I love this quote! I hung it on my mirror so it is one of the many sources of encouragement that I see daily. I also have a poster that has pictures of things I want to gain/accomplish. The pictures I have include adirondack chairs on a beach (my own home/space), clothing/equipment for completing a multi-sport event (reentering the racing circuit), freshly-cut flowers in a vase (reference to a home), a view of sandy shores and the water (my beloved ocean).
I also have several quotes on this board as well as a heart with love (to remind me to love myself) written in the center. This poster board also hangs prominently in my room to remind me of the goals/focus/challenge I have for 2010, as I scream, "Bring it ON!"
This year, I anticipate, like many of you, hitting various road-bumps or blocks in the journey you have undertaken for success. It is important to build a support group around you for those high-fives, hugs and words of encouragement, so the road-bump is minimal and you don't lose focus. Sometimes, this support must come from within yourself.
I am my own worst critic. It is inevitable for me to find something wrong with my accomplishment. For example: I ran 10k this morning in 20F weather at an average pace 15 seconds faster than my average pace from last year (2009) and I ran pain free. AWESOME! So, what do I say to myself? Why did you stop and walk 30 steps at blah, blah, blah?? Granted every training session should be a learning experience, and we need to analyze our effort to keep improving... but we don't need to be negative and beat up on ourselves. We need to praise the effort and learn something and keep moving forward.
In addition to being my own worst critic, I live with one of the most negative people I know. She is content when she belittles someone else for their efforts. Unfortunately, when dealing with family, we cannot always say what we are thinking... it is sometimes extremely challenging to deal with people in our lives that do not support our goals/dreams/ambitions.
So, the comment I got this am when I returned from my run, had something to do with she doesn't understand why I waste my time being active, after all, I was injured last summer and blah, blah, blah...... In this case, not worth answering.... her drama was actually that I would be doing another load of laundry, because of the extra clothing I wore during the run to keep warm.
How do you overcome negativity or excessive criticism or jealousy from those people in your life that should be supporting your goals?
First and most importantly, remember: IT IS NOT YOU! The reaction from the person toward you might solely come from drama of the other person. In the case in my life, she is not happy unless she is cutting someone down. I have learned this... so, I let her say her piece and move on... granted, sometimes her words hurt and cut deeply, but they are her issues, not mine. If I can honestly say that I am doing my best, I have to let it go. (The letting go might require another run or walk or jumping rope... something to alleviate the aggression I feel).
Second, perhaps the person feels left out. You have taken on a new adventure. Finding a way to include this person, might help overcome some of the drama. Invite your friend to go for a walk with you or create a weekly activity (surrounding your goal) to include this person. If she refuses, it is not you. Remember that.
The person might feel jealous because you are getting your A-game for your health and well- being on. This is not your fault. You cannot control anyone else's actions or emotions. You can only control your own. Remember this.
And most importantly,.......
Keep pursuing your goals!! Create that support group!! and Keep smiling and chart your successes!!! These little steps will help you stay focused in the midst of criticism, even when it is coming from you!!!
If you need a cheering section, I am here. I am glad to encourage you along the way!!!
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