Ohhh We're Halfway There!
Do you ever celebrate when you're at the half-way point of something? Heck, do you check-in and celebrate your progress at all?
We're halfway through the year (and what a doozy its been), and it's a good time to pause and reflect on the year so far and anticipate & prepare for what's ahead.
You might notice that goals or dreams you had for the year are-
going according to plan
looking different halfway in
already veered off course
no longer relevant
shifted due to new priorities have come into play
Even if you didn't set a new year's resolution, it's still nice to reflect on your growth, your stumbling blocks and add some clarity to the journey so far. This is meant to be a realignment and recommitment to the growth plans we have in our hearts, to keep making even small progress toward a life that lights you up.
Because those small steps add up.
But let's do more than live on a prayer
As we enter the next half of the year, let's anticipate and prepare for what's ahead.
Make an updated list of what you have on your list for the rest of the year. Evaluate to ensure that each item is something you want to do for yourself, not because "someone" thinks you should. That working toward it helps make your spirit feel a bit more spirited.
Look at each item and ask yourself, "for this to feel as easeful as possible for my highest level of success, what do I need to anticipate?"
Fraudy feelings about being worthy of hitting the goal?
Frantic tasks to finish at the last minute?
Extra costs or time required?
And once you've anticipated what is likely to trip you up, address each one by coming up with ways to help you prepare for each one.
Prepare a couple pep talks for yourself
Make a list with deadlines so things aren't all falling to the last minute
Acknowledge your capacity and budget your dollars and time ahead of time so they don't turn into excuses
I've used this Anticipate & Prepare method for helping with the stresses of the holiday season but also use it as I plan for the day or goals ahead. It takes most of the not fun surprises out of things so you can handle what inevitably will pop up, because, life.
Taking a few minutes to think about the day ahead, when you have the mental and time capacity to maybe DO something about what could be a pain point in the future, takes so much stress out of my life. I admit I don’t do this nearly as much as I should, but I always appreciate it when I do. It’s saved me from-
getting surprised by feelings about a situation because I acknowledged it would be emotionally stressful
at least some of the overwhelm that comes with taking action and not trying to do it all at once, knowing to pace myself while still keeping myself accountable
rushed Amazon or Target orders, trips to the store or accepting an alternate that isn’t really preferred (and ends up costing more or feeling frustrated with myself)
So now what?
Acknowledge and celebrate the growth you’ve made so far, even if it wasn’t in the direction that you intended. Know that sometimes you need to be the one that gives yourself a pick-me-up to fire you up for finishing what you've started. Whether it's belting out a power anthem song, writing yourself a note of encouragement or being on the lookout for evidence of change in your life that you are feeling and acting in alignment.
You’re not the only one who needs a pep talk. Women who come across as confident and on top of things do this for themselves. AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) talks about it in her interview with the Huffington Post and shares a video of her method.
I’ve written out many pep talks to myself in my journal, cheering myself on and telling myself the words I need to hear most. Even with the most supportive friends, accountability partners, community and family, sometimes they fall short in really filling up your bucket. Because what you need to know most is that YOU have your back. That you have what it takes. That you are cheering for yourself every step of the way.
Your words hold so much power, and writing them out helps reinforce those neural connections. And going back to read them activates them even more.
Some people poke fun at affirmations and positive self-talk, but it really is a powerful tool. And it helps to laugh a little about it, especially when we’re a little uncomfortable in the process (YouTube).
If you want a guide to help you start or go deeper in your journaling practice, download my free guide. Like Stuart Smalley, I’m not a licensed therapist but rely instead upon the credibility of my own experiences as a non-professional.
Remember that we're in this together, that we're halfway there. Take my hand and make sure you really give this your full spirited attention and energy.
Reaffirm to yourself that you've got this, we'll make it I swear, whatever the rest of the year's got for us, because we're living on more than a prayer. (YouTube)
And if you need a reminder to help you through the first hump day of the hump month, check out this quick video on my Instagram.
Know a friend who could use some tips like this, who needs a nudge in living a life that lights them up? Share this blog post or tag them in a comment on one of my Instagram posts and help them begin to remember their inner magic!
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Stephanie Rose is a mom, wife, business owner and a forever student in finding ways to know herself better. She acts as guide for your own journey, sharing insights, tools and practices to help you remember your magic and live a life that lights you up. Sign up for her newsletter and check out her free resources.