Setting up for a Summer of Success
Ah, summer. It's the season when many take a break from work, the sun beams down, and a sense of enjoyment permeates the air. I've been contemplating how we navigate the different seasons of our lives and realized that although we may not always be able to identify the figurative season we're in, we can use the actual season as a guide to frame our mental health strategies. This reflection led me to wonder why we don't usually adopt this approach and what concrete steps we could implement to embrace this season.
Reasons Why We Aren’t Often Set Up for Success
Achieving success demands a level of focus and intention that can be challenging to maintain. In a world filled with distractions, dedicating the necessary time to be present and pursue a goal can be tough. Moreover, we might be tempted to adopt what has worked for others, rather than crafting a personalized plan that suits our unique journey. Further, we may have the internal belief that we cannot achieve that goal-that goal might be too ambitious and we have no concrete examples to motivate ourselves to move towards that goal, causing us to freeze and perhaps even permanently stop reaching for our goal. Our internalized beliefs and self-talk, often influenced by others, can keep us from moving forward.
So, if this is indeed true, what can we do about it? Here are a couple of thoughts:
We can observe ourselves—what are we repeatedly telling ourselves? In my work with clients, I've found that we often have a few statements that we consistently direct towards ourselves. Are these statements motivating? How do you typically feel, and what actions do you take in response to these thoughts? Understanding this can help us reframe these narratives into mindsets that encourage us to move forward rather than remain stagnant.
We can seek support—if we identify a recurring theme in our thoughts, we can find a book or a healer to address it. While none of us have all the answers, there is a wealth of knowledge available that can guide us in identifying actions we can consistently practice to address our concerns.
We can use the current season to our advantage—as mentioned in the previous paragraph, summer is an excellent time to reflect on the resolutions and goals set at the year's start and put them into motion. The outdoors can inspire us to plan. Find a good book to read or listen to that addresses some of the gaps you've noticed over the past months. Alternatively, spend time with loved ones discussing various topics in the sunlight. The weather can influence our mood, so if you find that summer generally improves your and others' moods, use that time to initiate challenging conversations with yourself and others, as you may be more receptive.
Setting oneself up for success can be challenging, but it is certainly achievable. It's possible to relish the season and have fun—which is an aspect of wellness—while still maintaining accountability for our goals. How are you dedicating yourself to lay the groundwork for success?