I’m the kind of person who likes to have a plan. More importantly, I like things to go as planned! I imagine most people probably do too. Of course, I know this isn’t always reality. Owning and running a service business for almost 30 years—not to mention raising 3 kids—has definitely taught me this.
Still, every time I start my next big project I get a low-level gnawing feeling that maybe my plans won’t go as planned. I never let that feeling stop me from moving forward. I’d never get anywhere if I did, but I’m trying to be more comfortable these days with the uncertainty that comes with the unknown of new projects and new stages in life.
Pushing that gnawing feeling away is easier when I keep these things in mind:
“Failure” isn’t really failure. I know that everyone experiences some sort of failure at some point, if not multiple points, in their life. Failure is how we learn and move forward in life. Learning is what we’re here for and if we’re lucky, we keep doing it until we pass on. It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy the process of new goals and new lessons when I remind myself of this.
Things change. If there’s anything at the root of life and goals not going according to plan, it’s change. Our circumstances can change so easily and so unexpectedly. And so can we–especially if we’re really learning from our “failures”.
Related: Goal Setting and Beyond
Just do the next right thing. No matter what might be going on in my life, I try to remind myself not to skip ahead 10 steps in my head and go over all the different scenarios of what might happen. All I have to do is the next right thing. Somehow doing that always leads in the right direction… even if it’s “off” plan.
I fall back on these beliefs over and over—especially now that I’ve finished my Bachelor’s degree and am taking on new work projects. They’re such simple and comforting thoughts. They help me to keep taking on new goals, to keep trying new things, and to keep meeting new people. They help me to keep taking on new challenges and to deal with the uncertainty that sometimes comes as along with them.
What helps you take on new goals and new challenges? What helps you deal with the uncertainty that sometimes goes along with the territory?
Related: 3 Tips to Make Transition and Change Easier
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Lisa is a mother of three lovely young women and is a new grandmother to a baby boy! She has been married to her high school sweetheart for more than thirty years. Lisa is originally from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, but has lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1984. Running a small business for over 25 years and raising a family has made for a busy, busy life with many ups and downs; it’s definitely been an adventure.
Lisa’s always involved in one project or another whether it’s work related or serving her community. She also recently went back to school to finish her bachelor’s degree in American Studies. Lisa tries to make every day a good day—that means learning something new, practicing kindness, and enjoying the present moment.
Whenever I feel like I’ve failed it’s hard, but remembering that I’m still learning and growing. It’s all a process isn’t it?!
Same here. I usually get in the kitchen to cook/bake or I go on a cleaning binge, which means everyone needs to get out of my way, lol. It’s a tough thing to encounter when you’re a control freak like me, but I think with age and experience, things just get easier to accept, even when they go wrong.
Just do the next right thing yup! simple and easy way to deal with uncertainties. I always try to focus on what next rather than repeating how bad the situation is or what could go wrong!
Thank you for this. I used to struggle with uncertainty but am getting more used to putting myself out there and taking risks.
Good advice. I’m always thinking about the next steps, instead of what is the one next step. Just take it one day at a time!
That’s a great post … Staying in the present is what works for me.
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I love your post. Having enough sleep is so important for not only mother, but everyone, to stay happy. Thanks for sharing.