Well, here we are, the new year. How are you doing??? I am doing well. My targets for the year are (almost) on schedule. I am not too far behind. I need to step it up a bit. I am sure that we all need to step it up a bit. So here is the hard part . . . It does not get easier. We must get up, daily, and take those incremental steps towards the goals that we have set. Is it glamorous? Not really. Is it attention grabbing? Not at the onset. Is it beneficial? It can be with consistency. Consistency is key. Stick-to-it-ive-ness is needed to maintain the direction towards finishing of a goal.
So often we get up, each day and look at the repetitiveness of it. What, we may say from time to time, is it that will get me through this day. For some, it is the thought of family. For some, it is the thought of the week-end. For some, it is the though of that (insert) at home. For some, it is the act of being attentive on the next breath and being unattached . . . to anything. What sustains us is that connectedness. For many, the connection may be to something external. While others may be connected to something that is internal. Whatever sustains you, stay connected to it. Let it be that which buoys you over the difficulties, even if you have to get out and push every now and then.
One thing that we may struggle with is that issue of self-acceptance. Thoughts of am I good enough, Did I do that right, my previous screw-ups just will not quit haunting me, can I maintain the effort needed to accomplish (insert) . . . . may be (some of) those thoughts which hound us. We tend to want to fight them. We tend to want to suppress them. We tend to want to ‘disappear’ them. None of that will work. These thoughts must be examined and accepted as parts of self. We can accept them and not indulge them but realize that they are the past. Validate those sentiments and then allow them to dissipate. There is a technique by with one’s issues are written down onto a piece of paper . . . . that piece of paper is then burned. Let it go . . . if it comes back . . . repeat the process.
Do not let the new year morph into a year of failed attempts, disappointments, self-deprecation, etc. Stay focused. Maintain consistency. Be resilient. Do not, do not submit to the “I’ll do it later” mindset. Fuck . . . . Do something, do anything that will progress you toward your goal. Small Steps are what will get you closer to your goal. Dunks from the free throw line will progress you but that degree of stamina is, well, unsustainable in the long run. We are all in this for the long haul.
Before Enlightenment: chop wood, carry water . . . After Enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. – Buddhist Koan
Ab-Sutra Wellness and Fitness 