Many people I spend time with are steeped in self-improvement projects; it’s the nature of my work and my personal focus, too. Reaching personal goals can happen in incremental steps and giant leaps, but each bit of progress deserves some recognition. Imagine the added energy boost and strength that you get by giving yourself credit regularly! The problem is that we don’t always take a moment for a personal High Five. Let’s figure out how to change that.
My parents are retired educators who set extremely high expectations at work and at home. They hold themselves to lofty standards and expect so much from my siblings and me, too. I became an educator for a time, and that experience reinforced the value of setting high expectations for teaching and learning and personal conduct. Most people want an opportunity to “rise to the occasion” and are happy to strive toward lofty goals. Reasonable challenges that stretch our intelligence, knowledge and skills are engaging and give us such a tremendous shot of self-confidence when we hit the mark. The problem may be created from not stopping often enough along the way and celebrating as we march to the top. If the expectation for attainment is just relentless and you never seem to have enough or give enough, you may literally kill your enthusiasm for the goal altogether.
Give Yourself Credit then. Give yourself a High Five for the baby steps and big strides that move you closer to your goals. You don’t need a party planner and a lavish budget. I’m not talking about your clicking over to Travelocity to book a trip and take a week off (although you’re perfectly welcome to do just that if you need a break and have the extra cash). Just remember while you’re setting lofty goals and focusing on elevating your sense of self-worth that you need to celebrate the moments along the way when you recognize real change and feel some affirmation that you’re on your way. Smile and congratulate yourself more often. Every day in every way you are getting better and better.
With Love and Light,
Doctor Mell
