It has been a long time since I wrote the last blog. A lot has changed for me in the last two years or so. The biggest change came with becoming a mum. It has been one of the best things that happened to me. It also changed my lifestyle considerably. Now it’s time to reconnect with writing and share with you some thoughts on topics that might resonate with you.
Last week my very good friend wrote to me about checking my blog if anything new has been written and so I feel even more motivated to get going!
I enjoy writing blogs but I haven’t done so for over two years for different reasons but mainly it was about having a different focus and responsibilities. Now I feel like I want to go back to writing. However, doing it after such a long break is not easy so I started with making a decision that I will write two blogs per month and I put those dates in my diary. I committed. It would be of no help wanting to write more and putting pressure on me as that would not work. At the beginning I need to start slow – create a structure and some habits that will help me to get there.
From my experience with working with research students one of the main things for them to achieve their goals and enjoy the process is to break bigger tasks into smaller achievable steps. Once they experience completion, they feel more motivated and they also regain momentum.
We have different priorities at different life stages. Becoming a parent has changed a lot for me but I have also realised that it’s important to keep some space and time for me even though it might be limited. This ‘you’ time gives you opportunity to step back, reflect, recharge and energise. It has also a positive impact on everything else you do. Can you start small? For instance, could you block two 30min slots in the week for doing something you love? This might be going for a walk, reading, exercising. The main thing is that you put your phone down and don’t let yourself being distracted. If needed share it with your family so they now that during that time you can’t be doing anything else.
The tendency often is to expect of you to do 4 hours of something per week (e.g. exercise). In reality, however, this is not possible for you (at the moment) and as a result this leads to frustration that nothing gets done. But perhaps you could do those two 30min blocks as a starting point?
Whatever it is that you wanted to do – just do it. Start small and enjoy it. Choose a specific day, select a time and commit. Then show up. You will feel great after you have done it. Remember that this is just a beginning and gradually you will be able to do more and expand what you want to do.
I am starting with writing two blogs per month. My next step is going back to my karate practice and creating a better routine to enable me to train consistently.
And what is it that you would like to go back to?