I have to admit…. I have had to come to terms with some really difficult stuff that was holding my growth potential back. Most of us want it all. But what does “it all” mean.
I needed to figure out what I actually want and decide what is most important to me. Do I want to run my own business? To keep working a 9-5 or/and be a mom? Why do we have to choose?
The truth is, I love my job. Being a psychiatric nurse practitioner is so fun (and challenging) and I truly love what I do. So I don’t want to give that up and I love making a difference in people’s lives. But I also have other dreams too.
So what do you need to invest in to make it all come true? Yourself.
You need to invest in yourself.
Here are some ways that I found myself limiting my growth.
- 1. I don’t have time!
“24 hours is just not enough time in the day” I’d say. I used to skip sleep, go from one job to another, and then go to grad school. I’d get about 2 hours of sleep in between each.
A. It wasn’t a good idea to run myself into the ground.
B. It’s about prioritizing. Is the paycheck as important as my education? Is having two jobs really necessary and in alignment with my long-term goals?
On my days off when I could’ve been being productive, I was exhausted and would sleep all day. Then when I did have time, I felt like crap and couldn’t be productive.
Does this sound like you?
Now that I have my priorities in order it’s easier for me to see the bigger picture. I’m getting sleep and getting things done. It takes me a lot less time to get things done too because I’m more productive in the windows of time I have.
You need to MAKE TIME for the things that are of value to you.
Get up at 8am, stretch, make some coffee/tea, and get a move on. Stop scrolling through social media, ESPN, and CNN. Hold yourself accountable.
Hard truth: You do have the time. You may need to adjust your priorities.
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2. It’s not the Right Time
The worst thing is to look back and wish you had started earlier. There will never be a right time for what you want to do. You may have more money but then you’ll have more responsibilities. You may have more time in the day but what are you actually going to be doing during that time? Stop waiting, or you’re going to wait your life away.
There will never be a perfect moment. Chances are you’ll never feel ready. JUMP!
Hard Truth: Start now. It will never be the right time.
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3. Fear of Change
It can be difficult to even recognize this as it often shows up as “I can wait” or “Its not the best time”. Fear of change will stop you from growing.
There was a point in my life where the thought of change would send me into a panic. I would avoid thinking about it until it happened and numbly go through it. This ended up biting me in the bum as I missed great chances to grow stronger and feel more directed in my actions. It lead to more panic and anxiety.
Change is inevitable. Learning to embrace it will help you lead a happier and healthier journey. It’s change that will drive you forward and continually strengthen who you are.
Hard Truth: Don’t get stuck in a single mindset and routine. You deserve consistent growth.
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4. I Have Plenty of Time
Time is a fickle thing and there is a fine line between having “plenty of time” and “not having enough time”. I call it the time dance. Have you heard that Ted Talk by Meg Jay “Why 30 Is Not The New 20”? Even if you’re not in your twenties there is some great perspectives in this video. I’m posting at the end of the article for you. For me in was life changing.
Time is of the essence is not just a popular saying. You never know when your clock will run out. You’ll wake up and look back on your life and what will you see.
Take a piece of paper out and outline a narrative of your life. Is it what you want to see? Is it what you want to be remembered by? If not… Change it but start now.
Hard Truth: Time flies by and you don’t want to be wishing you did something that you never got around to. This is your life and you should own it.
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5. Going with the Flow
I don’t mean having flow in your life (here is an article explaining that if you’re interested).
I used to let things happen and deal with the outcomes. Personally, it was laziness and I had no sense of direction. I was just letting time pass by.
Going with the flow will end up putting you in a stuck mindset. Take the wheel behind your life and ACTIVELY use it. Push yourself out of your comfort zones. You’ll end up developing who you are along the way.
Hard Truth: Don’t conform to what society wants you to be, grow, be sure of yourself. Take action!
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6. It’s Not My Fault
Stop blaming other people for your actions and where your life is at. I don’t know how many clients I have (including myself) who didn’t have the easiest childhood. You can choose to let that hinder you or you can choose to let it inspire you.
Don’t play the victim in your life.
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t take any blame then you will NOT GROW.
Pride is a monster that shields us from realizing ugly truths about ourselves. Those ugly truths are habits or mindsets we need to change.
Accept responsibility for your actions and failures and it will help you make better choices.
Hard Truth: You are NOT perfect and you will make mistakes. No one is perfect and that’s what makes us beautiful.
Repeat after me “I deserve growth”.
This is Your Life
This is your life. While you may not be “ready” it doesn’t change the fact that change is coming for you one way or another. Take the wheel of your life and allow it to be on your terms. You get to decide what you want and what your priorities are.
What are your priorities? What changes do you need to make?
Talk soon XOXO,
Sarah
Here’s that video for you.
Why 20 is Not the New 30 – By Meg Jay/Ted Talk
