On Friday (day 8 of the 30 day Blogging Challenge) I seriously regretted having signed up. Why? Because giving up or letting a day pass without a published post is out of question. Who says that? Me. The real challenge is: how can I keep it simple and sweet?
Sometimes less is more. If you said yes to something and then it gets hard, find a way to make it easy and fun again.
Today I decided to take a break.
Has it ever happened to you that you committed to something? And as you promised (to someone else or to yourself) you felt trapped. You even may have cursed yourself or at least really regretted at some point that you said yes.
Because women like us, when we really mean it, can’t withdraw… We can’t because we stick to our word.
My priority this month (according to plan) was to focus on short-term goals… Then I signed up for this 30 Day Challenge… It’s the third in a row I signed up for. The other two (about being an expert and using Twitter) I didn’t intend to take seriously and commit.
Why not just give up?
This time it’s different. I meant it. I decided to do it and I’ll stick with it!
Why?
Because this challenge allows me to tap into my zone of excellence and to apply my top three signature strengths that are spirituality, love, and love of learning.
Because it completely aligns with my long-term goals and vision and my mission as an entrepreneur.
Because you absolutely need to be clear on which small actions you take in your life and your business you are 100% committed to which will mean that you’ll just carry on doing them no matter what. This is because you have understood the effect of compounding brilliantly explained in the book The Slight Edge.
My motivation is clear, it’s just that I have many other things on at the moment and that taking time out for myself, reflection, fitness, strolling in the sun, and playing the piano is important to me next to serving my clients and looking after my loved ones.
And you can’t do it all and all at the same time. That’s what I’m teaching (or you may even say preaching) over and over again.
Keep it simple and sweet
Giving up is out of the question. But this challenge brings up these old patterns about setting standards and what is good enough etc. I bet you know that one, too.
Therefore, I promised myself to keep it short and sweet – and have fun writing.
And today, while this post is published, I’m out hiking in the Swiss mountains… (thanks to modern technology this is as easy as can be.)
Cheers! I hope you enjoy your day, too!
With love, Patricia
PS: As you are a Bright Woman sign up for my newsletter and you’ll get regularly short tips and concise advice about having always time for the activities and people that matter most and taking breaks when needed.
Combining professional experiences in communication, project management and public health with scientific research around mind-body wellbeing, effective time management, goal achievement and happiness she supports you to harness your sensitivities and play to your strengths.
Working with her allows you to complete your mission and to always have time for the things and people that matter most.
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on 14/09/2014 at 23:55
Totally agree about being a Challenge groupie. I was on one about drinking water and ended up with a nasty bladder infection so this Blogging Challenge could have led to all sorts of health problems. But it’s led to a commitment to stay the course because it’s helping me to explore being me. I hope you enjoyed your hiking. I enjoyed picking raspberries in the sun this afternoon.
Judy recently posted…Good Gluten-Free Fences Make Good Neighbours
Thanks for sharing your insights and experience Judy. As you say we have to know WHY we chose something and the rewards we get, if we follow through. That’s why picking the right challenge and to stick with it is paramount.
Yes, we had a wonderful time hiking, raspberries sounds perfect, too.
Patricia Mauerhofer recently posted…Spread Love – take a break (10/30)