As it is now the third month into the new year, many of us were filled with great energy and motivation to complete our goals that we set out for in January. Some of us have lost the momentum and I’m here to tell you: You’re doing amazing, sweetie.

So no, you may not have stuck to your dietary plan, you may not have saved up that money that you planned to, you may not have written that business plan, you may not have done anything you set out to do. OK. It doesn’t mean you cant start. It doesn’t mean that if you started, you cant finish. It doesn’t mean you’re incapable, it doesn’t mean you are are a failure, it doesn’t mean you cant get shit done.

First and foremost:

You are more than enough. You are doing great things and you will do great things. You are making things happen. You are out here. You are on track. You are doing more than enough and if you are not, you have more than enough time to do what you set out to do. Your goals are worthy. Your dreams are valid. You are capable. You will succeed.

Time: We always feel we are running out of time. We often feel as though there is not enough time or we wait until it is “too late”. As long as you are still breathing, you have time. As long as you’re still able, you can do it. I know it sounds cliche but it’s so true. Time keeps us on track but it can also be used as a constraint. Use time to your advantage. Carve out at least 30 minutes to an hour a day or once a week to focus on what you want to do. Start small and then increase as you build stamina. Start your blog. Start your website. Start your photography or add to your portfolio. Research for your podcast. Look up vendors for your clothing line. Sign up for a gofundme account (nothing wrong with asking for funds to start your business). Order that book that will help you get your ideas off the ground. Draw. Write. Create. Outline, sketch, or stretch. Renew that gym membership. Look into yoga. Look for free events. Link up with the people you meant to link up with. Send that email. Apply to that job. DO YOU.

Fear: We allow fear to dictate how we treat ourselves and how we treat others. We allow it to dictate how and if we move forward on something we’ve wanted to do for our whole lives. We are too scared to pursue our dreams or finish because we are scared of our own success, we are scared of what people will think, and we are scared to follow through. Realistically, you are the one that holds you back. When I first started this website, I just knew I wanted to get my thoughts out and pursue what I was passionate about. 3 years later, it’s still here and people still connect with it. I am so happy this is one of the dreams I pursued. I still struggle with my other goals but fear hasn’t been a driving factor behind this. If anything fear of not seeing this to fruition, pushed me to go for it. I remember my dear friend said something to me that changed my life forever. I was expressing to her how scared and nervous I was for the future. She shared with me that she couldn’t understand why when everything I put my mind to, gets done. She talked about the many blessings I’ve had and how she is eager to see where my life will lead. I listened to her and thought, “wow, someone is eager for me?” it made me question where my fear came from and changed my mindset. This is what pushed me to move back to NYC. This is what pushed me to wear a 2 piece bathing suit to a pool party in Dallas where I would normally cover up or just avoid it all together. (I’ve never been to one before) This is what pushed me to try new things. I had someone in my corner who was eager and rooting for me which pushed me to root for myself.What was I truly scared of when everything I put my mind to and prayed for came to fruition. Nothing that has been meant for me has missed my grasp.

Motivation: Some of us are just plain ol’ unmotivated. Our moods change, our mental health sometimes isn’t stabilized, some of us are concerned about bills, children, school, work, lack of resources, etc. Some of us are looking at others and comparing ourselves to them which then leads us to stay stagnant. I believe that motivation fluctuates. So on some days or weeks you may be motivated consistently and then something happens where that motivation slowly decreases or is just gone. It’s ok. Try and do something, even if it is little, that helps you towards your goals. Maybe its writing a paragraph. Maybe its reading a paragraph. Maybe its taking a 10 minute walk. Maybe it’s doing 5 minute meditation. Do something. Even in this moment, take some time to do something towards your goals. You are worth that.

Procrastination: Do I really have to explain? So much of our lives are spent procrastinating but all of those factors listed above has to do with it. Time, fear, lack of motivation and insecurities all contribute to why we procrastinate or stay stagnant. We can no longer afford this lifestyle. You have dreams and goals you want to pursue. You are worth seeing things through. Your voice should be heard. Your book should be read.

Be kind to yourself: Remember, there are more of us than not, that are trying to get our shit together. We’re all out here trying to find our way. Despite what people post on their social media, despite the clothes we wear, despite the smiles on our faces; we’re all going through it and feeling our way around this life. Some of us are still grieving, some of us are still healing or haven’t started that process. Some of us are the first to attend or graduate school in our families, some of us are just starting our own businesses, some of us are first time parents, some of us are first generation folks, and some of us are just plain tired of the daily grind. ITS OK. Be kind to yourself. Kindness looks like giving yourself a compliment. Kindness looks like turning your negative thoughts around to say some positive things about yourself or your situation. Kindness looks like meditation. Kindness looks like sleeping or taking a walk. Kindness looks like eating healthy or indulging in some sweets. Kindness looks like surrounding yourself with people who value your opinion and presence. Kindness looks like taking the day off or leaving early. Kindness looks like making that appointment. Kindness looks like splurging on yourself. Kindness looks like saying “no”. Kindness looks like receiving affection or feeling on your own ass lol. There’s so many ways to be kind to yourself. Make a habit of practicing it, daily. The world is already rough on us.

Listen, I started this draft on December 9th, 2018 lol. Shit happens but things will get done. I’ve been dedicating my Sunday’s to writing, organizing, planning, publishing, researching and focusing on what it is that makes my heart flutter, that motivates me, that inspires me to keep pushing myself. I still struggle with my fitness goals and healthy eating goals but I cant afford to beat myself up not reaching these goals. it’s not a matter of if I will reach them but acknowledging that I haven’t met them yet. A lot of times getting down on ourselves hinders our process and progress. Overall, my goal is to be kinder to myself and pace myself.

I wrote this piece to make you laugh, to motivate you and to encourage you to keep moving but if you haven’t moved yet, its OK. BUT, move, one step at a time. Revisit that new years list or make a new one, but do something to take care of your passions. Do something for yourself.

I remember hearing this quote in the movie Freedom Writers(2007) and then receiving this on a laminated paper. It resonates with me now more then it ever did 12 years ago.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"

Let’s go. We got goals. Amen.