As you slide into last quarter of the year… do you ever feel like you are sliding backwards?
Not in a fun, adventurous going down a slide backwards kind of way, more in the ‘I had made progress only to find’…
- An unexpected work project dumped in my lap, now limiting my time to focus on everything else…
- Weight previously lost has somehow reappeared?
- Boundaries created with family members or coworkers somehow obliterated? [One of my favorite client’s lines: I worked so hard and built a fence and it feels like they just plowed through it.]
Just know– you aren’t alone. I’ll be very honest, between the start of the school year, working on some new coaching projects, two unexpected school closures for hurricanes, a trip out west for our anniversary, I’ve felt some back-slide lately…
So, this post is dedicated to picking yourself up when you’ve slid backwards. Like we talked about last week with the influence of stress on performance, we can slide anywhere from bored to overwhelmed… It’s all about managing our stress, our stressors, and finding our optimal zone. If we wanted to dig deeper on the why and what happened, we certainly could…but sometimes, it’s enough to pause and recognize where you are and where you want to go.
To keep going with the playground analogy, if you feel like me lately, it’s as if you were flung off a fast merry-go-round. Now it’s time to pause and stabilize yourself so you aren’t still spinning before you stand up, dust off, and decide what’s next.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking: do you want to hop back on or move on to something new?
If you want to metaphorically hop back on because something was working before, but you’ve just gotten thrown off… (Easy example: with weight loss that was totally derailed by vacation.) By all means, hop back on!
Sometimes the simple pause, recognizing where you are and resetting where you want to go will be enough to get you back on track…
I always recommend starting with what worked before. Start implementing those steps again. Just reset to the fundamentals.
But what if you want to move on to something new entirely? Or perhaps what you were doing before wasn’t really working? You were always functioning but also just barely. Sometimes the steps aren’t quite as simple as a quick reset.
So then what? Look for an easy win.
My daughter was at the park this weekend; there’s a climbing wall she has always needed some help with. This week, she happened to have flip flops on when we walked past the park and the kids asked if they could play. This time she kicked off her sandals and tried the wall again. She looked for help and I obliged, but she quickly realized she could easily do this shoe-free. Gross, maybe? But it was effective. And somehow kid feet seem far less gross than grown-up feet.
Anyway, it was a good metaphor for life… sometimes, we are simply doing things the hard way when there’s been an easier, more care-free way to make the climb.
And the best part: you don’t always need to have all the answers or the path fully laid out. Like a rock wall, just take the next best step.
So, as we close 2024, I invite you to kick off your shoes and intentionally look for the easier climb. Look for the easy wins. Help the brain and body build the confidence you’ll need for the harder challenges ahead.
Start looking:
- Where can you simplify?
- Where can you say no to free up some time and/or energy?
- What boundaries need to be re-established?
- What basics can be re-implemented for your health goals?
** And just as a quick reminder: you know what can also make this a ton easier? A Coach.
As a coach specializing in helping women like you reclaim their goals and well-being, I’m here to provide the guidance and accountability you need to thrive.
Ready to take the next best step?
Book a consultation call with me today. Let’s discuss how we can work together to help you achieve your goals without compromising your well-being. You deserve to feel fulfilled in both your personal and professional life – and it’s absolutely possible with the right strategies and support.
