If You’re not Reaching Your Goals, This Is What You’re Missing
Can four days of consistent action really make a difference?
Is four days of consistent action enough to create change?
I didn’t think so either.
But after spending four days at The Ranch with the intention to reset my health and wellbeing, my thinking was changed. My shift in perspective has been further confirmed as I continue to embrace and execute on the practices that support my energy and vitality without it being a chore, without being told to, without it being something I have to do.
So what was missing before? What has kept me focused on my goal of living a healthy lifestyle?
If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard a thousand times: it takes 21 days for change to take effect. Adopting a new behaviour requires three weeks before it becomes part of your lifestyle. How is that working for you? Perhaps 14 days is better, or four weeks? The truth is, they’re all just numbers - and the number has nothing to do with it if you’re trying to create change in your life, your business, or your career.
The question you need to ask yourself is:
What are you committed to?
Commitment is real. Commitment is meaningful. Commitment can move mountains.
After all, a goal is empty without commitment.
It’s a statement with no substance. And you can bet that goal will end up in the rearview mirror without commitment to drive it forward. As I embarked on my wellness retreat, I was ready to be inspired in my approach to my well-being, I was open to learning new ways of being healthy. But it wasn’t until the last day when I was feeling rejuvenated, my energy restored and overflowing, that I realized I wanted more. I wanted more of that feeling. I wanted to feel energized not just that day, but everyday.
I was committed. I was all-in.
But it didn’t mean it was going to be easy.
Being committed is showing up everyday and continuing to move forward even if it’s ugly, even if it’s uncomfortable. Commitment requires you to step up, to face resistance, to feel fear, but to do it anyway. Commitment is being persistent and continuing to do the work without an instant result, outcome, or gratification.
“You plant the seeds of greatness in the daily grind.” - Adam Grant
Further, while we can state that we’re committed, the next question is:
How committed are you?
When the going gets tough, are you willing to keep going? When self doubt, insecurity, and judgement come up (or any other form of resistance your ego has created), are you willing to push through the pain and get into action? When you’re on the floor, feeling that all hope is lost, and there is nothing you can do, are you willing to get up, dust yourself off and keep going? When you’re stuck, will you call in Marisa Peer’s mantra “Movement is Motivation” and make a micro movement, however small, to move yourself forward towards your goal?
If the answer is yes, you are ready.
You are living with agency.
You are living in choice.
You are creating what you want in your life.
Kirsten Schmidtke is a professional coach, creator, and lover of lake life. She works with leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs to help them up-level their careers, businesses, and lives. Are you ready to explore what’s possible for you? Contact Kirsten to start the conversation!