Guess what I’ve recently discovered? That I’ve been, for years, trying to fit into a mold that is not me.
Hm.
So much so that I have beat myself up, over and over, for not accomplishing specific things in specific ways. I have been setting myself up for failure instead of success.
The biggest way I have done this is in planning and goal setting. What I recognized is that I’ve adopted the popular model of “This is the only way to get it done if you’re serious about accomplishment.” Well, come to find out…there is more than one way to accomplish tasks. But I had burdened myself by forcing my square weaknesses into others peg strengths. It just wasn’t a fit. All the while I was losing sight of how I best function.
I am just as serious about plans and goals as the next person. I just figured out how to best approach them…for me. It may not be how you or the next person does it and that is perfectly okay.
One body. Many Parts. We all have our strengths and they all work together for the greater good. But when we, as individuals, are not exercising what we are strong at and skilled in, and wired to do, then we are robbing ourselves and the people around us.
For example…I’ve gone from exclusively using Google Calendar to, in addition, using an actual wall calendar that I write on. With my hand. Holding a pen. It’s remarkable really. I still put all events and personal plans in my Google Calendar that is shared with my husband. Then, at the start of each new week I fill in my wall calendar with the events for the next seven days. I will also add any personal plans I may want to accomplish. This way, my husband is still aware of my schedule, via Google Calendar, and I can see it daily and in front of me, keeping me on task…7 days at a time. I work best with short plans. I have also replaced the word goal with plan-my brain likes it best that way. The long term plans still exist and are a part of my reality and I revisit them regularly to remain inspired and aware. I know they are there. They’re not going anywhere. But the 7 days in front of me is what presently needs my attention and focus. And by tending to the present I am better equipping myself to fulfill my long-term plans. Nothing is being neglected.
So if you are not a Monthly Meal Planner that only shops 1 Friday a month…that’s okay! No one will think less of you. Tap into how you are wired and exercise that strength and your family still is gonna get fed.
If you forget that your phone alerted you of an appointment and you frequently run late – then come up with another way that fits who you are that will help to better keep you on task.
Be honest with yourself. Be creative. Experiment with different approaches.
Give yourself grace. You don’t have to be like the masses. You are only required to be you. You can still be a responsible and accomplished person working in the skill-sets of your strengths.
Are you working within your strengths or someone else’s?
Do you have any tips to share?