Whatever your path has looked like, this is your invitation to pause, reflect, and realign. Not with pressure. Not with guilt. But with purpose.

Why a Mid-Year Reset Matters

We often think the only times to “start fresh” are January 1st or maybe when September rolls around. But the truth is—you can reset anytime. July is actually a powerful moment to do so. We’re far enough into the year to have collected lessons, clarity, and data about what’s working and what’s not. And there’s still enough time left to make real, aligned progress. This isn’t about grinding harder. It’s about shifting gears intentionally.

A mid-year reset gives you permission to:

• Acknowledge your wins (no matter how small)
• Release goals that no longer resonate
• Reconnect with your values and vision
• Build momentum without burnout

Where Are You Now?

Take a moment. Breathe. And ask yourself:

• What has gone well in the first half of the year?
• Where did I show resilience?
• What felt aligned? What didn’t?
• What areas of my life are asking for more attention?

You don’t need all the answers right now. But tuning in is the first step.

Common Mid-Year Mindset Traps (and How to Avoid Them)

We tend to spiral into extremes during check-in moments:

• Trap 1: “I’ve wasted too much time.” You haven’t. You’ve learned. You’ve adapted. You’ve survived—and maybe even thrived in ways that aren’t measured by a checklist.
• Trap 2: “I need to do it all now.” Nope. Resetting doesn’t mean cramming 12 months of progress into 6. It means choosing the next right steps for you—not chasing someone else’s pace.
• Trap 3: “It’s too late to set goals now.” Not true. In fact, now might be the best time. Because now you’re moving with more insight, lived experience, and wisdom than you had in January.

A New Kind of Goal Setting

Traditional goal-setting often starts with external markers: income targets, weight goals, business metrics, etc. But what if we started with your values instead? Ask yourself:

• What matters most to me right now?
• How do I want to feel this fall?
• What kind of energy do I want to carry into 2026?

From there, you can reverse-engineer your goals in a way that supports your wellbeing—not just your productivity. For example:

• If you want to feel more peace, maybe the goal is to implement better boundaries.
• If you want to feel more energized, maybe the goal is to prioritize rest and movement.
• If you want to feel more fulfilled, maybe it’s time to recommit to a long-held dream.

The Power of Mid-Year Reflection

Here’s something powerful: July is actually the perfect time for honest assessment—not panic, but clarity. You’re far enough into the year to have real data about what’s working and what isn’t, but you still have time to make meaningful adjustments. Mid-year reflection takes courage because it asks us to look at where we really are, not where we think we “should” be. It requires us to celebrate unexpected progress while also acknowledging areas where we’ve drifted from our intentions. The beautiful thing about reflection without judgment is that it leads to sustainable momentum. When we can honestly assess our journey without shame or criticism, we free ourselves to make intentional choices about our next steps.

Ready to Reset? Join Me for a Live Deep Dive

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I need more than just tips—I need dedicated time to truly reset and realign”—you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I’m hosting: Reset & Reignite: Your Mid-Year Power Hour Plus Tuesday, July 29 at 6:30 PM CST

This isn’t about guilt or pressure. It’s 75 minutes of reflection, realignment, and momentum-building designed specifically for where you are right now—whether you’re crushing it, got a little off course, or never set goals in the first place. This session will meet you where you are and help you create a clear path forward. You’ll walk away with clarity, a customized action plan, and practical tools to support your second-half momentum.

[Save your spot HERE; it’s completely free.]

Your Mid-Year Moment

You don’t have to start over. You don’t have to abandon your past. You don’t have to do this alone.

You just have to take a moment to pause, breathe, and choose again.

This is your mid-year moment. Let it be one of intention, not pressure. One of power, not perfection.

You’re not behind. You’re right on time.

What’s one area of your life that’s asking for more attention as we move into the second half of 2025? I’d love to hear in the comments—and I hope to see you on July 29th as we reset and reignite together.

We’re halfway through the year, and maybe that hits you in one of two ways: a gentle nudge or a sharp jolt. You might feel pride for what’s taken root or frustration that things haven’t quite bloomed the way you imagined. Either way, this moment is not the end of the road. It’s a powerful invitation. It’s halftime. It’s your chance to pause, breathe, reflect, and recalibrate.

And I want to be clear: recalibration isn’t about regret. It’s about realignment. It’s how we make sure we’re not living on autopilot. That we’re not chasing someone else’s version of success. That we’re not moving just for the sake of movement.

When You Don’t Feel on Track

It’s easy in a season like this to default to self-judgment. Maybe you had big plans for the year. Maybe you mapped out goals back in January with clear action steps and intentions. But somewhere between the busyness of life, unexpected challenges, and the mental fatigue that builds over time, things slipped. That doesn’t mean you failed. It means you’re human. And it means now is the perfect time to pause and check in—with grace, not guilt.

I’ve watched this pattern play out in my own life and in the lives of the women I coach. We start the year with such clarity and intention, but life has a way of pulling us in directions we didn’t anticipate. A family crisis emerges. Work demands increase unexpectedly. Our energy shifts in ways we couldn’t predict in January’s optimism.

Here’s what I’ve learned: the gap between where you thought you’d be and where you are isn’t a measurement of your worth—it’s data. It’s information about what you need, what’s working, and what needs to shift.

One of the best practices I’ve built into my own rhythm is the midyear reset. Not because I love structure for structure’s sake, but because I know how quickly I can lose touch with what actually matters to me. A midyear reset gives me a checkpoint. A place to ask better questions. A chance to not just “keep going,” but to move with clarity.

Let me be honest—some years, by June I’ve already revised my goals more than once. I’ve learned to see that not as inconsistency, but as growth. As information. As discernment. As a decision to stay in alignment rather than push toward something I no longer want or is no longer serving me.

The Cost of Not Reflecting

What happens when we skip the pause? When we push through without checking in? We become strangers to ourselves. We find ourselves six months deeper into patterns that don’t serve us. We wake up in December wondering how we got so far off course, feeling like we’ve been living someone else’s life.

I see this especially with high-achieving women who are so used to pushing through, to making things work, that they forget to ask whether the things they’re making work are still worth their energy. The promotion they were chasing feels empty now. The routine that once energized them has become a cage. The goals that felt inspiring in January now feel like obligations.

This is why reflection isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s how we stay connected to our own evolution.

Reflection Is a Leadership Skill

Whether you consider yourself a leader or not, reflection is one of the most powerful tools you have. It sharpens your awareness. It helps you name your patterns. And it offers space to honor both your wins and your wounds.

One thing I teach in coaching (and remind myself of constantly!) is that you can’t shift what you’re unwilling to see. Without reflection, we’re just reacting. But with it, we’re responding—with intention.

Here’s what my own check-in process looks like this time of year:

• I revisit my original goals and ask, Do these still matter?
• I look for unexpected wins; progress I didn’t plan but am grateful for.
• I give myself permission to release goals that no longer feel aligned.
• I name the hard stuff, too—the things I’m still struggling with, the places I need support.
• I celebrate the woman I’ve become in the process, not just what I’ve accomplished.

It doesn’t have to take long. But it does require honesty.

The beauty of reflection is that it creates space for both celebration and course correction. It allows you to acknowledge how far you’ve come while also being honest about where you want to go next.

3 Midyear Reflection Prompts

If you don’t know where to start, let these three questions guide your process:

• What’s working that I want to continue? Identify what’s bringing you energy, clarity, connection, or peace. What habits or practices are helping you move forward? This isn’t just about productivity; it’s about what’s nourishing your soul. Maybe it’s the morning walks you started in March. Maybe it’s the boundary you set with a difficult relationship. Maybe it’s the creative project you’ve been slowly nurturing.
• What’s not working that I need to release or revise? Be honest: What’s draining you? What’s distracting you? What’s no longer aligned with your season or values? Sometimes what’s not working isn’t necessarily “bad”; it’s just not right for who you’re becoming. This requires courage because it might mean letting go of goals that once excited you or commitments that no longer fit.
• What am I craving more of and how can I make space for it? This one’s powerful. It points you toward your next right step. Not just what you should do, but what your soul is quietly asking for. Maybe you’re craving more creativity, more rest, more adventure, more depth in your relationships. Listen to that craving; it’s wisdom speaking.

These prompts aren’t meant to overwhelm. They’re meant to open something up. Sometimes, I’ll journal my responses. Other times, I talk them out with a friend or coach. What matters most is making space for the questions and listening for your answers.

Recommitting Doesn’t Mean Starting Over

Once you’ve reflected, the next step is to recommit with intention. This isn’t about pushing yourself to “do more” or hustling to catch up. It’s about choosing what matters most and showing up for it.

Remember that conversation we had in the last blog post about reclaiming the season and finding your confidence in the summer shift? This midyear reflection is the natural next step in that journey. If you felt the pull to step into summer with more intention, this is how we make that sustainable. And if you missed that post, go back and read it HERE; it’s the perfect companion to today’s reflection.

We’ve also talked earlier last year about progress over perfection in March and turning vision into action in April this year. Now it’s time to build on all of that foundation.

You might recommit by:

• Resetting your boundaries so your time and energy reflect your values.
• Choosing one goal to gently reengage with.
• Creating a daily or weekly ritual to reconnect with yourself.
• Saying no to what no longer fits, even if it once did.
• Adjusting your approach to honor who you’re becoming.

You don’t need to do everything. You just need to do the next thing. For me, recommitment often looks like simplification. Not adding but subtracting. Not striving but aligning. It’s noticing where I’ve drifted and gently steering myself back.

One Gentle Invitation: If you’re craving space to reflect, reset, and reignite your goals for the rest of the year–without pressure–I’d love for you to join me for something special. I’m hosting a free midyear masterclass to help you recalibrate with clarity and momentum. Click HERE to save your spot. (Just name and email—no fuss.)

Let This Be Your Turning Point

Recalibration is an act of self-leadership. It says, “I’m not giving up; I’m tuning in.”

It’s not flashy. It won’t always get applause. But it’s the quiet, powerful work that leads to deep growth.

The second half of the year doesn’t have to feel like catching up or making up for lost time. It can feel like stepping more fully into who you’re becoming. It can feel like finally moving in the direction that makes sense for your life right now.

So, here’s your permission slip:  You don’t have to wait until next year to begin again. You don’t have to scrap the plan to write a new one. You just have to pause long enough to hear yourself again.

What’s one thing you’re releasing—and one thing you’re recommitting to—for the second half of the year? Share in the comments or journal it for yourself. Either way, I hope you choose to rise—on purpose.

I remember when I launched Mission ENSPIRE, a vision that had been in my heart for a while. The idea of stepping out as an entrepreneur and creating a platform that empowered women and nonprofit leaders was both exciting and terrifying. I questioned whether I was truly ready, whether I had the resources, and whether people would see the value in what I was offering. But I knew that if I waited until I felt fully ready, I would never take the leap. So, I set an intentional goal: to officially launch, establish my services, and build a community of support. Taking that first step was daunting, but each milestone—from my first client to my first workshop—helped reinforce that this was the path I was meant to walk. Looking back, I see how that one decision transformed my confidence and leadership in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Why Intentionality Matters in Goal-Setting

Many people set goals, but not all goals lead to real change. The difference lies in intentionality—the conscious decision to pursue a goal because it aligns with your deeper purpose. Intentionality ensures that you’re not just busy, but productive in ways that matter. Think about a time when you set a goal but didn’t follow through. What happened? More than likely, it wasn’t because you lacked ability, but because the goal wasn’t deeply connected to what truly motivated you.

Characteristics of Intentional Goals:

• They align with your values and long-term vision.
• They challenge you to grow while remaining achievable.
• They have clear, actionable steps.
• They allow flexibility for learning and adjustment.

Intentional goals help us focus on what truly matters instead of getting caught up in distractions or societal expectations. As Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Aligning your goals with a deeper purpose brings clarity and direction.

Overcoming Common Roadblocks to Taking Action

Even with the best intentions, we all face challenges when trying to achieve our goals. Here are some of the most common roadblocks and how to overcome them:

• Fear of Failure – Many people hesitate to take action because they fear making mistakes. But failure is not the opposite of success—it’s part of the journey. Instead of seeing setbacks as signs to stop, view them as opportunities to learn and adjust.
  • Reframe your mindset: Instead of saying, “What if I fail?” ask, “What can I learn from this experience?”
  • Scriptural encouragement: Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” Let faith guide your steps.
  • One of the biggest roadblocks I faced was fear of failure when stepping into public speaking. I have always felt comfortable facilitating and training, but when I was asked to speak at a major event, self-doubt crept in. Would my message resonate? Was I qualified enough? That fear nearly held me back, but instead of letting it paralyze me, I broke the goal into smaller, manageable steps. I practiced, sought feedback from trusted mentors, and reminded myself that I was called to this moment for a reason. The event was a learning experience for me. While I did okay, I realized there were areas I could improve. But instead of seeing it as a failure, I treated it as a steppingstone. It reinforced the lesson that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s moving forward despite it and learning along the way.
• Lack of Clarity – If your goals feel overwhelming or vague, break them down into smaller, actionable steps. The clearer your goal, the easier it is to take the first step.
  • Practical tip: Use the SMART goal framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Procrastination – Sometimes, we delay taking action because we’re waiting for the “perfect” time. But progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency.
  • Practical tip: Set micro-goals to build momentum. Commit to just five minutes of focused work, and you’ll often find it easier to continue.
• External Pressures and Distractions – It’s easy to get sidetracked by other people’s expectations or daily distractions. The key is to regularly revisit your goals and remind yourself why they matter.
  • Practical tip: Create a vision board or journal to keep your goals top-of-mind.

Practical Steps to Move from Vision to Action

1. Define Your Why – Why does this goal matter to you? Connecting your goal to a deeper reason will increase your commitment.
   • Example: Instead of saying, “I want to get healthier,” clarify, “I want to improve my health so I can have more energy and longevity for my family and purpose.”
2. Write Down Your Goals – Studies show that people who write down their goals are significantly more likely to achieve them.
   • Tip: Keep your goals somewhere visible as a daily reminder.
3. Create an Action Plan – Break down your goal into smaller steps and set deadlines for each milestone.
   • Example: If your goal is to write a book, set a schedule for outlining chapters, writing drafts, and revising content.
4. Build Accountability – Share your goals with a trusted friend, mentor, or coach who can provide encouragement and hold you accountable.
   • Tip: Join a mastermind group or community where you can support one another.
5. Track Your Progress and Adjust – Regularly reflect on what’s working and what needs adjustment.
   • Journal prompt: What progress have I made in the last month, and what is my next best step?
6. Celebrate Small Wins – Acknowledge progress along the way to stay motivated.
   • Example: If your goal is to improve public speaking skills, celebrate each presentation or speech you complete, even if it’s a small one.

Faith and Vision: Trusting the Process

As you move from vision to action, remember that success is a journey, not an overnight event. There will be setbacks and moments of doubt, but perseverance is key. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Trust that your efforts, when aligned with your faith and purpose, will lead to meaningful growth.

Putting Vision into Motion

Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, especially when we’re stuck in patterns of perfectionism or fear. That’s something I continue to work through myself—learning to embrace progress, not perfection, as I shared in From Perfectionist to Progress-Seeker. Growth doesn’t happen all at once; it unfolds in small, meaningful ways. Those micro habits, those tiny shifts? They matter. I wrote more about that in The Power of Tiny Steps, where I explored how even five minutes of effort can build the momentum you need. Pairing those small actions with courage, as discussed in The Courage-Confidence Connection, transforms hesitation into forward motion.

Throughout this past year, I’ve leaned deeply into intentionality, gratitude, and purpose—as reflected in Chapter 48: Embracing Growth, Gratitude, and New Possibilities. And at the core of it all is mindset. Positive Mindset and Growth reminds us that before we see change outside, we must nurture belief within. That’s why I’m inviting you to take one intentional step—just one—that moves you closer to the life you envision. Write the goal. Make the call. Show up. Let each action be anchored in belief and purpose. Because with every step you take, no matter how small, you’re building a life aligned with your values, your courage, and your vision. In the next post, we’ll explore how to deepen your self-belief and cultivate the mindset that carries you forward—even when doubt or fear show up along the way.

So tell me, what’s one step you can take today to move closer to the life you envision?

The Power of Vision

Great accomplishments begin with great clarity. Vision is the spark that lights the path to our goals, giving us direction and focus. Without it, we risk wandering through our days without a sense of purpose or fulfillment. When I launched this blog early in 2023, it wasn’t just about creating content—it was about connecting with you, my readers, and sharing tools to inspire both personal and professional growth. That vision of helping others achieve their goals kept me motivated even when balancing a full-time job with my entrepreneurial ambitions felt overwhelming. What drives me is knowing that every post, every interaction with you, contributes to a larger vision of empowerment and growth for you my readers. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but taking time to clarify your vision can help guide you when the road gets tough. A vision gives you purpose, even when the path is unclear.

Tips for creating your vision:

1. Write it down: Spend time journaling about your dreams for 2025. What do you want to achieve? What will be the most fulfilling for you? This act of writing solidifies your commitment to the future.
2. Visualize daily: Create a vision board or use digital tools to keep your goals visible. Visualizing your success every day reminds you why your vision is worth pursuing. For me, creating visual reminders has been a powerful tool to keep my focus sharp.
3. Align with values: Your vision should reflect your core values. For example, my business is rooted in helping women prioritize their growth. When your goals align with what matters most to you, it’s easier to stay committed.

When you anchor your goals in a clear vision, it’s like having a North Star guiding you through each decision and challenge.

Preparing for Change

If there’s one constant in life, it’s change. And as uncomfortable as it can sometimes feel, embracing change is essential for growth. Whether it’s new career opportunities or unexpected setbacks, change is the gateway to transformation. Looking at 2024, I’ve been humbled by some of the opportunities that came my way—like the chance to facilitate training at the National FOC Convening in Mesa and learn from an incredible network of leaders in the field. I also had the unexpected thrill of riding in a driverless car, which seemed like a metaphor for how we can learn to embrace the future, even when it feels unfamiliar. This experience taught me that adaptability isn’t just about responding to external circumstances—it’s also about cultivating an openness to new possibilities. Reflecting on my own journey, I realized that change often comes disguised as discomfort. In the moments when I felt uncertain—whether about my business, my goals, or my own abilities—were often the moments when the most growth happened.

Strategies to build resilience and embrace change:

• Set micro-goals: Instead of tackling massive changes all at once, break them into smaller, manageable steps. Small wins build momentum and confidence.
• Reflect and adjust: Regularly check in on your progress. Ask yourself: What’s working? What isn’t? In 2024, I had to adjust my approach to podcasting and focus on the areas where I could give my best effort. Don’t be afraid to pivot.
• Practice gratitude: Focusing on what you have instead of what you lack can shift your mindset. When challenges arise, embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning.

By preparing for change and staying flexible, we allow ourselves to grow in unexpected ways, even when the road ahead isn’t perfectly clear.

Taking Intentional Action

A vision is only as powerful as the action it inspires. The most successful goals are those that are rooted in intentional action—where each step we take aligns with our values and aspirations. For me, intentional action often means breaking down my big ideas into manageable tasks. Whether it’s launching a new product or hosting workshops, I’ve learned that progress isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment—it’s about taking that first imperfect step and building momentum from there.

In my own journey, I’ve found that tools like my Monthly Planning Journal have been essential for staying organized and focused on my long-term goals. When I first launched the Momentum Mastermind Set—a business tool bundle to help people prioritize their goals and track their success—it was a leap of faith, but the planning I put into it made the leap easier to manage.

Tools to support intentional action:

• Plan with purpose: Use journals or planners to map out your monthly objectives and track progress. I’ve used my own tools to break down larger projects into weekly and daily action steps.
• Set accountability measures: In 2024, I leaned heavily on peers and mentors to keep me grounded and focused on my entrepreneurial growth. Having a trusted support network has been crucial.
• Celebrate small wins: Progress, no matter how small, deserves recognition. This mindset has been crucial in maintaining momentum, even during setbacks.

Action, no matter how small, creates momentum. When you commit to showing up consistently, you’ll be amazed at the progress you can make.

Embracing Community and Support

No journey is meant to be traveled alone. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in 2024 is the importance of community and the power of shared growth and support. Over the past year, I’ve experienced firsthand the power of connections—whether it’s reconnecting with my classmates at my high school reunion, meeting colleagues at the LISC Midwest Office Retreat, or attending the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference. These connections have given me new perspectives, support, and inspiration, making my journey feel less isolated and much more collaborative.

Ways to foster connections in 2025:

• Attend events: Join workshops or conferences that align with your interests. For example, my participation in the Voices of Color Summit has been both a humbling and energizing experience.
• Seek mentorship: Learning from those further along the path can fast-track your growth. Mentors have been invaluable in helping me refine my goals.
• Be a resource: Building community starts with offering your own support and expertise. By serving others, you create a foundation of mutual respect and collaboration.

Community fuels growth, offering strength and perspective when we need it most. It’s about knowing that you don’t have to do everything on your own.

Conclusion: A Bold Call to Action

2025 is a blank canvas, brimming with possibility. The way you choose to fill it is entirely up to you. Let this be the year you dream bigger, embrace change with courage, and take intentional steps toward your vision. The future isn’t something to wait for—it’s something to create.

As this is my final post of the year, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for being part of this journey with me. 2024 has been a year of growth, and I’m excited to see what 2025 holds for all of us. I’ll be back with my first post of the year in mid-January, where we’ll dive into new strategies and insights to start the year strong.

So, I’ll leave you with this: What is one bold action you will take to prepare for 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s hold each other accountable for making 2025 our best year yet.

In today’s blog post, we’ll embark on a step-by-step journey to break free from the shackles of procrastination and reignite your inner drive. No more making excuses, no more self-sabotage – just practical, proven techniques to get you back on track.

You Can’t Change What You Won’t Acknowledge

You see, most of us procrastinators are experts at hiding our behavior and making excuses when it’s called out. We’re like magicians, distracting ourselves with all sorts of activities to avoid the tasks we know we should be doing. But the truth is, procrastination is an avoidant behavior – it’s triggered by the emotions we associate with certain responsibilities, whether it’s fear, overwhelm, or just good old-fashioned aversion.

Even when people do admit to procrastinating, they don’t always get to the root of why they do it. Is it a deep-seated fear of failure? A lack of confidence in your abilities? Perhaps a stubborn streak that makes you resist anything you don’t enjoy? Whatever the reason, simply raising the white flag isn’t enough to help you stop and become more proactive. That’s why the first essential step towards breaking free from the procrastination cycle is getting real with yourself. It’s about shining a spotlight on the underlying issues that drive your avoidant behavior, so you can start addressing them head-on.

Now, I know this can be an uncomfortable process. Reflecting on our shortcomings and blind spots isn’t exactly fun. But I promise you, it’s the only way to make lasting change. Whether it’s through journaling, enlisting the help of a trusted friend, or even working with a coach or counselor, getting to the root of your procrastination is crucial. Because here’s the thing – you can’t change what you won’t acknowledge. But when you do shine that light, when you start to uncover the real reasons behind your avoidant habits, that’s when the transformation can begin. It’s not easy, but I can tell you from experience, it’s so worth it.

So, my fellow procrastination-fighters, let’s dive in. Let’s get real, get vulnerable, and start uncovering the truth about why we do what we do. Because the path to progress begins with self-awareness. Are you ready to take that first step?

Procrastination to Progress: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Now let’s tackle one of the trickiest parts of this whole “getting stuff done” thing – shifting from procrastinator to proactive powerhouse. I know it can feel like you’re walking down a road you’ve never been on before, the scenery completely unfamiliar. Without a map, it’s easy to just start guessing your way forward. But I’m here to tell you, with the right mindset and a few strategic flips of the switch, you can absolutely make this transition. Because the truth is, being proactive isn’t about superhuman powers or having it all figured out. It’s all about how you view the world, and the choices you make day-to-day.

One of the biggest hurdles I see for my clients is that FOMO (fear of missing out) mentality. They see every new opportunity as something they can’t pass up, regardless of how it might distract them from their priorities. Sound familiar? Well, it’s time to flip that switch, my friends. Start analyzing how adding something new to your plate might derail the progress you’ve already made. Is this new activity or commitment really worth sidetracking yourself? Learn to say no, or at least postpone, until it truly aligns with your schedule and goals. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

And then there’s that whole “obligation” trap. When we say yes to things out of duty rather than true desire, it can create this nasty cognitive conflict that just makes us want to procrastinate even more. The solution? Flip the switch from obligation to priority. Get crystal clear on what’s most important to you. What are the non-negotiables, the things you’ll give your all to? Once you know your priorities, it becomes a whole lot easier to set healthy boundaries and skip the activities that don’t serve you.

You see, it all comes down to a shift in mindset. Proactive people don’t fear saying no – they know it’s the key to avoiding burnout and over-commitment. They have a strong sense of self, and they’re not afraid to honor their needs, even if it means disappointing others from time to time. My Flourishing Fiercely Friends, I know this transition isn’t easy. Undoing years of procrastination habits and people-pleasing isn’t something that happens overnight. But I promise you, with the right strategies and a willingness to flip those switches, you can become the focused, productive, and proactive rockstar you’re destined to be.

So, are you ready to stop guessing your way forward and take the wheel? Let’s do this thing!

Small Steps to Proactive Mindset

To get you started, here are three simple changes you can make today that will help cultivate a more proactive mindset:

• Eat that frog first thing. This classic productivity tip comes from a Mark Twain quote about getting your biggest, toughest task done very first thing in the morning, while your energy is high. That way, you’ve already achieved something meaningful before the day gets away from you. Knocking out your personal “frog” early sets the tone for a proactive, purposeful day.
• Make a plan for tomorrow today. Failing to plan really is planning to fail, isn’t it? Taking just 5-10 minutes in the evening to map out your priorities for the next day puts you in the proactive driver’s seat. Break bigger goals down into specific steps, and you’ll wake up knowing exactly what you need to accomplish.
• Solve one nagging problem. We all have those little issues or obstacles that keep tripping us up and preventing forward momentum. Get proactive by picking one and making some headway on a solution, even if it’s a small step. Actively chipping away at problems puts you in a problem-solving mindset.

These are just starting points, but being proactive is a lifestyle. It’s about taking ownership over your days, weeks, and goals through conscious choice and action. Be patient with yourself as you build this muscle!

I’ll leave you with a personal story that really resonated with me recently. At a professional development summit, there was a session called “Worthiness Within Your Wardrobe” that got me thinking more intentionally about my personal style. Now, reflecting on fashion and self-expression through clothing is pretty new territory for this typically low-maintenance gal! But the session went so much deeper than just outfits, nudging us to explore our confidence, purpose and self-love. It challenged me to get proactive about cultivating the life – and personal presence – I want to put out into the world. So I’m a work in progress, just like you! But I’m committed to getting proactive, one purposeful choice at a time. Let’s do this together, shall we?

Forging Your Unique Path to Productivity

The truth is, while there are some universal principles around procrastination and proactivity, we all need to find our own individualized solutions. What works amazingly for your coworker or family member might completely miss the mark for you. And that’s okay! The key is getting curious about yourself and seeking out the specific strategies and mindsets that click. When you finally land on an approach that feels custom-fit to your struggles and motivations, it’s a total game-changer. Suddenly, all those principles you’ve read about start making sense and you can put them into action. But how do you get to that light bulb moment?

Here are three tips that have helped me zero in on what works:

• Get specific with your searches. Instead of just looking for “how to stop procrastinating,” tailor your keywords to your particular struggles. Searches like “break the cycle of procrastinating on budgeting” or “stop putting off meal-prepping” can surface way more relevant, game-changing advice.
• Find your tribe. Thanks to the internet, you can connect with people working through the exact same challenges as you. Having that community support and pooling unique tips/strategies can be amazingly motivating.
• Date before you marry. Just because a friend swears by time-blocking doesn’t mean it’ll be “the one” for you. Have an open mind and try different approaches until you find YOUR productivity soulmate. It’s okay to move on from tactics that aren’t a fit.

The biggest mindset shift for me was realizing that overcoming procrastination and building a proactive lifestyle is a very personal journey. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But when you get radically self-aware and committed to experimenting, you WILL find the strategies and perspectives that finally click into place for you. That self-discovery is genuinely a game-changer!

Onward to a Proactive Mindset

We’ve explored how to break free from procrastination and cultivate a proactive mindset through self-awareness, actionable strategies, and finding your unique path. The journey requires patience, but the payoff is immense – feeling in control of your time, goals and priorities. In the next blog post, we’ll dive into building the core pillars to make your proactive transformation stick: discipline and confidence. Strengthening these two elements through practical strategies will be the one-two punch to leave procrastination behind for good.

See you next Thursday!

Let’s kick things off with a little trivia, shall we? Did you know that the first known use of the word “goal” in the context of an objective or aim dates back to the early 1500s? Yep, folks have been chasing after their dreams and ambitions for centuries. And let me tell you, the struggle to set meaningful goals and actually achieve them is a tale as old as time itself. But fear not, my dear readers, for over the past year of writing this blog, we’ve uncovered some hard-won wisdom and practical strategies to help us all become goal-getting gurus. From the importance of setting SMART goals to cultivating accountability through trusted partners or good old fashioned to-do lists, we’ve left no stone unturned.

Become a Habit Hacker

And let’s not forget about habits, those little routines that can either propel us toward success or sabotage our best-laid plans. Remember that time we learned about the inverse relationship between habits and willpower? It’s a doozy, folks. Essentially, the more ingrained a habit becomes, the less willpower we need to sustain it. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, as with most worthwhile pursuits, building new habits takes some serious elbow grease (and maybe a few reminders on our phones).

But fear not, for we’ve got a tried-and-true three-step process to make habit-building a breeze (or at least a gentle stroll):

• Decide what you want that new habit to be and commit to it.
• Set reminders to stay on track.
• Make it part of your routine until it becomes second nature.

Easy peasy, right? Well, maybe not always, but hey, we’re all works in progress.

Become a Mindset Master

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: mindset. Oh, mindset, that elusive force that can either propel us to greatness or send us spiraling into a pit of self-doubt and procrastination. We’ve delved deep into the importance of cultivating a positive, growth-oriented mindset, and let me tell you, it’s no walk in the park.

Remember that time we talked about interrupting negative thought patterns and stopping those pesky inner critics in their tracks? It’s a skill that takes practice, my friends, but one that’s absolutely essential for nurturing a mindset that serves us, rather than holds us back. We’ve explored strategies like affirmations, self-compassion, and good ol’ fashioned reality checks to keep our minds in tip-top shape.

And let’s not forget about self-esteem, that often neglected cornerstone of personal growth and resilience. We’ve learned how to recognize the telltale signs of low self-esteem, from excessive self-criticism to fear of failure, and explored practical steps to building a healthier, more robust sense of self-worth. Because let’s be real, folks, it’s tough to chase your dreams and slay your goals when you’re constantly doubting your own awesomeness.

Become a Goal Setter

All this talk about habits and mindset is all well and good, but let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture: setting and achieving goals. After all, that’s what this whole shebang is about, right? Leveling up our lives and becoming the best versions of ourselves. Goal-setting is both an art and a science, my friends. It’s about dreaming big while also being realistic, about pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones while still operating within the realms of possibility. We’ve learned that effective goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound – you know, those fancy SMART criteria.

But let’s not get too bogged down in the technicalities, shall we? At the end of the day, goal-setting is about tapping into your deepest desires and aspirations, about figuring out what truly lights you up and then charting a course to make it happen. Remember when we talked about the power of visualization? Imagining your end goal in vivid detail, feeling the emotions that come with achieving it? That’s the stuff that fuels our motivation and keeps us pushing forward, even when the going gets tough.

And speaking of tough times, we’ve also explored the importance of resilience and perseverance. Because let’s be real, the path to achieving our goals is rarely a straight line. There will be obstacles, setbacks, and moments where we feel like throwing in the towel. But that’s when we dig deep, lean on our supportive habits and mindset practices, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. So, dear readers, are you ready to become a master goal setter? To dream big, work hard, and ultimately sculpt the life you truly desire? Buckle up, because this is just the beginning of an incredible journey towards self-actualization and fulfillment. Let’s do this!

But here’s the thing, my dear readers: this journey of goal-setting, habit-building, and mindset cultivation isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon (or, if you’re like me, a leisurely stroll with plenty of snack breaks). It’s a winding path filled with triumphs and setbacks, moments of clarity and moments of utter befuddlement. And that’s okay, because the true victory lies in showing up, day after day, and committing to the process of growth and self-discovery. As someone building my own business, one of my favorite things was to put my thoughts to paper – once I started writing down everything I loved how it helped me commit to it. My 90 Day Business Goal Journal is the labor of that love. Having a dedicated space to set quarterly targets, track habits, and work through limiting beliefs was game-changing. It became my accountability partner, cheerleader, and progress tracker all in one.

If you aren’t an entrepreneur don’t worry, I have something for you as well.  It’s the Monthly Planning Journal which is a digital guide workbook to help you brainstorm top of mind goals and develop a daily task of achievement with prompts and tools – so you can design the life you’ve been dreaming of.

So, as we embark on this next year of blogging together, let’s raise a glass (or a mug of hot chocolate, if that’s more your speed) to the lessons we’ve learned and the ones yet to come. Let’s celebrate the small wins and laugh in the face of setbacks, because at the end of the day, this journey is about so much more than just crossing items off a list; it’s about becoming the best, most authentic versions of ourselves. As you embark on your own quest for self-actualization, what’s the one goal, habit, or mindset shift you’re most excited to tackle?

And speaking of inspiration, our next stop on this journey will be a deep dive into the transformative power of gratitude. Because when we approach life with a heart full of appreciation, even the most daunting challenges become opportunities for growth and the path ahead shines a little brighter. Stay tuned, my friends – the best is yet to come!

Looking back on this past year with the Flourishing Fiercely blog, it’s like witnessing a beautiful transformation. It’s been a journey of shared growth, learning, and community-building that unfolded in ways I couldn’t have predicted. Remember that first post I hit “publish” on, back on National “I am in Control” Day? My mission was crystal clear: to empower you, my readers, to embrace your full potential and live your authentic self. Yet, what I hadn’t anticipated was the profound transformation this experience would start within me too.

The Goal-Setting & Mindset Game changer

Over the past year, we’ve dived deep into all areas of personal and professional growth, drawing on my experience as a coach. But one theme has consistently stood out: the transformative power of intentional goal-setting. I’ve always known the importance of setting clear objectives and creating action plans in my coaching practice. However, this year, I took things a step further. I set specific goals for this blog using tools like the 90 Day Business Goal Journal. This experience truly solidified my belief in the power of intentional goal-setting.

There’s something incredibly motivating about taking your ideas and turning them into concrete, achievable targets. It gives them a sense of weight and purpose, and it pushes you to commit to making them happen. Of course, setting goals is just the first step. The true test lies in taking action and persevering through the inevitable challenges and setbacks that arise on the path to achievement. This is where cultivating a positive mindset becomes crucial. Resources like the Embracing a Positive Mindset Workbook proved invaluable for me. It equipped me with the tools to build mental fortitude, unwavering self-belief, and a solutions-oriented perspective. This shift in mindset allowed me to see obstacles not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to learn, adapt, and ultimately grow.

Learning from You

When it comes to invaluable lessons, I have to give credit where credit is due – to you, my incredible readers. Your impassioned insights, thought-provoking comments, and beautifully vulnerable personal stories have truly enriched our discussions. And I have to say, it’s been an absolute pleasure to learn and grow alongside you. Throughout our dialogue, your reflections have struck a chord with me. I’ve seen glimpses of my own struggles reflected in your candid thoughts – the self-doubt, the fear of failure, and that constant battle between where we are and where we want to be. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in these challenges.

But it’s not just the struggles that resonate with me. Your stories of triumph over adversity have been truly inspiring. They’ve served as powerful reminders of the strength and resilience that resides within each of us. And let me tell you, they’ve given me all the motivation I need to keep pushing forward.

So, as we continue on this journey together, let’s remember the common threads that bind us. Let’s keep sharing our experiences, our triumphs, and even our setbacks. Because through it all, we’ll find the support, inspiration, and encouragement we need to persevere. Thank you for being a part of this incredible community. I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together.

The Heartbeat of a Community

It’s this extraordinary community of connection and shared humanity that has become one of the greatest gifts of this entire journey. Knowing that my words have resonated with even one person, empowered them to take action, or offered a moment of solace fills me with immense gratitude. It’s a powerful reminder that our experiences, although unique, often echo universal themes.

Your vulnerability in opening your hearts to me has been deeply humbling. It’s a testament to the power of this community and a beautiful expression of our shared need for authentic understanding. Your stories have enriched my perspective and fueled my passion to keep creating content that resonates and uplifts.

As I revisited our past series – from deconstructing the intricacies of goal-setting and recalibrating our lives, to plumbing the nuanced territories of self-awareness and cultivating positive influence, to exploring paradigm-shifting concepts like discipline, gratitude, and a growth mindset – I was struck by just how multifaceted and nonlinear the road to personal growth can be. My own development has been an ever-evolving confluence of hard-won lessons, ingrained habits, and mindsets, and a continual practice of remaining open to expansive new perspectives.

The Beauty of Reinvention

One series that captured this beautifully was our summer exploration of reinvention and self-care. These posts were poignant reminders that we all possess an incredible capacity for rejuvenation and course-correction, simply by intentionally pausing, taking stock of our realities, and realigning our trajectories through bold new beginnings or subtle recalibrations. They also spotlighted the indispensable role that prioritizing holistic self-care plays in sustaining our vitality, spark, and resilience for the longest of journeys.

The natural unfolding into fall brought themes of self-improvement, disciplined habit formation, and the transformative power of lifelong learning. We delved into strategies for thoughtfully reflecting on our strengths, establishing fortifying routines, and adopting both an abundance mindset and a voracious intellectual curiosity. These conversations paved the way to an appreciation for radical self-acceptance, looking inward to identify our authentic motivations, and the exponential potential of incremental daily actions – lessons that will undoubtedly serve us well as we charge forward into 2024.

The Best is Yet to Come…

In the year to come, I’m thrilled to be guiding our exploration towards cultivating the mindsets, strategies, and support structures that will allow us to approach our loftiest goals with confidence, purpose, and sustainability.  We’ll be delving into topics like purposefully garnering uplifting sources of encouragement, rooting ourselves in self-acceptance, and harnessing the remarkable power of incremental “micro-habits” to spark seismic shifts. Because as my own experiences have shown, metamorphosis is a richly nonlinear, cumulative process – an ever-unfolding journey of committed self-work, radical self-compassion, and courageous expansiveness. 

This blog has become a journey we share together. It’s a mix of inspiring stories, personal growth experiences, and hard-earned wisdom. You’ve all contributed to this tapestry by sharing your own struggles, triumphs, and incredible acts of courage. As I move into my second year of blogging, I want to thank you for being so involved, open, and believing in our journey of growth. You’re the heart of this blog! I truly hope the Flourishing Fiercely community remains a source of motivation, support, and personal transformation for all of us.

This month, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the reflections and lessons I’ve gained from my first incredible year of blogging. We’ll explore the transformative power of gratitude and self-care, unpack the key insights I’ve learned about effective goal-setting, and celebrate the vital role that our thriving community has played in fueling my own personal and professional growth. I’m excited to share these stories of transformation with you – the triumphs, the challenges, and everything in between. Because at the end of the day, this journey belongs to all of us. Together, we’re uncovering the path to becoming our fullest, most flourishing selves. So, get ready for an April filled with inspiration, vulnerability, and a healthy dose of celebration. I can’t wait to see how each of you continues to thrive in the year ahead!

This week and next, I’m focusing on the topic of discipline: how we can develop it and how we can use it to our advantage in our learning and development journey.  Many of us might have an initial gut reaction to the term “discipline” that isn’t the most positive: perhaps we had childhood experiences that cause us to associate discipline with punishment; or even if we think of discipline as being more along the lines of self-discipline, it’s also common to think that self-discipline revolves around rule-following, working, or denying yourself treats or other indulgences. But productive, meaningful discipline shouldn’t be punitive, and it doesn’t have to be a chore. Instead, we can harness the power of discipline for our learning and development.     

Benefits of Self-Discipline

When you develop self-discipline, you have many beneficial results. These include a sense of accomplishment, more self-respect, and a better understanding of what you can do.  Discipline is not always easy, but it is well worth it. When you set goals and work on them every day until you accomplish the goal, you feel proud of yourself. Not only because you accomplished the goal, but because you did not quit. You stuck with your goals and made them happen. Think back to when you had a goal and worked on it every day until it was done. How did you feel?

When you discipline yourself to accomplish a goal, you also increase your self-respect. Think of the people you have the most respect for, and why you respect them. Chances are one of those reasons is that they have self-discipline. They set out to do something and they accomplish it. By doing the same for yourself, you can have more respect for who you are as a person.  You learn more of what you can do. When you set goals and challenge yourself to meet them, you will find out that you can overcome obstacles that you might have thought were too difficult. You learn more about who you are and what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it.

Many times, we put limitations on ourselves that aren’t really accurate.  In the coaching world, we sometimes call this phenomenon “limiting beliefs” and they can pertain to topics large or small, specific or wide-ranging.  “I’m not athletic, I could never run a 5K race (or a half-marathon, marathon, etc)”; “I’m too old (or too young) to do ____”; “I’m not creative enough to be an entrepreneur”; “I’ll never get ahead in life” are all examples of limiting beliefs that can hold us back. These beliefs can be shaped by a whole host of deep-seated factors, sometimes going as far back as our childhood.  Many of us have limiting beliefs that were influenced by the habits, mindset, or circumstances of our parents or our extended community–perhaps without us even being consciously aware of it at the time. Or negative experiences in school or the workplace might have shaken our confidence and caused self-doubt to take root in our minds. Limiting beliefs can be powerful, pervasive, and persistent.  

Think about something you think is not possible. Is it really impossible or are you setting a limitation that is artificial? One way to find out is to set a goal and make it happen. Obviously, some goals won’t happen overnight. Progress might be slow and gradual, depending on your starting point, the magnitude of your goal, and the distance between those start and finish lines. (If you’re really feeling bogged down by your limiting beliefs and need some extra support, a skilled coach can be a great resource for helping you get “unstuck” and chart a new path forward.)

You can use this mindset to practice embracing some of the benefits of discipline. Figure out a goal that you want to do and set up milestones along the way. Then each day do something to make those milestones happen. It doesn’t have to be anything major, just one more small step on the way to your final goal. When you reach that final goal, take stock of how you feel about yourself and what you are capable of doing. (For much more on goal setting, see my April 2023 blog series.)

Discipline in Bite Sized Steps

But what are some ways to begin practicing self-discipline that are manageable, achievable and don’t reinforce those negative perceptions of discipline as being too limiting and deprivation-focused?  One of the ways that people struggle with developing self-discipline, is trying to make too many changes at once–not just by doing more than one goal at a time, but by making those goals way too large. Either of these approaches can lead to us feeling deprived, discouraged, and ultimately demotivated.

An example of too many goals at once might be someone choosing to quit smoking, improve their eating habits, exercise regularly, build a successful business, and get out of debt, all at the same time. All of these goals are common things that many people strive to achieve and that can be beneficial for our longer-term health, wealth, and quality of life.  But if you try to do them all at once, though, you will probably find it to be too much and quit. This is one of the reasons why some of those big, bold New Year’s resolutions that we make every January 1 tend to fizzle out as the year goes on. Instead, focus on one or two of your goals for the first several months, to give yourself time to make new habits, notch some small “wins” to celebrate, and use that momentum to move on to other goals. 

For example, if your most urgent goal is to quit smoking because you’re concerned about the long-term health effects and the day-to-day impact on your budget, you might start by focusing just on that goal. You could spend a couple of months getting rid of the cigarettes and using aids like the nicotine patch to help. Then once you feel that you’ve reached a place of stability and confidence in meeting that goal, you can move on to tackle others.

You may find changing your diet and exercising more to be really overwhelming goals because they are huge ones–and so generic that it can be difficult to pinpoint where to start. So, another tactic to help you with discipline is to break them down into smaller goals. If you look across your food and drink consumption and decide that you want to focus on cutting out soda, for example, maybe you break it down into this week you cut your soda intake in half, then week two you cut it out completely. If you do this week by week making one small change, you may find it easier to stay in control.

Another way you can break it down is by intensity. So, say you want to exercise more, but you have not exercised in years. If you start with something like a full workout, you may give up or get injured and then be unable to exercise at all. So instead of going full tilt, you can start by doing mini workouts at a lower intensity for a few days, and over time add more minutes to your workout until you reach at least 20 to 30 minutes of activity. You can also over time increase the intensity of your workout as you get stronger and in better shape. By breaking down the goals into bite-sized steps, you can make it easier to develop the discipline you need to accomplish them. You will also improve the chances of success in changing your habits.

Self-discipline doesn’t have to be a practice that we dread or fear! When we start to see discipline not as something that’s imposed on us but as a tool that we are in control of, we can use it to further our personal and professional development goals.  Next week, I’ll share more tips about how to practice discipline in a healthy and effective way, and in the meantime, feel free to share any examples of a time when you broke discipline down into some bite-sized steps!     

Stop Reacting And Start Taking Action

Deciding to take charge of your own life can be a daunting task. You may not even know where to begin. You simply feel that you’ve been going with the flow for far too long. The good news is that there is no one right way to get started. The key is just to do something. Taking action of any kind will likely motivate you to take more steps toward transforming your life. Here are some suggestions to get you moving along your path.

Set Goals and Objectives

The first step to actively changing your life is to assess your current situation and then to decide where it is you’d like to go. If you’re feeling unhappy with your life as it is and that you’re not in charge of things, ask yourself some questions to determine why that is. Write down your answers and use them to spur you on toward making a plan for the future. Questions about what you truly desire, what you feel you’re missing, how you’d like to live and what’s most important to you are good ones to start with. Then just continue to build on them until you’ve formed a good foundation for your planning. Next, write out some tentative goals. Start with a long-term goal, such as where you see yourself in five years, and then break it down from there. Decide on a few short-term goals to complete over the next year that would ultimately lead you to that five-year mark. Create small tasks to help you along the way.  (Check out my April blog series for a deeper dive on setting SMART goals, maintaining motivation and accountability, and making those goals a habit for the long term.)

Make Changes

Once you have a tentative plan laid out, it’s easier to actually take some concrete action. You can now begin to make the small changes that add up to big transformation. Now is the time to begin to do things differently. Take a look at your lists of goals for inspiration. The tasks you laid out to help you reach your goals are a good place to start. Do just one thing from your list each day, and you’ll be actively making changes toward reaching your truest desires. You can look for other ways to take action, too. For example, try new things or meet new people. Anything that takes you from your comfort zone and moves you toward where you want to be is good.

Let Things (and People) Go

Finally, it’s important to note that you will probably have to let some things, and some people, go in order to reach your goals. Old habits may be keeping you stuck, so you’ll need to ditch them. Sometimes people are what’s holding you back. There are likely to be some friends and loved ones who don’t react positively to the changes you’re making in your life. Take note of such things and act on them accordingly. If you’re not ready to remove someone from your life entirely, perhaps just setting boundaries will suffice.

Keep these ideas in mind when you begin taking action toward changing your life. Remember, every little step counts. What’s important is that you just do something.

I recently recommitted to a longtime goal: becoming an ICF-credentialed coach.  ICF (the International Coaching Federation) is a membership organization for coaches and offers some of the most robust and most internationally-recognized professional credentials for coaches.  Though I’ve taken numerous coaching trainings and been a coach and trainer since 2013, I’ve always wanted to take my coaching practice and professional development to the next level by achieving the ICF credential.  In fact, it’s been a professional goal of mine for seven or eight years but something always got in the way–time, finances, procrastination, etc.–and the path seemed a little daunting (yes, even coaches struggle with self-doubt!)

Last year, I decided to recommit myself to my ICF credential goal, and decided to follow my own advice by taking it one step at a time, starting with research on additional ICF-vetted coach training programs that aligned with my values, the goals of my company Mission ENSPIRE, and my budget.  I was so fortunate to find Coaching for Everyone, an organization whose mission is to “certify the next generation of BIPOC coaches.” (Coaching for Everyone also seeks to “offer complimentary coaching and leadership support to traditionally underserved and under-resourced BIPOC populations,” which aligns with the mission of my business as well.) 

This year, I’ve set myself the goal of finalizing my training by completing and documenting the 100 hours of paid coaching experience required for the ICF credential.  I’ll admit, 100 hours sounded like a lot to me at first–especially with juggling my business, my day job in the community development industry, and my family responsibilities–but again, I’m taking it one hour at a time!  Now that I’ve recommitted to my goal, I feel more motivated to achieve it than ever, and I plan to use this Flourishing Fiercely reader community as an accountability partner–so stay tuned for updates on my progress in the coming months!

Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice makes perfect. Even if you slip up and don’t stick to your goal 100%, keep going and work on it every single day. Practice making smart choices. For example, if you’re working on a health-related goal, cook some healthy food. Go for a walk on your lunch break and try to cut back on the amount of cigarettes you smoke. Cut back on the lunches you eat out and try to do something free on the weekend if living more frugally is your goal. Keep practicing and you’ll start to get into the habit of doing things the new way.

Make It Easy to Form the New Habits

You also want to make it as easy as possible to stick to your new habits. If you’re trying to eat healthier, keep some of less-healthy foods that you find yourself tempted to binge out of the house (or buy them in smaller quantities or split that package of chips, cookies, candy, etc. with a family member or friend and give them half to take home). If you’re trying to improve your fitness or strength, keep a bag with workout clothes in your car and your sneakers by the door. If you want to pay off your credit cards and avoid charging anything else on them, freeze the cards (literally—some friends I know have frozen their credit card in a block of ice in the freezer so that they can access the card if a true emergency comes up but they’ve created a barrier that helps keep them from turning to the card for impulse purchases). Do what you can to remove temptations to slip back into old “bad” habits.

Catch Yourself Early When You Slip Back into Your Old Ways

Pay attention to your behavior and start to recognize when, how and under what circumstances you’re most likely to slip back into your old habits. Keeping a journal may help you do that. (I wrote a little about journaling as a tool for self-accountability last week and will share more about the benefits of journaling in an upcoming blog series!)

Often, just being aware of the things that tempt us to stray from our goals will help muster the willpower to stop it. It can also be helpful to replace old rituals with new ones. Replace that bowl of ice cream or bag of chips you’d munch on at night with a cup of herbal tea.  If you have a fitness goal, replace some of your TV-watching time with a workout (or multitask and do some at-home workouts while watching your favorite show.) Or if, for example, you have an entrepreneurship-related goal, spend some time at the end of your day doing one thing related to your business aspirations.  It doesn’t have to be big or time-consuming—in other words, you don’t have to write your whole business plan in one night after you’re already tapped out at the end of your regular work day!—it can be as simple and as fun as browsing social media and websites of your prospective competitors or of entrepreneurs you admire to get a sense of the market or find some inspiration.  Make working toward your goal part of your new evening or daily ritual and keep creating new habits that you can stick with for life!

Recommitting

Having said all of the above—sometimes we’re following all the “right” steps to stay motivated and accountable and just need an extra boost or a bigger, bolder push to recommit yourself to your goals and stay on track. May is National Recommitment Month and in next month’s blog series, Flourishing Fiercely will be diving into why we need to recommit sometimes and how we can re-energize ourselves when life gets in the way. I’m posting today from beautiful Miami where I’ve been attending a conference for work, and the colorful plants, sun, and warm air have been just what I needed to give myself a mental pick-me-up (spring flowers and temperatures are still slowly making their way to my hometown of Chicago!) I even rented a bicycle and took time during a conference break to get outside and explore a local park and bike path. One thing to know about me is that back home, I am not a regular cyclist, or a very confident one, so my two-wheel exploring definitely required me to step out of my comfort zone–and it felt great! As we close out the month of April, I hope I’ve helped inspire you to set some SMART goals and make a plan to reach them. And I encourage you to do something to step out of your comfort zone and energize yourself for your path ahead!

You set a goal and you’ve been doing well. Then you get to the point where it would be just a little too easy to backtrack or give up on your goal. You’re contemplating raiding the savings you’ve built up for something that’s more of a “want” than a “need.” Or if your goal was to start your own business, perhaps self-doubt is creeping in; the goal seems too hard or daunting. Maybe your motivation is slacking, and the initial excitement is starting to wear off. What do you do to stay on track toward your goal?

Be Accountable To Yourself

Start by being accountable to yourself—these are your goals, after all and the most important person to be accountable to is you! Write down your goals. Then keep track of how you’re doing.  One of my favorite tools for self-accountability is to keep a journal. There’s just something about the act of having to write it down that keeps me on the straight and narrow. You can keep an accountability journal for any goal you make.

Here are some ideas for things you may want to record in your accountability journal:

• Your baseline of where you started (for example, your savings at Day 1, or your credit card balance at the start of pursuing your goal, if you have a personal finance-related goal)
• Anything motivating that happened during the day that will keep you moving forward.
• Any challenges you faced and how you’ve overcome them.
• Any time you’ve gotten off track and what you can do to avoid it next time.
• How was your mood today and how did it affect your willpower?

Big goals are good things to have.  There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious.  But what if you’ve made a goal so big that you’re having a hard time motivating yourself to get started and/or keep going? Perhaps everything was going well for a few weeks, but then your motivation started to slip.  This is why coaches like me work with our clients to break that bigger vision and those ambitious goals down into smaller steps and along the way.  Think of it as a motivational hack. It’s all about setting mini goals that you can reach quickly. Here’s what can happen when you reach each mini goal along the way.

This is by no means an extensive list. Make it work for you. If you’re the creative type, add illustrations, get out your scrapbooking supplies and make it pretty. If that thought makes you cringe, keep it simple with a plain leather-bound journal and your favorite pen. You can even steal one of the notebooks from your child’s school supply stock and start there. If writing isn’t your thing, keep it simple. Start with just a few bullets of what you’ve done to get you closer to your goal and how you felt about it. It doesn’t have to be any more complicated than that.

Don’t limit yourself to pen and paper either. If you prefer not to write, then use your computer and keep a digital journal. You could even go public and start a blog. Who knows, your online accountability journal may help and inspire others!

Find An Accountability Buddy

Having someone with the same or similar goals to talk to can be very motivating. Find someone to become your accountability buddy. You can cheer each other on, share tips and check in to make sure you’re both still on track.  If you can’t find a local friend to join you, consider looking for your “buddy” online. There are forums and groups for all sorts of topics and you’re sure to find the right person to help you stay on track.

Be Accountable to Family and Friends

Another great option is to share your goals and intentions with loved ones. Let them know you’re trying to work out each week, sketch out the first draft of your business plan, or pay down credit card debt.  Getting it out there and knowing that you have loved ones checking in on you can really help to keep you going. Plus, they might become your biggest cheerleaders helping you celebrate each small success along the way.

Be Bold and Make a Public Statement

If you’re feeling brave or want that extra boost of accountability, be bold and make a public statement. Take to your favorite social media outlet and announce to the world at large what you plan to do. Knowing that your readers, followers, and/or friends are keeping up with your progress can help add a layer of accountability.

Find a Coach

Working with a professional coach can be a great way to not only get support on setting your goals, but on staying on track to achieve them.  Coaches like me are trained on techniques to help our clients stay accountable toward their goals and action steps—and, importantly, on how to hold our clients accountable in a supportive and non-judgmental way.  After all, we understand that life happens and sometimes we get off track with our goals! When that occurs, the important thing is not to beat ourselves up if we miss a milestone or fall off the wagon, but rather to figure out how to get going in the right direction again—and to think critically about why we got off track.  Maybe the goal, its smaller subgoals, and/or its timeline weren’t realistic, given everything else going on in your life. Perhaps after you started working toward that goal, you realized it wasn’t actually that important to you after all, and that’s part of what caused your motivation and progress to slow.  A trusted coach can help you revisit and revise your goals as needed as part of the accountability process.

I hope some of these accountability tips are helpful to you as you’re working on your goals.  Next week, we’ll conclude the April blog series on goals by talking about what to do when you complete your goal and how to keep your goal setting going over the long term.

One of the reasons it can feel difficult to stick to our goals is because we don’t always see big results right away.  It often doesn’t matter what our specific goal is—whether we’re trying to start and keep up with an exercise routine, launch a business, save money, or quit smoking. Many of us stick with the program for a few weeks and then start to lose steam and motivation. It takes a lot to keep going and it isn’t easy to change our habits for the better.  What we need to stay on track is a little motivation. If we can see that we’re moving in the right direction (even if it isn’t always as fast as we’d like it to be), we’ll keep going and opt to take that brisk exercise walk, take that money we were tempted to spend on a treat and put it into our savings account instead, sketch out that first draft of our business plan, or resist that urge to have a cigarette.

But how do we see this progress? We see it by tracking and measuring and writing it down. It doesn’t matter if you use a pen and paper, your computer, an app on your phone, or some other tracking solution that works for you.  You want to be able to see that progress in front of you in black and white! Let’s talk about what to track. If you want to work on your fitness, you can write down your planned workouts, or log your workouts in an app, a notebook, or spreadsheet as you complete them.  Or you can use a spreadsheet or an app to track your spending and savings if you’re working toward a personal finance goal. And having all this data can be very motivating:  six months into your journey, you may not see a lot of change day to day, but looking back at where you were on Day One and how far you’ve come already will keep you going.

If your goal is to stop smoking, make a check mark on your calendar for each day you make it without a cigarette. As the check marks start to add up, so will your resolve to keep it up.  If your goal is to pay down credit card debt, or build a financial safety net, keep a running total of your numbers.  It doesn’t matter what your goal is, keeping track of how you’re doing and how far you’ve come already can be a big motivator to stick to the plan until you reach your goal.

Big goals are good things to have.  There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious.  But what if you’ve made a goal so big that you’re having a hard time motivating yourself to get started and/or keep going? Perhaps everything was going well for a few weeks, but then your motivation started to slip.  This is why coaches like me work with our clients to break that bigger vision and those ambitious goals down into smaller steps and along the way.  Think of it as a motivational hack. It’s all about setting mini goals that you can reach quickly. Here’s what can happen when you reach each mini goal along the way.

It Makes You Feel Successful.  It feels good when you reach a goal, doesn’t it? It’s internal positive reinforcement. You cheer yourself on and get all pumped up. Why not take advantage of that great feeling of success throughout your journey to reach your big goal. Set those mini goals and celebrate reaching each milestone. If you’re working on growing your savings or paying down credit card debt, you may want to set smaller mini goals: for example, saving $10 per week rather than focusing on saving $40 per month. Celebrate each time you reach that next mini goal and bask in your success. Use the motivation to tackle those next savings deposits.

It Shows You That You’re Making Progress.  Reaching each mini goal also means you’re a step closer to your end goal. You’re making actual, measurable progress. It’s easy to lose sight of that when you’re dealing with a bigger task or a large number. Those mini goals are visual proof that you’re moving in the right direction.

It Gives You A Boost of Confidence.  Seeing that success and progress gives you a big boost of confidence. And rightfully so. You’re putting in the work and you are seeing the results. You should be proud. Put that confidence to good use. You’ve got this.

Don’t be afraid to share your success with loved ones. Getting praise for reaching each mini goal can boost your confidence even further. (I’ll talk more in next week’s post about how we can enlist friends or family members as accountability partners to help us stick to our goals!) And don’t forget to give yourself a big pat on the back as well.

When you have a big goal it’s hard to stay excited and motivated about it for weeks and months to come. For example, we all know we should get more active and exercise at least a few times a week. But that doesn’t mean we look forward to it or that it’s easy to carve out the time in our busy schedules. What do you do to keep going and stay motivated to lace up those walking or running shoes each day? You can reward yourself along the way. Think about what would motivate you as a reward. Maybe it’s a fun new T-shirt to wear on your workouts, maybe it is pizza and a movie after a week of working out. Maybe it’s a small treat that makes you feel good but doesn’t eat too much into your savings or debt payoff plan, if you’re working on a financial goal.  Start by figuring out what your reward will be. Feel free to mix and match. The goal here is to keep yourself motivated. Then figure out what you need to do to “deserve” your special reward. Make it a challenge but keep it attainable.

Work hard to reach your mini goal and then celebrate and enjoy your reward. Rinse and repeat until you reach your end goal. Keep a visual reminder of your reward around if you find it helpful. Cut out a picture of that beach where you want to vacation once you’ve hit your savings goal, or a photo that represents how you’ll feel when you’re debt-free. Or spend a few minutes browsing through Netflix each evening after your workout contemplating what movies or shows you’ll watch while you veg on the couch this weekend.  I do a vision board at the beginning of every year and keep it posted someplace where I’ll see it regularly. I also make sure to set myself a quarterly “appointment” to review my goals, progress, and update my vision board.

Pick your rewards and put them to work. See if having that little carrot dangle in front of you won’t get you to stick to your resolution. If one particular reward just doesn’t seem to keep you motivated, feel free to switch it up and try something else. Just be careful you don’t sabotage your progress with your reward. Use common sense and just try it. See what ends up motivating you the most and keep using those reward. These can all be great tips for staying motivated but what if you need a little more help to stick with your goals? (Spoiler alert, most of us do—including me!) This is where a friend, a family member, or a trusted coach who can serve as an accountability partner comes in.  In next week’s post, we’ll tackle the topic of accountability:  how to hold yourself accountable on your path to reaching your goals, and who else in your life you can enlist to help you along the way.