We all have goals, whether lofty or simple. We want to lose ten pounds before the upcoming family event, read two chapters per day in our favorite business book, grow revenue or enrollment in our child care businesses, or finally plan that family vacation.
Regardless of our aspirations, everyone has those days when you reach a roadblock and could use a little help to move forward.
Perhaps your challenging schedule is making it difficult to fit in an exercise routine, or you don’t know where to start with your latest business idea to add extended hours to your child care center because of the challenging staffing shortage.
Maybe you’re not feeling motivated enough to start updating your systems and procedures so you can delegate more to your director and teachers and finally find the time (and the peace of mind) to take that vacation.
The bottom line is sometimes we need the right push in life and the right person to give us that nudge to keep going, even when life gets in the way or we lose motivation.
So, What Can You Do To Make That Giant Leap Forward?
Here Are Ten Strategies To Help Get You Back On Track:
1. Take one step back to move forward.
Often, the first thing to do when you need to move forward but feel stuck is to step back. Stop. Avoid trying to force something to happen.
When you take a step back, you can look at your situation from a slightly different perspective. Many times, this tiny change allows you to see what needs to be done and break it down into smaller steps. The more you can plan out the steps needed to move forward, the quicker you’ll start to feel better and be ready to make some progress.
2. Monitor your state of mind.
When life gives you lemons, it can be hard to see the positive. It’s so easy to see the negative situation and feel overwhelmed. While in most cases we wouldn’t advise mimicking an ostrich, try to stick your head in the sand for a while.
Put your blinders on and try to block out circumstances you can’t change and focus on the things you can change. Before long, you’ll have a much more positive outlook and will end up making more progress than you ever imagined possible.
To help you with your state of mind, we’d like to invite you to join our Child Care Mindset Facebook Group.
We have created a positive place where teachers, directors, and owners can associate and see positive posts 100% of the time.
It is open to anyone who owns or works at a childcare center anywhere in the world. Come on in and see our daily posts or ask for prayers or support from someone in the group; we are all here for you.
3. Identify the details of what’s going on.
Sometimes we don’t realize how many pieces are involved. It’s easy to think you’re facing one problem when it’s a combination of things.
Be honest with yourself. Which aspects can you change, and what elements can you influence? Also, which parts could you let go?
4. Let the past go.
Just because you had a terrible experience in the past with no chance of a positive outcome doesn’t mean the past has to define you.
Embrace the mistake or pain as a chance to learn and grow. Who knows, the negative experience could be the catalyst for future success.
Many of you reading this are being held back by a traumatic past. Something may have happened to you, and you cannot move forward.
Imagine swimming with an anchor tied around your neck; this is what it is like trying to get through life while living in the past.
There is so much power in living in the now. It is such a gift that it was named the “present.” It is the only parcel of time we have any control over.
So many people are stuck in the past (depressed) or worried about the future (anxiety) and are not living for today, for now. There is incredible power in focusing on the here and now and knowing that this is the one area of your life you have complete control over, and you can shape it and mold it into anything you wish!
5. Consider your options.
Look beyond your current circumstances and examine all the choices and possibilities. Don’t get caught up in your present feeling and give up your power. You always have a choice about your next move.
When you look at all the options at your disposal, you feel hopeful, motivated, and empowered.
6. Devise a plan and stick to it.
At this point, you have all the information you need. You’ve worked to change your mindset, taken a step back, let the past go, and considered your options. Now, it’s time to take action.
Set some goals and realize your dreams. Get out of your way, follow your heart, and seize the moment.
7. Remind yourself of your “why.”
There’s no time like the present. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way and most importantly, always remember your core values.
Remember why you started this journey and what you ultimately want. This attitude will help you stay strong and focused.
Helen Keller said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
Why do you do what you do? Why is this goal important to you? What motivates you? When you get out of bed each morning, what causes you excitement?
It is imperative that you write down your why and define it.
To live life to the fullest we must find fulfillment in why we do things. Know what YOU want out of life. Know your why!
8. Start small.
Building momentum is crucial to your success. Take small steps each day and gradually build momentum toward your goals.
9. Discard what no longer works, even if it worked in the past
Sometimes, people stay stuck, run into roadblocks, or utterly fail because they’re scared to let go of the customs or systems that brought them to their current stage. Don’t let that happen to you!
In a popular story told by Zig Ziglar, he describes how the bride in a newly married couple cut off the end of the ham before baking it. Her husband asked why. The wife responded that her mother always cut of the end of the ham and that was the way it was supposed to be.
Not accepting “the way it was supposed to be,” the husband called his mother-in-law and asked why she cut of the end of the ham before baking. The response was that her mother cut of the end of the ham.
More curious than ever, the husband called grandma and asked her why she cut off the end of the ham. The answer was that she had a small oven and that was the only way to get the ham to fit.
Grandma had a reason for cutting off the end of the ham. The next two generations did not. They were blindly following custom without rhyme or reason. It was “the way it was supposed to be.”
What customs, systems, or ideas do you follow because it’s the way it’s always been done, or you perceive them to be the way they are supposed to be?
Probably several.
Is it time to take a closer look and make some changes?
10. Always be grateful.
Your attitude has a significant impact on your life. Gratitude is the best attitude to have because it takes you away from what you don’t want and focuses you on what you do want.
An example of gratitude is feeling thankful to your parents for all they’ve done for you. Another is feeling thankful for your health and not being afraid to go to the doctor when you have a health issue.
One tool we’ve created to help you with your mindset is our Dreams, Goals, & Gratitude Journal. Grab a copy and begin using it daily to record your dreams, plan out your goals, and remember all the amazing things in your life to be grateful for.
Motivation is not always constant, but you can find your way back to it. All you have to do is relax, take it easy, and consider what you’re trying to accomplish.
Even when things seem impossible, there’s always a chance for you if you have the patience, determination, and enlightenment to persevere.
