Embrace Your Almost

1. Redefine Success: Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination

"Life—real life, where we have to make and carry out our plans amid unexpected challenges—requires that we are clear on what is a priority and what is not, so we can redefine success and move in the right direction (even after face-planting)."

Success is not just about achieving goals. It's about finding clarity and contentment in the journey, even when things don't go as planned. This involves:

• Recognizing that setbacks and challenges are part of the process
• Focusing on personal growth and learning from experiences
• Appreciating small wins and progress along the way

Redefining success means:

• Valuing the journey as much as the destination
• Finding fulfillment in the present, not just in future achievements
• Embracing imperfection and learning from failures

By shifting our perspective, we can find satisfaction and purpose in our daily lives, rather than constantly chasing after an elusive idea of success.

2. Let Go of Good Things to Make Room for Better

"Sometimes letting go of a dream or another good thing, though it may feel counterproductive, has the power to create space for something better down the road."

Letting go creates opportunities. Often, we hold onto things—relationships, jobs, or dreams—that no longer serve us, out of fear or comfort. However, releasing these can open doors to new and better possibilities.

Steps to letting go:

1. Identify what matters most and why
2. Evaluate and seek counsel
3. Make a plan for the open space

Benefits of letting go:

• Reduced stress and mental clutter
• Increased focus on what truly matters
• Opportunity for personal growth and new experiences

Remember, letting go doesn't mean giving up. It's about making room for growth and aligning your life with your true priorities and values.

3. Dream Again: Use Setbacks as Stepping Stones

"Dare to believe the truth that when you release something, you free up space for new things (and new dreams) to grow in you and in your life."

Setbacks can fuel new dreams. When faced with disappointment or failure, it's natural to feel discouraged. However, these experiences can be catalysts for personal growth and new aspirations.

Ways to dream again:

• Reflect on lessons learned from past experiences
• Identify new interests or passions that have emerged
• Set small, achievable goals to build momentum

The power of resilience:

• Builds character and strength
• Develops problem-solving skills
• Increases adaptability and flexibility

By viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, we can cultivate resilience and continue to pursue our dreams with renewed energy and perspective.

4. Overcome the "Always Almost There" Syndrome

"I always feel like I'm almost where I want to be."

Contentment is a choice. The feeling of always being "almost there" can lead to chronic dissatisfaction. To overcome this:

1. Practice gratitude for current achievements
2. Set realistic, incremental goals
3. Celebrate small wins along the way

Strategies to find contentment:

• Focus on progress, not perfection
• Reframe "failures" as learning opportunities
• Cultivate mindfulness and present-moment awareness

Remember that life is a journey, not a destination. By finding joy in the process and appreciating where you are now, you can overcome the constant feeling of falling short and find fulfillment in your current circumstances.

5. Adapt When Plans Go Awry

"Plan away, but keep your hands open to change. Because success isn't just when things work out exactly how we planned; it's also when we tend to what's right in front of us even when our plans don't go according to plan."

Flexibility is key to success. Life rarely goes according to plan, and the ability to adapt is crucial for navigating unexpected challenges and changes.

Strategies for adapting:

1. Plan in shorter increments (e.g., quarterly instead of annually)
2. Focus on doing fewer things well, rather than trying to do everything
3. Regularly reassess and adjust goals as needed

Benefits of adaptability:

• Reduced stress and frustration
• Increased resilience in the face of change
• Ability to seize unexpected opportunities

By maintaining an open and flexible mindset, we can turn obstacles into opportunities and find success even when our original plans fall through.

6. Find Unexpected Gains in Unwanted Pain

"Sometimes unexpected gains can be born out of unwanted pain."

Pain can lead to growth. While difficult experiences are never enjoyable, they often bring unexpected benefits and personal development.

Potential gains from adversity:

1. Increased empathy and understanding
2. Greater patience and resilience
3. Clarity about personal values and priorities
4. Improved discernment in decision-making
5. Enhanced intentionality in life choices

Strategies for finding gains:

• Practice reflection and self-awareness
• Seek support from others who have faced similar challenges
• Look for lessons and opportunities for growth in difficult situations

By reframing our perspective on pain and adversity, we can uncover valuable insights and personal growth that might otherwise remain hidden.

7. Use Adversity to Create Clarity and Focus

"Clarity is often found in adversity."

Adversity can sharpen our focus. Challenging times often force us to reevaluate our priorities and goals, leading to greater clarity about what truly matters.

Ways adversity creates clarity:

• Reveals what's truly important in life
• Exposes areas of weakness or needed growth
• Forces us to make difficult decisions

Steps to gain clarity through adversity:

1. Reflect on your experiences and emotions
2. Identify lessons learned and personal growth
3. Reassess goals and priorities in light of new insights
4. Take action based on newfound clarity

By embracing the clarity that can come from difficult times, we can make more intentional choices and align our lives more closely with our true values and aspirations.

8. Overcome Comparison and Jealousy

"Someone else's success in a particular area isn't our failure."

Comparison steals joy. It's easy to feel discouraged when others seem to be achieving their dreams while we struggle. To overcome this:

1. Focus on your own journey and progress
2. Recognize that everyone faces challenges, even if they're not visible
3. Practice gratitude for your own accomplishments and blessings

Strategies to combat comparison:

• Limit social media consumption
• Celebrate others' successes genuinely
• Set personal goals based on your own values, not others' achievements

Remember that success is not a zero-sum game. By focusing on your own growth and celebrating others' wins, you can cultivate a more positive and fulfilling outlook on life.

9. Uproot Limiting Beliefs and Plant New Ones

"Be careful how you talk to yourself, and be mindful of the thoughts you entertain. It only takes two hundred thoughts to create a belief."

Our thoughts shape our reality. Limiting beliefs can hold us back from achieving our full potential. To overcome them:

1. Identify negative self-talk and limiting beliefs
2. Challenge these beliefs with evidence and alternative perspectives
3. Replace negative thoughts with positive, empowering ones

Techniques for uprooting limiting beliefs:

• Journaling to track and analyze thoughts
• Practicing positive affirmations
• Seeking support from a therapist or coach

By consciously working to change our thought patterns, we can cultivate a more positive and growth-oriented mindset that supports our goals and dreams.

10. Prioritize Your Priority: Focus on What Truly Matters

"Having a clear priority doesn't mean you do only one thing with your time. It means all that you do should somehow support the priority, not take away from it."

Focus creates impact. In a world of constant distractions, identifying and prioritizing what truly matters is crucial for success and fulfillment.

Steps to prioritize effectively:

1. Identify your current top priority
2. Consider the purpose behind this priority
3. Make an action plan to support it
4. Remove distractions and non-essential commitments

Benefits of clear prioritization:

• Increased productivity and effectiveness
• Reduced stress and overwhelm
• Greater sense of purpose and direction

By aligning your actions with your top priority, you can make significant progress towards your most important goals and create a more meaningful and satisfying life.

11. Make the Most of the In-Between Seasons

"This is your boot camp in learning how to be more present and still."

In-between seasons are opportunities for growth. Times of waiting or transition can feel frustrating, but they offer unique chances for personal development and preparation.

Ways to make the most of in-between seasons:

1. Focus on present needs rather than future wants
2. Create sustainable routines and rhythms
3. Learn new skills or explore new interests
4. Serve others and give back to your community

Benefits of embracing in-between seasons:

• Increased self-awareness and personal growth
• Development of patience and resilience
• Preparation for future opportunities and challenges

By viewing in-between seasons as valuable "boot camps" for life, we can find purpose and growth even in times of uncertainty or waiting.

Last updated: August 8, 2024