Backsliding

The sayings are many; 2 steps forward, 1 step back. As we try to push forward, change long ingrained habits and start new ones, there always seems to be a tug of war for progress. For myself, it's key I stay aware of what causes backsliding. I have a bad habit of going too strong. Jumping into the Death Ride after a year of road cycling is a great example. It required training 6 days a week, and absolute focus on a goal for a year. Yeah, a bit strong.

Changing my schedule, going on vacation, always seems to derail me. I tend to drop many positive habits while on vacation and revert to the old bad habits. By the time I get back, I have to restart.

It's also all too easy to get overwhelmed by work, work and more work. So what to do? Well, for one, set up the positive triggers. Lay out the exercise clothes the night before. Set the alarm, meditate on the successful wake up routine and then go to bed early.

A number of books I've read on self improvement all talk about thankfulness. One of the things that I feel has really helped me grow is being thankful. I often meditate and pray about things I'm thankful for. For one, it's hard to be anxious or stressed when you focus your mind on what you are thankful for. It also helps cultivate contentment, which is very important for my self improvement. -It's hard to pay off debt or save money if you aren't content, or thankful, for what you have.

This also helps me stop the backslide and restart the momentum of self improvement. Being thankful, for what I've accomplished and knowing that directing my next step back on course will get me to my goals, helps me get back on track.

Keep the focus within reason, make it sustainable and it will compound.