It never ceases to amaze me how perspective works.
I’ll be the first one to admit that I can be—and often are—very hard on myself. I tend to focus on my shortcomings, instead of what I have already accomplished.
That led me to discover three concrete and actionable things I can do to maintain a constructive perspective. I don’t always remember to do them, and even when I do, I’m not as consistent as I would like.
But I still want to share them with you because they have made an impact in my life (a difference when all that has kept me from giving up is the thread of a dream).
Keep a List of Daily Accomplishments
This idea of keeping an alternate list from my daily to-dos is a recent discovery. I love lists. Daily, weekly, monthly, you name it. I have it. They help me stay organized. They can also make me feel disappointed when I fail to accomplish all I set out to do.
So I started keeping a list of the things I do during the day outside of my already curated lists.
The result was surprising.
Yes, I was completing my designated tasks. Not always, and not to the standard that I wanted every time. But they were getting done to the best of my abilities.
But I was also achieving so much more than that. I realized I was doing other important things that weren’t making it on my “accomplished” daily bucket.
The exercise changed my perspective. Now I make a conscientious effort to acknowledge everything I do. From something as simple as vacuuming the living room rug to the tedious work of tracking receipt expenses.
It all adds up to beautiful days that create productive weeks, glorious months, and years of well-lived memories.
Journal the Heck Out of Your Life
Another idea that has helped in immeasurable ways is keeping a daily journal.
Nothing longer than 5-10 minutes, and sometimes not even that. Just a moment to jot down my feelings, my struggles, or something I’m grateful for.
Little by little, word by word, minute by minute, I have built my own personal history. No, I didn’t do it every day. Sometimes not even every month. But I showed up as often as I was able.
Now, five years later, I can look back and realize what a blessing that has been in my life. It has undoubtedly increased my ability to keep a positive and productive perspective.
Meditate Like Crazy
The last idea I set into motion that has also made a huge impact has been meditation.
Not the kind where you try to clear your head of thoughts, or try to find mental silence. This is going to sound crazy, but I started talking to myself.
In my mind. Not in public. That would be embarrassing.
As often as I can (usually after a work out, right before bed, or as soon as I wake up), I talk to myself. I take 1-3 minutes to sift through my thoughts, my goals, and give encouragement where needed.
Again, it doesn’t happen every day. But the consistency has still paid off. I have been able to extend myself grace in order to keep growing and appreciate my efforts. I have also acknowledged that I don’t have to be perfect.
I just have to keep trying.
The funny thing about perspective is that once you have it, it is is so easy to see. And yet, if you don’t make an effort to keep it, it can leave you faster that it took you to obtain it.
That’s why I keep doing these three things: keep a list of my daily achievements (no matter how little), journal, and meditate.
My perspective has been forever altered, and I am a better and kinder person (to myself and others) because of it.
I’ve applied these exercises to my publishing goals specifically. I keep a list of daily writing-related achievements, journal through my creative process, and talk to myself about it all.
I have been able to increase my patience through the daily, weekly, and monthly grind. Dreams don’t come true from wishing. They come true through consistency and hard work.
Dreams are reached through persistence.
If there are things you can do to help you stay the course in your own personal ocean, do them. The alternative is drowning. And you can do so much better than that.
Keep track of your daily accomplishments. Journal. Meditate. You’ll be shocked where you’ll be in a few years’ time.
Keep on rockin’ my friend!
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Melissa Muhlenkamp 