Have you ever stopped to consider what might be holding you back from achieving your goals and reaching success? This week, as I sat down to review my annual plan, I came to a realization that there are only two things standing in the way of my success: the ability to make conscious decisions and having self-compassion.
You might be thinking, how can these two things have such a significant impact on my success? Let me explain. Conscious decisions are those made using your intelligent brain, not impulsively or out of fear. They include things like knowing what you want to achieve, setting boundaries, and handling it when your brain resists taking action. On the other hand, self-compassion involves being kind and understanding towards yourself, especially during difficult times. It allows you to handle failure and setbacks in a more positive manner, and boosts your motivation and confidence.
So, how can you develop these skills and unlock your full potential? Read on to find out.
First of all, conscious decisions are ones like:
- what you value most
- what you want to achieve and why
- when you will get things done
- how you will handle it when you simply don’t feel like it (because it’s bound to happen)
- how and when you will set boundaries when other priorities start to conflict with your ability to get it done
We make conscious decisions by setting aside time to get clear on what we want, scheduling time on our calendar with clear intentions on what we plan to get done, and building a muscle of self-discipline that reminds us that every day we overcome any challenges in the way and show up for our goals is like a little love note to our future self.
The second key to success is having self-compassion. Self-compassion is being kind and understanding towards yourself, especially during difficult times. It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and care that you would give to a close friend. Often, we are our own worst critics and this can get in the way of our success. When we have self-compassion, we give ourselves permission to fail and make mistakes. We don’t beat ourselves up over small setbacks, but instead view them as opportunities for growth and learning.
Having self-compassion also helps us to have a more positive outlook on life. When we are kind to ourselves, we have more energy and motivation to pursue our goals. We feel more confident in our abilities and are better able to handle stress and challenges.
Making conscious decisions and having self-compassion are both skills that can be developed and improved over time. To develop conscious decision-making, it’s important to regularly reflect on your values, priorities and goals. This will help you to stay focused on what is important and make decisions that are in line with your values.
To improve self-compassion, it’s helpful to remain present and practice gratitude. When you focus on the present moment and acknowledge the things that you are grateful for, it can help you to be kinder to yourself. It’s also important to talk to yourself in a positive and encouraging way, rather than criticizing or berating yourself.
In conclusion, the ability to make conscious decisions and having self-compassion are both critical to success. By being aware of our values, priorities, and goals, and treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, we can overcome any barriers that stand in the way of our success. With regular reflection, staying present and practicing gratitude, we can develop these skills and achieve our goals with confidence and ease.