Posted: May 01, 2016 12:38 am
pelfdaddy wrote:I find only one approach works for me. I reconstruct all of those "this is what I want to be" ideals into goals of some kind. Then I create a long-term plan (one that is realistic, and that does not require me to push myself toward the goal too quickly), breaking the goal into small steps.
Like eating a hot chili one thin slice per day.
Each step, when achieved, is evidence that I am reaching my goal, and is in and of itself very encouraging. This approach allows me to acclimate myself gradually to each stage of improvement, and to grow accustomed to life in the new state of being before moving slightly closer to the goal. People who take this approach when getting into better physical condition find that the encouragement of achieving small advances is often so great that regression is not even an option. The temptation to slacken is weaker than the impulse to keep going.
After my divorce three years ago, my credit rating was paralyzingly low. Just getting started with the rebuilding process was daunting and discouraging.I laid out a plan that would help me achieve a better status, asked my girlfriend to monitor my progress by checking with me regularly; and slowly, piece by piece, worked my way back.
We are now married, own a home together, have two new vehicles, credit above 700, money in the bank, and opportunities open to us that were closed just a few years ago.
The process took all of about 2 1/2 years, and it was painless.
So pleased to hear your optimistic story.
Perhaps if I viewed every hour as being an achievement - a wafer thin slice of the chilli - that might help.