Expect the Wins & the Losses

You know how it goes.

You discover something you really want to accomplish, achieve, or change.

You set a goal; you feel pumped to get started and are sure that you are going to crush it. You dive in, give 100%. And then, eventually, the inevitable happens.

You slip backwards into old habits.

You trip up.

You fail.

What do we usually do when that happens? If we're honest, we usually give up. We feel swallowed up by defeat, our ego is bruised, and we decide it's no use. We listen to whispers in our minds telling us that we'll never accomplish the goal. Who were we kidding?

And so we remain where we fell (or even worse, we crawl back to where we started), in a heap of disappointment, angry that we even tried in the first place.

My friend, lift up your head. Hope is not lost. Success is not an illusion. Accomplishing your goal isn't impossible. It just requires a little readjustment of expectations. Because here's the thing - we're never going to nail it every time. We're never going to grow or change or achieve a dream without stumbling or messing up or failing at times. And that's okay. Expect that. Expect the wins, yes, but also expect the losses. Know that the road to accomplish that goal, that change, that dream is a bumpy one, with smooth places and with potholes. At times you'll feel like you're a champion and at times you'll feel like a failure. Prepare for both, appreciate both, and learn from both.

When the stumble happens, get up, dust off your knees, give yourself grace, and carry on.

Don't dwell. Don't wallow. Acknowledge it and then keep going.

Every goal worth accomplishing will require grit. It will require determination. It will require discipline and perseverance and continuing on even when you want to give up.

But don't give up.

Don't ever give up.

Stand up, dust yourself off, and keep on keeping on.

The prize is worth the fight!