When You’re Tempted: Don’t Give Up On Your Dreams

Is it just me or do you wish you had someone to say, ‘don’t give up on your dreams’?

Especially when it comes to this time of the year, it’s hard to keep the momentum going, am I right?

Somehow, the zeal we have at the beginning of a year has a way of fizzling very quickly – too quickly, as a matter of fact. Our good intentions seem to float right out of the window.

So, it’s no surprise that by this time of year, many find themselves sitting on the sidelines hoping for January to come quickly so they can start over. Then there are those who’d like to give that extra push but they’re not quite sure if they have the energy to make it happen.

If you started this year with a set of goals and plans but haven’t accomplished them yet, this is not the time to give up.

Here are a few tips to help you keep moving in the direction of your goals and dreams. I’m sharing with you the encouragement that I need too. When we’re tempted to lose hope, let’s remind each other not to give up on our dreams.

Don’t Give Up On Your Dreams

1. Remember your why

There was a reason you set out to accomplish what you planned. You’re looking for improvements in a certain aspect of your life or business. But why are you doing it? Maybe your health is at stake and you’re doing it for your children. Or achieving your financial goals will finally afford you the independence you’ve longed for. Don’t let the details overwhelm you. Remember your why and allow the how to follow.

2. Reflect on the journey

Consider where you were a year ago, or five years ago. While things are probably not where you’d like them to be, when you reflect you can see how far you’ve come. This thought can inspire you to extend some grace to yourself because like many of us, you’ve probably been through a lot in the past year.

Keep in mind the difficulties you’ve faced recently and the ways you’ve risen to the challenge. I’m always more grateful when I remember how far I’ve come instead of focusing on how far I have to go, and that gratitude inspires me to keep going.

3. Pray

Prayer has a way of reconnecting me to the heart of God. It’s so refreshing to know that I can present my concerns and requests to Him at any time (see Philippians 4:6). So, when I want to get re-inspired about my year, the best thing I can do is turn to God and I’m reminded that He has good plans for me. That’s a good reason to keep going.  

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3 NIV

4. Keep it simple

Why complicate things when we can keep them simple? You might have started out your year with a long list of things you wanted to work on. But at this time of year, I don’t try to change too many things at once. I start with just one goal or new routine and work with that. It might be a new workout, a new Bible study plan or a renewed commitment to cut down on sugary snacks.

Get some traction going with your one thing and add another one after you’ve made progress. You’ll be more likely to stick to your new habits if you stack them.

5. Mind the minutes

I don’t know if you’ve noticed but the year has gone by pretty quickly. There are some weeks, I look back and wonder where all the time went. If I’m not careful, all my weeks will roll into one without me even noticing and just like that, the year would be over.

A big part of being intentional is being mindful about how I spend my time. I’m minding my minutes so that my moments matter. In other words, I’m paying attention to how I spend my time, so that I can have time for the things that really matter to me. Whether you’re at work, relaxing with friends or enjoying time with your family, choose to be fully present. Managing your time well will allow you to use your limited time to focus on your goals and the things that are important to you.  

6. Tag TEAM IT

Everyone can benefit from having someone in their corner encouraging them along. Tell a friend about your plans to finish the year the strong and ask them to check on you. This builds in the accountability you need to keep going and you might even be able to return the favor.  The next thing you know, you have an entire cheering squad. Hooray!

Speaking of a cheering squad, I’d love to have you join me in the Free to Thrive Community where we regularly cheer each other on. This is a private community of women who’ve made it their goal to thrive in life, work and faith. I’d love to have you join us here.

7. Pick yourself up and go again

Let’s be real. Sometimes, it’s tiring to keep up with all the things you want to accomplish. You might fall short and not make the changes you expect. Rather than get disappointed or be hard on yourself, give yourself some grace.  Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep going. Remember, you set off on a course for a reason. Recommit yourself, make the necessary adjustments) and keep going.

So, don’t scratch this year off just yet. Don’t give up on your dreams!

Begin by remembering why you started on your journey and choose the tips that will help you stay (or get back) on track. I know you can do it. You got this!

Ready to move forward but not sure how? Start with a complimentary strategy call with me. There’s no obligation to sign up for coaching, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.