Making and sticking to plans is crucial on our journey towards personal growth. When we follow through on our commitments, we boost our self-worth and reinforce the belief that we can achieve what we set out to do. However, understanding when to stick to those plans and when to change them can be challenging.
The Power of Commitment: Knowing Your Deeper Why
Sticking to a plan often requires us to dig deep and connect with our deeper reason. Understanding the underlying purpose for our goals can provide the motivation we need to follow through. For instance, I have made a commitment to myself that I will write every day. This commitment proves to me that I value my business and the people I aim to serve. It’s much more than just putting words on paper. Knowing your deeper connection will help you stay committed even when the going gets tough.
Fear vs. Gut Feelings: Recognising the Difference
A crucial part of knowing when to stick with a plan or change it involves distinguishing between in-the-moment fear and long-term gut feelings.
I knew deep down for about five months before quitting that my job wasn’t the right fit for me. Despite this gut feeling, I convinced myself to stay. I tried to force myself to like the role, ignoring that nagging voice in the back of my mind. This experience taught me the importance of listening to my gut instinct instead of letting fear dictate my choices.
- In-the-Moment Fear: This feeling often surfaces as a sharp, anxious pressure in your chest. It can be driven by self-doubt or the worry that you might not perform well. This fear can sometimes feel overwhelming, leading you to second-guess your abilities and decisions.
- Long-Term Gut Feelings: In contrast, gut instincts tend to be more stable and often manifest as a heavy sensation in your belly. These feelings tend to build up over time, growing stronger the longer you ignore them. They often provide valuable insights into what truly aligns with your values and aspirations.
Recognising the difference between these feelings is essential for making informed decisions.
Honesty: The Key to Informed Choices
To make the best choices for yourself, you need to be honest about where you’re at. Take the time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Ask yourself:
- Why am I feeling this way?
- Is my fear coming from a place of temporary discomfort or something deeper?
- What do I really want to achieve, and how does this plan fit into that?
Only by being truthful with yourself can you make informed choices about whether to stick with a plan or change it.
Compassion vs. Avoidance: Finding Balance
While it’s important to be compassionate with yourself, it’s equally crucial not to let that compassion turn into avoidance. Avoiding discipline under the guise of self-kindness can lead to missed opportunities for growth. Recognising when you’re justifying inaction can help you strike a balance between self-compassion and the discipline needed to achieve your goals.
Ultimately, the ability to know when to stick to a plan or change it rests on self-awareness, honesty, and compassion. By tuning into your feelings, understanding the difference between fear and gut instincts, and connecting with your deeper reason, you can work out your next steps with more conviction.