It is going to happen.
No matter how pure your intentions or how dedicated you are, there will be at least one day of your 30 where something doesn’t go right, you try as hard as you can (or maybe not) and at the end of the day you know that you’ve messed up and you’re off course of your 30 Day goals.
Cue the guilt and shame and anger and unhappy. I’ve been there, and I’ve been there, and I’ve been there. I know the feeling.
And I also know the temptation to quit that follows. Like you’re inadequate, won’t ever succeed, couldn’t possibly keep going. Why bother if you already messed up?
But listen to me right now. Just listen.
This is when you have to dig deeper and give even more. Right now is when you have to start over with your dedication and your determination. And at the risk of sounding like a high school football coach, you have to give 110%.
Remember these tips the next time you find that you’ve stepped off your path toward success.
You’re Human, and We All Make Mistakes
You’re not alone in your slip up. Even if you have to start back from the beginning, you’re not the only one ever have fumbled, fallen down, lost focus. Everyone does it. So go easy on yourself, be forgiving, and take a deep breath.
Find out the Whys and Learn from Them
Look carefully at why you messed up. When you look for the reasons why, you’re helping make sure that you don’t make the same mistake again. You’re learning how to reach your goal. When you recognize that you were to tired to go for the run you were scheduled for or that you ate your way through a chocolate bar when you were going sugar free because you were hungry, then you can plan for the next time and you won’t find yourself over tired or with healthier choices the next time.
Remember that there is always a learning experience inside your reasons why.
Talk It Out
This is where your team is invaluable. Tell them that you messed up, because accountability only works if you share successes and failures. Ask for help if you need it. Because we all make mistakes, so your best friend (or even your Facebook friends) might have an interesting and helpful perspective to help get you back on track. Be honest with yourself and others, and internalize the advice you get.
Refocus on Your Goal
Go back to the beginning. Think about your goal. If you wrote it down, read it out loud. Scream it. Remember that enthusiasm and passion that you had when you started, find it again and start over again. Do not let one slip up lead you away from your ultimate goals. And do not loose sight of the person you want to be at the end.
You’re on your way to big things, but when you get turned around, you have to make sure you’re facing in the right direction again.
What do you do when you find that you’ve messed up on your way to goals?
What you said about learning why is pretty key. Anytime anything doesn’t go as planned, it’s always good to debrief and figure out what happened and how to prevent it from next time. For me, I give myself an out and learn that not every day will be perfect. That helps me not get too down about it and, more importantly, not use it as an excuse to quit.
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YES! Exactly right, and debriefing is a great way to put it. I kind of think that you don’t take the time to learn, what’s the point of even trying.
Wow, how spot on for me today. I messed up on my 30 day goal this weekend, but came back on Monday with renewed vigor (sort of).
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I think the weekends are the hardest.Without the same structure, I always loose my motivation and my will power weakens. Mondays are always hardest. Good for you for getting back on track!