Stand Up For Yourself to Yourself

One of the on-going challenges with behavior change is to keep going no matter what. The distractions of daily life, work, family, hobbies, disappointments and stress among others things inevitably get in the way to a greater or lesser degree.

When we are very clear about what we want, we are far more likely to follow through on what it takes to get it.  The inevitable set backs along the way will then appear like minor distractions instead of major problems.  We can then just keep going. 

Unfortunately, even in the best circumstances, we encounter coworkers, friends or family who aren't on the same page.  These people may be well intentioned, but their unhelpful comments, attitude or behavior can make our efforts feel a whole lot harder.  It's not fair, but it is real.  It is at holiday times, celebrations and special occasions when we could benefit from a cheerleading squad not detractors. 

Time to return to what is in the heart, i.e. what really matters.  Time to revisit why staying the course is a worthwhile pursuit.  Time to remember how far you've come, and how much you don't want to lose traction.  Time to give yourself some wiggle room, but not let yourself off the hook.  Time to remember that when others want you to do something you don't, you can stand up for yourself to yourself and then say an emphatic "no thank you." 

The more often we practice getting what we really want, the more we are likely to get it.  This life comes along but once, and it is our privilege, opportunity, job and daily grind to get the most out of it.  Happiness, contentment, self esteem, confidence, positivity all come from cultivating them.  That's the best life worth living.