I had a great mind coaching session the other day, one of the things we found during our discussion was my perceptions of rigidity and discipline.
The difference between rigidity and discipline.
Let me start by saying I have this massive end goal I’m working towards.
It’s huge on purpose, I don’t want to set a ceiling for myself, I want to see how far I can go when I dream big.
But I realized during my session with her, when I was describing the goal and when I’d finally feel accomplished and could pat myself on the back…
That I wasn’t giving myself much leeway with success in between now and that end goal.
And definitely not celebrating the little wins, as I preach to, as often as I should.
Now be honest…
Is this hitting home for you too?
Are you also being rigid with “Once I am this, this and this, THEN I will be happy, fulfilled, enjoy life”?
It’s okay if you are, I’m here with you.
As I confessed this, my mind coach reminded me that having huge, hairy goals isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
That these end goals can help point us in the right direction so we’re moving on a trajectory towards them and not in the opposite direction.
If nothing else, we should have huge goals to orient us and keep us on track.
However, she also reminded me that like a rocket ship, we need to be able to shift and pivot with the course.
This is why we need discipline, not rigidity.
We have to be able to make changes as necessary and realign ourselves along the way.
To take in the information we learn and allow ourselves to change our opinions with this new info.
If you’re like me, your opinion is basically set in stone once it’s made.
And we need to acknowledge and normalize that opinions can and SHOULD change when presented with new information.
Which then comes down to, are you being rigid or disciplined with your goals and yourself?
We should strive to be disciplined, to know when to kick it into gear, and go into zombie mode when it means getting the work down to set ourselves up for tomorrow.
And disciplined in knowing when it’s time to rest and to honor that rest.
We must stop ourselves from being rigid with our goals and refusing to celebrate our small victories until after we’ve accomplished the largest end goal.
You have to smile along the way, and know that each day you’re still living –
Life doesn’t start once you’ve hit your end goal.
So allow yourself to be disciplined and clear with your goals, but also kind to yourself and the process.
Who’s with me?
© Woman of Culture 2022
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