It's a matter of when, not if
It’s so easy in life to get discouraged.
We set these goals for ourselves, and, with them, these arbitrary self-imposed timelines of when we expect to reach these goals.
And when the going is good, everything is great.
And when the going is tough, it’s easy to get frustrated, to feel like we’re doing something wrong, to feel like we’re never going to get there, to wonder if we should just throw in the towel.
When I remember to be compassionate with myself, when I challenge my timeline and what I’ve made it mean -
“If I don’t reach my goal by my timeline, clearly I’m a failure.”
Life is better.
I have more motivation to keep showing up.
Last week, I was talking with a group of friends who are all entrepreneurs, building their own thing. And we were talking about how proud we are of ourselves for continuing to show up and do the things, even when it’s been hard, even when we’re not sure if we’re making the impact we desire, even when we don’t feel like we know what we’re doing.
The goals we choose for ourselves are meaningful.
We wouldn’t set them if we weren’t.
And it’s been such a gift to have people in our community who can support us, cheer us on, and pick us up when we need it.
One of my friends offered this gem:
You give so much value. You keep showing up. It’s not a matter of if you’ll see the results you want. It’s a matter of when.
And today I offer this to you.
As we find ourselves in the last month of 2023, perhaps you are feeling frustrated because you’re not where you think you should be by now. Maybe you thought you’d be further alone. Maybe you expected you’d reach some milestones that are yet beyond your grasp.
Keep showing up. Keep showing yourself love and compassion. Keep trying. Keep focusing on what is within your sphere of control and let go of your need to control the outcomes.
And everything will turn out for you. It’s a matter of when, not if.
I believe in you.
And if you need proof of how amazing you are and how much you’ve already achieved, go back and visit your journal. Read what you’ve written about your wins. Mark your progress. Celebrate those baby steps you’ve already forgotten about that have led you to where you are now. Zoom out to see the bigger picture.
You’re doing better than you think.
It’s a matter of when, not if.
💛
Journal Prompts
Use these prompts as written or as inspiration to uncover what you need in your life this week. And know that I’m always here to support you and answer questions you have along the way!
What goals have you set for yourself for this year?
Have you made the progress you’ve expected you’d make?
What milestones have you reached?
How can you celebrate that you keep showing up, even when it’s hard?
How will you maintain perspective that it’s a matter of when, not if?
What have you learned about how amazing you are as you’ve worked toward these goals?
One Journaling Idea
Year End Review
Take some time before the end of the year to do a review of 2023.
Record the highlights, the lessons you’ve learned, the most memorable moments. Reflect on how you’ve grown, what habits you’ve leaned on. Plan ways you can celebrate all you’ve achieved and learned this year.
Want a process for doing this? This is our focus for December in our Journaling for Growth Membership Program. Register today to receive all the journal prompts and to join us for our group journaling calls.
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I can help! Let’s chat about what you need.
More Good Stuff
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Happy Journaling!
