Choosing to Start Even When I Feel Afraid

I have chosen to live a BIGGER life this year because I decided to start moving towards the life I want for myself, even when I feel afraid.  That’s meant the 5 main goals I wrote down in January, I actively worked towards achieving.  

This is the first year EVER that I have managed to do that!!  Usually I would discard my well meaning goals very soon into the new year. I would decide that they were just very “unrealistic”.

However this year I have moved  away from defining my life by “labels”.  For some of us that’s the label of “depression” or “chronic pain” or “I’m not a writer or an athlete or social” etc.

All those labels, though they might contain some truth, can keep us stuck living a small life! 

One of the labels that was significant for me to let go of, was long term chronic back pain.  Something that has been a constant part of my life for almost 10 years and held back from engaging in activities I wanted in my life.  

Instead I have decided I am going to pursue activities I am interested in (though sensibly of course), regardless of what my brain is telling me about my back.   I have started though feeling afraid, with determination.

This past year I have…

Taken my kids camping, not once but four times!  And I have gotten better and faster at packing!

Celebrated my 40th birthday with some beautiful friends in the midst of intense pressure and stress.  I can honestly say that I have so much to be thankful for!

I pulled out the old, ugly 1970’s kitchen in my house and installed a new kitchen available through Bunnings Warehouse- by myself!! That included the sink, taps and a whole lot of floor and wall tiling!   I have never done anything like that before!

Gone hiking in the Stirling Ranges for the first time in 11 and 1/2 years!! Oh and that was in the midst of trying to connect my sink up, get the new stove in and finish the tiling!  Yes crazy!! Lesson learnt- tiles don’t adhere well when you do them up in a hurry!!

I also joined several new social groups, started at a new church,  and meet a lot of new people!

While some of these things have been a lot of fun, others have been scary, uncomfortable and had me questioning my sanity and why on earth I started the project in the first place.  

Sometimes I have felt afraid and overwhelmed!! Sometimes I have failed!!  

But  I agree with Seth Goodin who says, “The only thing worse than starting something and failing, is not starting something.”

More Personal Goals

My next big goal is starting this blog!! And I feel scared and excited! I am choosing to start!

I have so many ideas for resources, posts and products that will help you the reader focus on achieving the goals you have for your life.  Goals to be more organised or have less clutter, or finish a DIY project or two…

What have you done that’s been uncomfortable or even had you scared?

More Helpful Resources

• Benefits of Setting Personal Goals
• 3 Secrets To Achieving Your Goals
• 90 Day Goals
• What To Do When You Feel Overwhelmed With Life
• What To Do When You Feel Like Giving Up
• 32 Quotes About Grit