Everyday I avoid the hard thing, I delay the life I want.

Every day, we face tough choices that feel like obstacles on our journey. It's easy to want to avoid them for a brief sense of relief from discomfort. But every time we sidestep these challenges, we postpone the life we really want.

In health and wellness, this avoidance shows up in ways like skipping workouts, delaying meal planning, or neglecting our mental health. Each small decision to put things off adds up, creating a barrier to our goals. To overcome this pattern, we must tackle the difficult tasks head-on. This could mean sticking to a workout schedule, getting help from a nutrition coach, or committing to personal growth through health coaching. By facing what we resist, we clear a path to our goals and build resilience.

Think of each hard choice as a chance to grow. When you face a challenge, recognize the discomfort but don’t let it hold you back. Choose progress over perfection, and you will find that the life you want is achievable. Embrace the tough choices today to create a better tomorrow.

Ways to Stay Focused on Goals

1. Set Clear, Specific Goals
   Define what you want to achieve with measurable outcomes. Use the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to create clarity.

2. Break Down Goals into Smaller Steps
   Divide your main goal into manageable tasks. This makes your goals less overwhelming and allows for a sense of accomplishment as you complete each step.

3. Create a Vision Board
   Visual representation of your goals can serve as a daily reminder of what you are working towards. Use images, quotes, and other motivational items to keep your vision in sight.

4. Establish a Routine
   Develop a daily or weekly schedule that includes time specifically dedicated to working on your goals. Consistency helps build habits that reinforce focus.

5. Limit Distractions
   Identify what distracts you from your goals and find ways to minimize those distractions. This may involve creating a dedicated workspace, turning off notifications, or setting specific work hours.

6. Stay Accountable
   Share your goals with a friend, coach, or mentor who can help keep you accountable. Regular check-ins can motivate you to stay on track.

7. Practice Mindfulness
   Engage in mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. This helps improve concentration and allows you to redirect your focus when distractions arise.

8. Track Progress
   Regularly review your progress towards your goals. Celebrate small achievements to stay motivated, and adjust your plan as necessary to stay on course.

9. Stay Positive
   Maintain a positive mindset by surrounding yourself with supportive people and affirming your ability to achieve your goals. Negative thoughts can hinder your progress.

10. Visualize Success
    Take time to visualize yourself achieving your goals. This practice can enhance motivation and reinforce your commitment to the process.

By implementing these strategies, you can maintain focus on your goals and increase your chances of success in your health and wellness journey.

I have made vision boards in the past and found them so key in a joyful reminder of the things I want to achieve…..the “bucket list”. Journaling is another tool that I have used to almost “ talk through” the hard things, the hard choices that i need to make to get to the ultimate end goal. Whatever tool it is that you use, just remember that by avoiding the hard things, you are delaying the life that you want.