:
Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable tasks. This makes them less overwhelming and more manageable.
Define your goals in specific and measurable terms. This clarity helps in tracking progress.
Establish Habits Gradually:
Introduce one or two new habits at a time to avoid overwhelm.
Start with simple, repeatable actions. Consistency is key to forming lasting habits.
Utilize Atomic Habits:
Align new habits with your existing routine to make them easier to adopt.
Focus on the identity associated with the habit. Consider who you want to become, and let your habits reflect that identity.
Track and Review:
Keep a journal or use apps to track your progress. Regularly review your successes and challenges.
Identify patterns and learn from setbacks. Adjust your approach accordingly.
Implement Short-Term Goals (12-Week Year):
Embrace the concept of a shorter time frame for goal-setting. This helps maintain focus and urgency.
Break the year into 12-week cycles with specific objectives and deadlines.
Regular Audits:
Conduct periodic audits of your life, habits, and goals. Are they still aligned with your values and aspirations?
Be willing to let go of habits or goals that no longer serve you.
Adapt and Adjust:
Life is dynamic, and flexibility is crucial. Adapt your plans as needed.
Learn from experiences and adjust your strategies. What worked in one season of life may need tweaking in another.
Prioritize Mental and Emotional Well-being:
Regularly engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Consider practices like mindfulness, meditation, or therapy to support your mental and emotional health.
Connect with a Support System:
Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or a community that shares your values.
Share your journey with others and seek encouragement when needed.
Never Stop Learning:
Continue your pursuit of personal development through reading, podcasts, and other resources.
Stay open to new ideas and be willing to evolve.
Remember, the journey of personal growth is ongoing, and each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to your overall progress. Embrace the process, and you’ll continue to become the strongest, kindest, and best version of yourself.
My Moving Forward Podcast (launching in March!) will dive deep into all things real life, real stories, and real community as we share and connect…and keep moving forward together.
