It’s officially Spring! However, here in Indiana it doesn’t quite feel like it yet. It’s is snowing as I write this.

The best part about Spring is that it’s the perfect time of the year for a fresh start. I have to admit, the last two months or so have been challenging in terms of working toward achieving some goals I set for myself at the end of 2016 and the beginning of this year. Last week one reminder notification on my phone opened my eyes to just how little progress I had made.

Working Out

At the end of last year, I set a goal to focus on building a more consistent workout routine. My plan was to workout three times a week. In order to accomplish this goal, I set some smaller goals that I wanted to accomplish along the way. I set a reminder in my phone 90 days out so I would remember to check my progress. Well, that reminder popped up on my phone one morning this week. The 90 days had come and gone and I unfortunately have not made much progress toward this goal. The one smaller goal I was able to accomplish was purchasing my FitBit. I wear it everyday, but it hasn’t made too much of a difference in helping me build a solid routine.

Blogging

At the beginning of the year, I wanted to be more intentional about posting regularly (at least weekly) on this blog. If you keep up with me here you have probably noticed that it has been over a month since I’ve posted anything. #fail. I feel like I started the year off on a good note, but I fell off during the month of February. Maybe I set my goal too high given the amount of time I actually have for writing. Maybe it’s been a matter of poor planning.

Reflection

Recently, I have devoted less and less time to personal reflection. It has been easy to just coast through life without taking time for introspection and recording the lessons I am learning. In my college years, I ended most days journaling, taking time to express my thoughts and things I was learning about myself. I miss those days. I know I need to make more time for personal reflection in order to clear my head and process what is going on in my life.

My work schedule has been one of the biggest barriers that I have struggled to overcome as I think about the lack of progress I have made on my goals. The past two months have been extremely busy and most nights (and some weekends) I have been bringing work home. After spending hours in the office, working from home, caring for my family, and other commitments, I have had little energy to think about or do much of anything else, even when I have a few moments to spare. It has been rough! The ultimately result has been lack of self-care and opportunity to engage in things that I enjoy. Seeing that reminder on my phone this week was the last straw. Something has to change.

Even though work presents a challenge, I refuse to use it as an excuse any longer. It is time that I take charge of my life and be more diligent in planning time to do things that are important to me. Yes, work is important, but taking care of my physical, spiritual, and emotional health is an even greater priority. So while I may have “failed” or “missed the mark,” I am motivated to do better.

I realize that motivation will only take me so far. A recent sermon at church reminded me that I can’t overcome the challenges I have faced or make progress in my own strength. Thankfully, as a believer in Christ I can rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to fill me, empower me, and help me. In my weakness that’s when He shows His strength.

“Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you.”

– John 14:16 (CEV)

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

– 2 Corinthians 12:9

My new plan is to use my time in the morning, before anyone else is up, for working out, writing, or personal reflection. I have mapped out which days I will do each of these things and I will plan my workouts in advance. That way I am waking up with a plan each day. Yes, that requires me to sacrifice a few extra minutes of sleep, but I think the reward will be much greater. My prayer is for a fresh start, continued motivation to move forward, and positive changes in my life in the weeks to come.

In love,

Sierra

Have you missed the mark when it comes to accomplishing your goals? What strategies have you used to bounce back and start fresh?