Any new enterprise is easy to begin. When we decide to do something new, the universe appears to help with unexpected synergies, new connections, and initial interest from helpers. But once that beginner’s luck evaporates, doubt creeps in and we begin to despair:
“Was this really the right time to do this?”
“What progress am I really making?”
“Shouldn’t this be easier?”
Daily habits inoculate us from despair
When I was an undergraduate in theater, my professor shared a secret with us. “Every day, do one thing that proves you’re an artist. It doesn’t matter how big or small. Do one thing that takes you forward in your pursuit of the craft.”
He knew something we didn’t: Over the course of our lives, we would suffer many moments of doubt. The only way we could survive them was by inoculating ourselves against the criticism of others. And the only way we could do that was by making the pursuit of our dream part of our daily routine.
As long as you’re doing one thing every day that brings you closer to your goal, it becomes easier to remember who you are and what you want in the face of rejection, setbacks, and stalemates.
Gratitude keeps hope alive
The second thing that keeps us from getting stuck when progress stalls is hope.
And there’s one straightforward practice we can follow to keep that flame of hope alive: expressing gratitude.
It may feel counterintuitive to focus on small things we’re thankful for when such large things in our lives feel overwhelming and scary. But that’s precisely when it’s most helpful to do so.
The reason is that it keeps us in the moment. And if we wish to make progress, staying present is essential.
The power of the ‘now’
Regret is often the result of dwelling on the past. Anxiety is caused by worrying too much about the future.
But if your only responsibility is to do your best in this moment … then that’s a much easier place in which to reside.
Your challenge this week is to bookend your days with this gentle exercise to cultivate hope and center yourself in the present moment.
- Upon rising or at your morning meal, take a moment to reflect on the things for which you are thankful.
- Before bed, repeat the exercise in gratitude.
Expressing gratitude doesn’t mean that everything makes you happy. But by focusing on things that fill you with thanks, the potential sting of everything else starts to subside.
It also removes you from the obligation to “fix” things. It helps center you around what is working, so for a moment, you are free from the impulse to dwell on what’s not.
And, most importantly, this little exercise keeps that lamp lit and gives you the strength to keep going. When hope glows bright, it’s hard for despair to weigh us down.
That’s your challenge.
Let me know how it goes! Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below or tagging @trulykristi on social channels. 🙂
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