With the new year still freshly upon us, I felt like it was an appropriate time to share some things that I am practicing to keep my mindset fresh and in check. I would be lying if I didn’t say that while I am a typically a self starter and can imagine up the craziest goals for myself – the execution is not always there. I have had to take a step back and start to recognize what things are lacking in my mindfulness toolbox in order to be successful. Here are my four tips for changing your mindset.

Welcome the Disciplines

This is the hardest part about starting something new or deciding to try something new. While newness does bring a light of excitement and anticipation, it is always inevitably followed up with new disciplines or habits that have to be practiced as well. Once the newness fades away and we are left with these disciplines, are you then approaching them with acceptance and grit or struggling to keep yourself engaged and ready for the challenge? I have had to keep in perspective that the toughest moments are where growth happens the most. Welcome the disciplines, recognize that it is tough and uncomfortable but remind yourself it is part of your growth journey.

Be Your Own Mentor

Being your own mentor is something that I have to be intentional about daily. Raise your hand if you are someone that will listen to a message, song or video and get so hyped to take action but start and immediately doubt your capabilities. Too often, we self sabotage our growth. While listening to encouraging words and getting a good ol’ fashioned pep talk are needed – you ultimately make the decision to move forward. For too long I depended on someone else to give me permission or the ability to be strong enough to take action, but that is ultimately my choice and my responsibility to make the conscious decision and effort to move. Get into the habit of reminding yourself that you are capable of growing.

Set Micro-Goals

I truly believe that there are two types of people when it comes to formulating a vision or goal. The first set of people are visionaries – they are some of the best people to brainstorm with because the sky is the limit. The visionaries truly have the ability to instinctively set goals that are nothing short of amazing. Unfortunately, they struggle with execution and are likely to quit due to the fact that they don’t want to take all the necessary steps required. I know all too well the characteristics of this group because I fall into this category more often than not. Setting micro goals is critical because not only does it hold us accountable to complete the task at hand, but the execution is significantly more intentional and the outcome is that much greater. I promise that the steps that are required along the way are not time wasters – they further set you up for success.

Now the second set of people that this applies to are our friends who are just as great about dreaming and envisioning amazing goals and objectives, but get overwhelmed with the scale of it and therefore don’t even attempt to move forward. I am guilty of falling into this category as well and more than likely it is because I am afraid of the process. Setting micro goals for this group helps ease the overwhelming tasks at hand. Outlining milestone moments that you can work towards allows you to remember that you don’t have to do it all at once right now – it’s a journey and it is a process that ultimately will bring you closer to your goal. Find comfort in the process.

Enjoy the Process

Guys – life is not happening to you, life is happening for you. You were made for life to be enjoyed, not for life to be a punishment. This point is applicable in two different dimensions:

1. If you are working towards something and it is not bringing you joy – why are you doing it? I recognize that there are times that we are obliged to do things that are necessary and aren’t fun, but if it is something that you have made the conscious decision to work after and it is no longer bringing you joy – I again ask, why are you doing it? There is more to life than going after things that don’t bring you joy.
2. Secondly, this point applies if there are things that are on your heart to go after but you are not because of fear or uncertainty. For a long time I have sat on the sidelines with a burning passion in my heart, but have avoided jumping in the game because I was afraid. Enjoying the process to me means living out the calling and desires on my heart even if it’s hard and uncomfortable because the pain of holding back is greater.

I hope you find encouragement in this and feel better equipped to continue on in your pursuits. What are some things that you are doing to keep your mind right? How can you encourage those around you who are working towards something as well? I’d love to hear from you!

You are a 10/10 and can do this.

XO, Ashton