Push Through With These 5 Steps

I have recently had several conversations about how to push through tasks and accomplish things. Some of those I talked with mostly wanted to stress that we need to really back off and be super gentle with ourselves and not push ourselves too far. Some that I talked to told me of how they push themselves and sometimes trick themselves to do what needs to be done. Those conversations went very differently, but those who have learned how to "push through" are also those who achieve their goals, keep promises to themselves and intentionally plan time for themselves that rewards and relaxes them. If you want to have those same things for yourself, take an honest look at these 5 steps.

1) Make promises to yourself you intend to keep. Your tasks should reflect those daily steps you need to take to reach your goals. 

2) Appeal to future you. When present you cannot get enough drive to push through, think about how the future you will feel about you not keeping your commitments to yourself. 

3) Celebrate all your victories. No matter how minor, celebrate and cheer for yourself. Even a quick positive talk in your thoughts goes a long way to boost your confidence and will help you choose to push through next time. Noticing how I feel after exercise and cheering myself on, even when I'm completely exhausted, helps me get up the next time and go work out again. 

4) Your emotions are not you. You can choose to remind yourself that just because you feel anxious, scared, or overwhelmed does not mean that you are those things. Acknowledge your emotions, but do not let them control you and stop your progress. Noticing how you feel will actually give those emotions less control - you have felt them, but they are not you. 

5) Remember the why. Why do you set goals and why do you have certain tasks for yourself? Remember that pushing through and not giving up helps you create your life and not just letting it happen to you.