For those of you who know my favorite inspirational speaker / author / life coach / motivator Eric Thomas AKA ET the Hip Hop Preacher he says “A setback is a setup for a comeback”.
This could not resignate more in my professional & personal life! All of us face obstacles, most of which we overcome, but we all have those instances in which we hit a wall and if we can break through in a timely manner (our expected timing), we tend to regress. I know because recently I found myself in this exact situation like everyone else, I am human. I hit a wall with my physical transformation, and instead of breaking through I regressed. Yep, I said it… I failed at a goal!
However! I realized the opportunity that was given to me during my physical regression. There is ALWAYS opportunity to learn & create a better plan during failures. If you want to be great, you cannot be afraid of failure!
During the last 6 weeks, I was not as focused on my physical goals as I was getting myself emotionally & mentally “together”. I decided to educate myself, study, travel and nurture relationships I found myself neglecting as well. In other words, while I was physically resting I nurtured the other aspects of my life I had been neglecting. While it seemed so easy to get lazy during that time (physically), I realized that I could not seem to break through the wall because of my imbalance. I went so hard physically that I did not give enough attention to my knowledge growth, spiritual growth, or relational growth.
While we all have times of imbalance during sacrificing to acheive a goal, I encourage each and everyone of you reading this to be sure that while you are physically working you allow yourself to be 100% physically & mentally focused. Don’t just go through the motions. Secondly, while you are physically resting make sure you nurture and feed your intellectual self. See, laziness is too common, but there is nothing wrong with rest & rejuvination when needed.
- Create a Goals Calendar – Mark your goals & deadlines for each goal. This will help keep your timeframe in focus & allow for better time management / motivation.
- While resting your physical self, feed your intellectual self. – Read, study, self-educate, focus on schooling, become a professional in your are of expertise.
- Use a planner – This will help with your time management. You can easily identify gaps of time that you can utilize more efficiently.
- Keep yourself engaged – Do not just fall in to going through the motions. Be invested in your pursuit and focus on the process, not just the goal (end-result)
- Make daily routines fun! – Work in activities that you enjoy every single day.
- Spend alone time everyday – This will help you focus and reflect on yourself. Are you where you want to be? Are you heading in the direction you want to go?
Most importantly, find a way to balance all of your responsibilities; not just one central focus. Greatness happens by doing great things consistently.
Lastly, remember that every single setback is an opportunity to learn, grow and make a COMEBACK!