What To Do When You’ve Lost Focus or Momentum

There is no doubt that we are living in awkward times.  The changes in the world right now are affecting everyone in many ways, but as moms we always tend to carry it all.  Everyone’s health, happiness, education, social schedules… it’s a lot!  So how on earth could we ALSO work on our own personal goals at this time? 

Most of us with big goals have been thrown a bit off course, and in many ways lost motivation to pursue anything at this time.  When we look at our lives we see this massive COVID hurdle in our way and finding the mental energy to leap over this feels nearly impossible.  It requires us to get creative and really think outside the box, and It is hard!  Do you ever find yourself thinking, maybe this isn’t the right time to do it?  Or maybe saying, it shouldn’t be this hard? 

Here’s the truth- It’s important to have goals, even during tough times because growth remains important.  If you’re not growing, you’re dying.  Contribution also remains important. Giving of yourself to your world creates meaning and feelings of self-worth.  Growth and contribution are basic human needs that you need for survival!  So while these things might feel selfish or easy to put off for a better time, they are actually essential for you to be the person you need to be in this world.  When you have both growth and contribution needs met, this is when you have fulfillment.  The more fulfilled the greater your drive!  It’s a beautiful cycle that leads to a full life.  When you let dreams die, part of you can die with it. 

If you are looking to find the focus and momentum that you have lost, not just now but any time you fall off track or are even looking for a new track, there are a few things you can do to reconnect and find that surge of excitement and energy you need to put towards your goal.

This is going to require more thought work than physical work, but doing this work will keep you on track for years to come.

Go get your journal, or a pen and paper and work through these questions. 

1. Where do you want to be in 5 yrs? This should include every aspect of life- family, friends, residence, travel, work, hobbies, ect.  This question is important because it helps you see the big picture of your life.  Is your current goal apart of this life?  If yes, how has it contributed to this life? If no, why not?
2. Looking at what you want your life to look like in 5 years, choose a new goal. This goal should encompass your current goal, but in a more specific way.  For example, let’s say your original goal is to start a new retail business.  Your NEW goal could be to open up a retail shop selling designer shoes in a certain town.  See the difference?  Get as specific as you can here.  Write it all out so you can see it on paper.
3. Why do you want this?  You need to recommit and DECIDE that it’s important.  You can do this by reconnecting with your ‘why’.  Dig deep and connect this goal to your purpose. Connecting deeply with why you want this will be your driving force when times get tough or you fall off track.  It’s important to journal this one out.  It couldn’t possibly be answered in one sentence.  Dig deep and ask yourself why until you have an emotional connection with the answer. 
4. What is the very first thing that needs to be done? Do you need to acquire a new skill?  Do you need to learn something?  Whatever it is, just choose one thing.

After you have answered all these questions thoroughly, you need to focus on this one thing.  Can you break this one thing down into even smaller steps?  Figure out one simple task to get yourself moving, put it on your calendar and DO IT.

This is how you are going to figure out that it’s possible to add this big goal to your crazy busy life right now.  Because when you look at your goal as a whole, whoaaa it’s daunting!  But if you look at having to do just one thing?  Well, anyone can fit ONE thing into their schedule!  That’s the only way to look at things.  We get overwhelmed at the thought of all the work involved in something, when really it’s just small, CONSISTENT steps that get you there.  As author and podcaster Jay Shetty says, “create a plan that suites the lifestyle you want and stick to it!”  It’s that simple.  You can’t lose 10lbs without losing 1, right? 

Day by day doing small steps is 100% acceptable for achieving almost anything, especially when your goal overwhelms you and you have so much on your plate as it is.  Plus, checking off even the smallest task is rewarding and keeps you engaged enough to want to keep going.

You got this!!  Baby steps!  Do not give up on your goals, you owe it to yourself and the world needs what you have to offer.