Your ability to delay gratification is one of the best indicators of how successful you will be over the long haul. When you develop the discipline to focus on your future goals, your day-to-day decisions and actions will shift and become fuel. This doesn’t mean ignoring the present or foregoing anything that gives you immediate pleasure, but investing in your future success might require short-term sacrifice.
It does mean striking the balance between the short term and the long term and making sure the decisions you make short term don’t hinder your long term success.
Today’s affirmation will help you stay focused beyond any short term sacrifices you may have to make so you can make your goals become your reality:
My eyes are on the future.
Directing my attention towards the time ahead changes the way I think. It becomes easier to resist temptations. I become more motivated to put forth my best effort. I clarify my goals.
At work, I seek opportunities to continue my education and receive training. I take initiative and assume greater responsibility.
My leisure time is devoted to activities that can reward me in the future. I may learn a new language or start a vegetable garden. I read inspiring books. I spend time with my family and friends, solidifying our relationship and making great memories for the years ahead.
Thinking about my financial goals encourages me to save money. I set up college funds for my children and put money aside for my retirement. I stick to my budget and make wise investments.
I examine how my actions affect my health. I know that regular exercise and a nutritious diet protect my heart and make it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
I am more successful because I look ahead.
My goals and the steps I need to take are firmly planted in my mind. I am able to track my progress and adjust my strategies when needed.
I am also more resilient. I understand that my circumstances are always changing.
During difficult times, I remind myself of all the good things that are awaiting me.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. Why is it worthwhile to exchange short term gains for long term benefits?
2. How can I balance living in the present and planning for my future?
3. What are three lifestyle changes I can make today to enhance my future well-being?
Today, I embrace my future. I am eager to invest in my future and see what happens down the road.
No doubt, you are hearing a lot about goal setting right now. This is the time of year when almost everyone at least thinks about what they want to accomplish in the next 12 months. With so much focus and energy on goal setting, why will so few succeed in reaching their goals?
I think it’s because the goals we tend to set our surface goals but not necessarily based on what we truly desire. It’s easy to get excited about a goal temporarily and even take a few steps towards making that goal a reality, but it takes more than that to consistently take the small and large steps necessary to actually achieve the goal once the initial excitement has worn off.
It’s the reason why you have to begin with your WHY. Why do you want to achieve the goal you’ve set for yourself? Does it really excite you and cause you to get up and do the necessary things day in and day out? If not, it may be a worthy goal but it may not be the right goal for you. Without true excitement and passion for achieving a goal, it’s very difficult to reach that goal – especially when your goal is a big one.
Today’s affirmation is another that you will want to use throughout the year as your commitment to achieving your goal is tested. You can reconnect with the excitement and passion around your goal to keep you moving when you want to quit:
I am passionate about my goals.
My passion drives me forward to live the life of my dreams. I know what I want in life and I set goals to get me there. I know that each goal I achieve brings me in union with what I desire. I feel truly invigorated with each success!
Meeting a goal, no matter how big or small, strengthens my confidence and self-esteem. I enjoy these feelings and strive to receive them as often as possible.
Setting and achieving goals is a never-ending circle of positivity that fuels my passion even more. My passion encourages me to persevere over obstacles and it is replenished and increased with every goal I complete.
My passion enables my success. I use tools to ignite and refuel my passion on a daily basis, even when I face challenges that try to smother it.
My tools include affirmations to transform negative thoughts into positive ones, meditation to relax and rejuvenate my energy, and notes and pictures to inspire and remind me of my goals.
Self-Reflection Questions:
Today, I choose to feel inspired by my passions and let the excitement propel me forward to achieve my goals, regardless of any challenges that may arise.
Have you ever been disappointed because someone told you he/she would do something and then didn’t do it? How did you feel about that person after the fact?
Often times when our words don’t support our actions, there is an underlying reason why. After all, most of us are good people with good intentions. If we are doing or not doing something we’ve said we are going to do, it’s important to figure out why.
Were you afraid of disappointing the other person if you said no to their request? Were you concerned about what they would think of you?
Personal power is achieved as a result of acting in ways you value. You will not feel worthy of receiving all the good things life has in store for you if you are letting yourself down by letting others down.
On your road to achieving more success, it’s important to align your words with your deeds.
Today’s affirmation is a simple challenge to do what you say you will do:
My actions match my words.
Actions really do speak louder than words. I ensure that what I say corresponds with what I do.
I take my promises seriously. I graciously decline obligations that I am unable to fulfill. When I make a commitment, I follow through.
I think before I speak. Giving myself time to reflect helps me to become more responsible and considerate. I take into account my true feelings and the impact that my words have on others.
I investigate any conflicts that arise between the way I speak and the way I act. I evaluate my track record. Mistakes are bound to happen, but I always look for ways to better myself. I learn from my lapses and do better next time.
I earn the trust of others when I live up to my promises.
I take satisfaction in knowing that I am living according to my values. Everything I say becomes more beautiful and meaningful when my actions mirror my words. When I say I value my home, people can see how neat and orderly it is. When I tell someone I love them, they can see the time and effort I invest in our relationship.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. How do I feel when I fulfill the promises that I make?
2. What are some additional methods that would help me to think before speaking?
3. Why is it important for me to be trustworthy?
Today, I pay attention to what comes out of my mouth. I am committed to being true to my word.
