Happy 2020! It's an exciting time of year at Bloom... with many people walking through the door with renewed intentions that come with a new year. The energy is high and we're all there with common interests that may include things like being healthy, staying connected and achieving goals.
Let's be honest though. Sometimes continuing to show up or keeping that renewed enthusiasm for staying true to our goals can be difficult. And once that train gets derailed, it can be easier to sink back into old habits and comfort zones.
You're not alone in that though. Trust me in that we ALL have our moments. It's acknowledging it and what we do from there though, that matters!
I read this post by John O'Leary yesterday I thought I'd share. He's an author, podcaster, motivational speaker, local St Louis guy who was severely burned on 100% of his body at the age of 9 and not expected to survive. If you haven't heard of him, look him up and follow him if you like inspiring content in your social media news feed.
Here's an excerpt...
Big plans for big improvements: That was my expectation on the dawn of 2020.
Goals were set to improve finances, grow spiritually, respond relationally with love and to take my health more seriously.
By the end of the very first day of 2020, I had already reacted with anger, spent money foolishly, eaten poorly, not worked out, enjoyed a glass of wine more than I actually needed and invested very little time praying, reflecting, meditating and giving thanks. In other words, by the end of the very first day I had failed at every single personal goal I had set. So much for New Year’s resolutions!
As I went to bed that evening, I was comforted knowing that I’m on the final days of a family vacation. I’m just out of my normal schedule. A little tired. A little cranky. I’ll get back on track soon… Maybe tomorrow… Or when I’m home. Or when life slows down. Or...
When we get too good at making excuses, we’re unable to own the power within our lives. We miss the opportunities of the day.
And I was at high risk of missing out on owning the power of my life because of excuses.
Are there areas of your life where you keep making excuses? Perhaps you’re like me and it’s a failed New Year’s resolution.
Other areas we frequently make excuses include: • Rationalizing the way you allow others to treat you • Rationalizing the way you mistreat others • Harboring a negative, self-defeating attitude about yourself • Allowing a hurt from yesterday to derail the promise of tomorrow
This year, regardless of your resolutions, goals or intentions... fitness-related or otherwise... let's all try to give up making excuses for why things are the way they are. And instead of making excuses, let's instead strive to make things better. Making a plan for not only how to achieve our goals, but how to get back on track if/when we slip.
One surefire way to stay accountable is to find a buddy... for checking in on each other, for staying committed to showing up, for being an encouragement to each other.
If you're not already aware, we have a private Bloomsquad Community page on Facebook. There's more content that you won't see on our business page and could be a great place to make more connections within our community and outside of class! We also have quite a few people around who are really good at being a "buddy"... and may send you a quick message to say... Hey... are you going to Bloom today?
We're all in this together. We may individually have different plans or personal goals, but we all need encouragement sometimes to get back up and try again.
Set your intentions and goals. Make a plan. Write it down. Keep that plan in sight where you'll see it daily. Keep things manageable by having just daily, weekly or monthly goals. They don't necessarily have to be big things or goals for the whole year. Small changes equal big results. And don't forget to celebrate tiny victories along the way!
Let's DO THIS, Bloomsquad. Let's start the year STRONG and keep the momentum going all year long!!