Take a Break

Have you ever been working on something, a goal or a project, fully focused, putting in the effort regularly and then one day stop and screech to a halt?  Unable to move forward due to lack of motivation, life situations, or sheer exhaustion?  You may feel a pressure to keep going, but at the same time, there is a stronger urge to just take a break and walk away from it for a bit.

That’s exactly what happened to me.

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It’s been three months since I last wrote an article.  Sorry!  I haven’t forgotten you and this project is important to me, but I went through a lull in my motivation.  There were some big changes in my life.  My hubby and I are new empty nesters as our youngest left for college. This is temporary until our oldest daughter graduates from college next year and will most likely live with us again.  But it is an adjustment. 

So, my motivation to write waned.  I used every excuse in the book as to why I wasn’t writing.  They included: My full time job is busy; I have no words to share; Let’s go out; I am not feeling it today; I am tired.  Everything was an excuse.  And, to be honest, I think I was a little down in the dumps – missing my children. But, let me tell you, it feels really good to be back on the saddle again, typing this article. 

And that’s the topic I want to share with you today. That you CAN give yourself permission to take a breather every now and again from your goals or projects.  

You Are Worth It

Why? Because you are worth it. Everything that you wish for and want for yourself, whether it’s better opportunities, a better life, a better you.  You are worth it.  And it’s worth your time and effort to go for it. Full speed ahead.  And, just as important, are the days you need to take a break.

You’re not quitting. You’re not giving up on your dreams. You’re just taking time to reflect, and focus on other areas of your life. Some days are harder to feel that motivation to get after it, but that’s okay. Keep your goals in the forefront of your mind and when you’re ready to move forward again, don’t hold back.  Do it!

And heck, you may find that after you take a break, you are refreshed and have a new, better and different perspective on how to approach the steps to your desired outcome.  And since you took that time off, new ideas will flow.  That sounds like a good thing, right?

Take a Break and Be Still

I know. It might be hard to let go for a while. Because while you do, the world around you is busy, busy, busy and still in motion. So, for you to stop and be still won’t come naturally. Especially since you just stepped off the fast train in a world of do or die.

Of stress and overwhelm. 

Where being overscheduled is the norm.

And the notion that the person with the busiest schedule wins makes it harder to let go.

And, don’t forget the adage “if you snooze, you lose”.

We expect immediate results and instant gratification. Gone are the days of patiently waiting for…anything! For your computer to load, for a reply on text, for likes on your Facebook posts.

So, to patiently wait while you take a much needed break is tough. And it’s no wonder patience is lacking with all the tools out there that make things available immediately.  Venmo. Paying bills online. Googling a question to get any answer quickly. 

So, when we are on this go, go, go track, it’s difficult to feel it’s okay to slow down and take a break every so often. Yet, it is necessary.

Perseverance is Key

When I built my website from scratch, researching each and every step because I had no idea what I was doing, it took me one year from start to finish.  For some people, it would have taken 1 month, but not me. I’d focus for a while, then be pulled away for various reasons – mom duties, employee expectations, friend to lend an ear or go out and have a beer, etc.  I’d start. I’d stop. I’d start. I’d stop again. And that’s okay.  Because I eventually accomplished it. And I did it in my time. 

Life can pull you in 50 different directions.  And there are so many distractions. Some days you may need to choose a break over moving forward. Allow yourself that choice.

And as difficult as it may be, it’s the return to your project that is just as important as the break. Over and over again. No matter how many times you take one.  Come back to it and focus once again. Perseverance is key. And as long as you get back on track, YOU WILL meet your goals.  In your time. Isn’t that awesome?

Dream Big

And you know what? You are worth it.  Every bit of what you desire and wish for yourself can be yours. Give yourself permission to dream big, to go after those lofty goals.  I mean, why not?  What have you got to lose?

You’re in a safe place now, so stretch yourself and try to reach for the sky, even if you are afraid to fail and may end up right back where you started. Which is not a bad place. 

It’s just not the place you want to be anymore because you’ve outgrown it.

And that fail? It’s not a fail. Rather, it is a learning opportunity to grow from the experience.

So, keep trying.  If it doesn’t work the first time. Try again, but a little bit differently.  If you fail again, pick yourself up and keep going.  Take a break if needed, but return. You can do it.

As the SNL character Stuart Smalley says in his Daily Affirmations, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me”.  

You Are Special

And that is the truth. I hope you know how special and capable you truly are.  Maybe you’re good at cooking or baking, being creative, or you’re so organized, every item in your home is in its absolute perfect place. Do you love to bring people together, or quietly encourage others with a smile or nod of the head?

Whatever it is, you are so damn special, did you know that there will never ever be anyone just like you? Isn’t that something? And those goals of yours? Attainable. Needed in the world. Rise and meet them. You are here for a finite time, so stay focused and don’t stray too far for too long. 

Envision how absolutely amazing you will feel when you complete your goal. A win to be celebrated for sure. It is quite an accomplishment and you deserve a pat on the back.  Not just for completing it, but for returning to it again and again. What have you got to lose when you take a chance on yourself and your dreams? Nothing. 

So, today, I wish you a super fantastic day!  Go out there and live your life to the fullest, your way and in your time.  Aim high. Put full effort into your goals, yet be aware of the days you need to take a break and enjoy it. Put energy into everything you do today. And every day, whether in work or in play. Show up! Be present! Live big. Dream big. You are worth it!

Cheers!

Kathleen

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