Pause. Reflect. Go
The pavement outside my house has been taking a pounding. Of course, it’s a new year and exercise is one of the most common new year goals.
I’ve seen a few of these re-invigorated (and perhaps, first-time) runners doubled over and breathing heavily.
It’s not a race, I’m tempted to suggest. I know, that’s not helpful at the time.
Except we do tend to start the new year as though it is a race.
We reflect on the year past. We feel as though we didn’t “win” when the year turned out differently to our expectations. We are determined to make amends this year.
So we come out of the blocks at break-neck speed, even if we have never run before in our lives. It doesn’t take long before we’re gasping for breath. And worse, giving up on our goals and plans.
Instead of giving up, what if we were to press pause.
Take a deep breath and assess how the first few days of the year have gone.
How does my goal still serve me?
What progress have I made so far?
What adjustment/s might help me to keep making progress?
What has me “gasping for breath”?
What am I loving about this change?
Pause. Reflect. Go.