Have you ever wanted something so badly that you could imagine it? Feel it? Almost touch it?
When you have a really big goal that you’re working on, it has to feel real to you.
Do you notice that when you get really close to achieving that dream things get rocky? It starts to feel like everything and everyone is working against you? I’ve been having one of those months.
I’ve been working on a super exciting project. It’s grown bigger than I thought it would and I’m almost scared of it. It’s stretched my comfort zone so much it’s moved to a new zip code.
Things started going really well. I’ve been getting a really good response to the project and we’ve been gathering steam. Then the last three weeks, unexpected things have been popping up. Distractions big and small that have pulled my focus. My coach (yes I have one) warned me this would happen as we get closer to our launch date.
I’ve seen it happen to others, but never had it hit me quite this hard. Have you experienced something like this?
When you get to that point, it can seem easier to give up and give in to the fear. Walk away and just quit. That’s what some people do when the going gets rough. They give up. They let fear win.
Let me say this, sometimes it’s good to let things go. If you’ve been “working” at something for a long time and you don’t have a good ROI (return on your investment) it’s good to stop the bleeding. Don’t throw anymore time, energy or money against it. But sometimes, you’re just on the edge of your breakthrough and if you give up now you’ll miss out.
That’s how I’ve been feeling….right on the edge.
It can be hard to tell if you should walk away or push through. Here’s how I’m handling it.
Press Pause. I chilled out, took a break and spent some quality downtime with my family. I stayed away from the things that were stressing me out and practiced some good old fashioned TLC.
When you’re feeling frustrated, step away for a bit and take the time to practice self care. It could be taking a walk, going to a yoga class, sleeping in, lazing on the beach. Wherever your happy place is, go there and let the good energy flow.
Evaluate. I looked at my project with rested eyes and got perspective. I talked with my biz besties about what I was experiencing and sought their good advise. I went back to my planning notes to reconnect with my project and reaffirm my commitment to what I was building. I asked myself if this thing was worth it (YES), if I it served my purpose (YES), if I was on track with my plan (YES). Good.
This is one of the most important reasons why taking notes or journaling while you’re working on a big project is important. If you’ve been all in, you’re going to grow so much over the course of the project, that you may feel disconnected from the person who started the journey. Go back to your plan, evaluate and reconnect with your original vision and read your notes to see how far you’ve come.
Re-engage. I jumped back in by doing the work that would keep moving the project forward. Talking to my coach, collaborating with others, hitting the keyboard to work things out. After resting and then evaluating your progress, you have to get back to work.. Take the encouragement you’ll get from revisiting your plan and get back to creating.
Remember we pressed Pause, not Stop. Don’t start another project or get pulled into something else that takes you away from completing what you’ve started. If your plan is on track, then getting back into the work will take you across the finish line.
Bottom line, there will be great days, good days and days you want to hide. You will feel like everyone and everything is conspiring to keep you from reaching your goal. If you really want to reach your next level, you have to keep the fire in the belly burning an push through the tough times.
It will be worth it.
I would love to hear about your experience and your next big thing. I’m also here for you if you’re struggling to push through. Click here to drop me a line and tell me all about it.