Resolutions
New beginnings. It’s about to be the top of the year and what better time to start something new? Like the traditional New Year’s fitness journey most try to tackle in hopes of a better body. Or a newly enlightened artist starting endeavors as a painter. How about the newly inspired home cook who was inspired to cook at home to save money on takeout? These are great journeys to embark on but there will be some disappointment in the beginning.
It is a matter of time before that fitness journey is tested with food or lack of ambition. Also, how many times will the painter start over to get the perfect painting? And truthfully, chances are the first recipe the home cook makes will not look like the pictures. But here’s the thing, it is ok! Most beginnings have a rough start and if the start isn’t rough, the quality of the product may not be the best. So, what is the real expectation when starting a new venture, journey, or opportunity? Let’s talk about it.
The Reality of New Beginnings
Today, the reality of new beginnings has a very out-of-touch narrative. With the internet running wild with “It is as easy as 1,2,3” concepts, people are becoming devasted with their results. The reasoning behind the devastation stems from the misconception that the pursuit will be quick and easy. But honestly, what is quick and easy? What is the real quality behind the concept of quick and easy? Historically, things that come quick and easy, does not work out well in the long run.
When starting a new beginning you may have the talent, but you may lack experience and skillset. Now, this is not a knock on the talented but there is so much more needed outside of talent. Things such as discipline, purpose, and pursuit of growth are needed to start a new beginning. However, because the desire for quick and easy is heavily promoted, the pursuit of growth is easily disregarded. Things of quality and built to last take time. But what’s the rush?
What’s the Rush?
Let’s look at fast food for an example. Yes, in essence, fast food does save you time from cooking, but the quality of food that is consumed is not so great. The nutritional value is far less from making the same meal with less processed foods. To have more quality food with substance, you may need a restaurant or chef who technically needs more time and preparation. Therefore, it takes time to make things of good quality.
Ever head the phrase, “Trust the process”? Well, this is a great philosophy but let’s include, “Don’t rush the process” as well. Rushing the process can cause you to cut corners which leads to a lack of experience in momentum and maintenance. Also, cutting the process short could lead to short coming in your process. Doing so leaves some people wondering what did they do wrong, which means they lack accountability.
So when going through your process, trust it and do not rush it. There are things that you are suppose to experience on your new beginning that will come in handy in the event that you have to start over. Stay focus and remember the purpose.
Remember Your “Why”
New beginnings can be rough. You may not be finishing your workouts, sticking to the diet, or procrastinating on completing a project. However, it is very important to remember why you start said commitment. No matter the reason on why you chose to start the said commitment, but remember the reason that made you chose to make the commitment. It is important!
Something drove you to start your new journey, and it is your moral obligation to see it through. If not, then you will be left to face the very thing that drove you to the journey in the first place. Square one is what they call it. However, remembering your why will help you resist the urge of giving up. There is someone rooting for you to complete the desired requirements and the someone rooting for you is the better version of your current self. It is not and not pretty, but at some point it will get easier.
Momentum & Maintenance
You have remembered your why and have resisted the urge to give up. You’re seeing progress and have embracing the journey. You feel successful already. This is a good feeling, however do not stop there. In this phase you have not completed the journey but you do have things under control. Do not get complacent. This is where most get relaxed and begin their decent into backsliding.
In this phase, you have momentum. Momentum is important because it is your indicator that you are in some sort of groove. It is important to try and stay there as long as possible. This is you trying to maintain your level of success. To stay in the groove of things, you must maintain your level of focus.
The Bottom Line
Starting over is never easy and starting from scratch can feel like an unachievable task. Although the feeling of doubt is profound, it is important to understand that it is very rare that new beginnings go according to plan. The amount of peaks and valleys can make endeavors discouraging. However, keep in mind that practice makes perfect and repetition is your friend. When things get difficult, do not give in. Dig deep and remember what prompted you to start your journey in the first place. Remembering that, make sure you work hard and understand that nothing works unless you do! Bless.
