At the beginning of the year, I wrote about my 2019 goals and resolutions. Due to the surprising response that I have received on that blog post, I decided to write a follow-up, 5 things I will leave in the past.
As I continue to focus and grow, I have identified 5 things that I need to work on leaving in 2018. For me to be successful, these are things that have prevented me from taking the necessary steps to achieving my dreams. I have struggled with each one and hope to do less of each in 2019.
5 things I will leave in the past
Fearing Change – I recently saw the quote, ‘When God wants you to grow, he makes you uncomfortable’ – Anonymous. This is true. To be successful we need to take risks. If we continue to live in our comfort zones we may miss out on some incredible opportunities. I have feared change and the unknown and said, what if this happens or what if it doesn’t work out. Life is extremely short, by not taking the risk we will never know what could be. Instead, I should be saying, what if it does work out, what if it makes me happier than I am now. Would I want to miss out on those opportunities? No, I would not. Change happens all the time. The goal is to become comfortable with change and believing everything happens for us. Embrace change and live my best life ever.
Living in the Past – In the past, when I have gotten down, I had a tendency to think back to past employment experiences and reminisce. I need to stop looking back, as I am not going that way. I need to make sure I am keeping my eyes on my goals and the prize ahead. I have learned so much more than I would have if I would have stayed in the past and in my comfort zone. It’s okay to look back every once in a while. But it is not okay to live in the past. By doing so, you may miss out on the present and what lies ahead. Instead of living in the past, in 2019, I plan to live in the present and enjoy every moment.
Overthinking – One of my downfalls has always been overthinking. I overthink everything. I mean everything. I read an email, and then wonder, what did they mean. Talking to a person and they make a comment and I wonder to myself, what did they mean by that comment. Is this the right item I should purchase? Did I make the right decision in changing lanes now? You get the picture. There is no good reason to overthink and second guess every situation. It goes back to make a decision and move on. Live in the moment. There is no need to be agonizing over every little thing every day. By doing so, I will miss out on some amazing experiences. Don’t overthink, just enjoy life and the moment.
Trying to please everyone – There comes a point when you need to do what is best for you and your family. 2019 is that time. We all have obligations pulling us in many different directions. Sometimes, we need to say no to those obligations and spend more time with our family. At the end of the day, it is all about family.
Putting yourself down – 2018 was a struggle for me mentally. Thinking that I was not good enough. Feeling down on myself and confidence wavering. When I have gone through professional hardships, I have felt insecure about myself and put myself down. Thinking I am not good enough. When in fact I am. I tell myself that it is not what has happened to you, but how you respond to it. Be confident in the experience that you have and what you know. Just because one thing did not work out does not mean the next organization doesn’t see value in you or your experience. Quite the opposite. When you show the universe what you have, the universe will respond to your ray of sunshine.
What are you working on to leave in the past?
Great stuff, man. Thanks for sharing. I’m going to stay mindful of these things myself.