Let's say we've been working towards a more fulfilling life by making changes in our mindset, creating a more meaningful daily routine, and shaping healthy relationships with others. We've reached some amazing milestones. The confident, empowered energy buzzing off of us is even noticeable to others. So, what’s next after we’ve seen the evidence of our personal transformation by reaching a series of goals? Maintaining this new state and consciously created routine is key for continued growth, we know. But we also acknowledge we’re human, which means we’ll continue to encounter hurdles and limiting beliefs that ask us to assess challenging, painful, or discouraging situations as either opportunities or problems. And we may still beat ourselves up sometimes…
But what if we could hold ourselves lovingly?
As we transform our life and begin to hold ourselves accountable for the mindset and lifestyle changes we’ve made, we have to find a balance between being honest and gentle during our inner dialogues. So today I’d like to share some techniques on how to lovingly hold ourselves accountable when honoring our new, fulfilling paths.
Love Notes
You know me; I’m going to get real cheesy and goofy with you. That doesn’t negate the fact that it’s going to make you feel good. It’s common manifestation and accountability practice to write down what you’re working to accomplish, but what if you wrote love notes instead of to do lists? Leaving yourself random notes around the house, car, or place of work will leave you smiling every time you read them—especially if you put your personality in it. Like…
Personal Check In
Whether you write it in a journal, make a mental note, or some other creative option, review your weekly or monthly challenges and successes. How do you create opportunity? Were there any areas that left room for growth? Remember, this isn’t the shame game! If you’re making time to check in, you’re making time to grow. Call yourself in if you didn’t quite hit your mark. Give yourself room to make mistakes—life is NEVER perfect. We have to make mistakes to discover areas that need attention. Calling in is a deeply intimate act, done in private, when we do it with others. That doesn’t change when we do this with ourselves. Make your check in close, caring, and constructive. Use your abundance techniques to shape how this inner dialogue progresses; it’s a great way to keep that practice alive!
On a Mission
Create a personal mission statement. Nothing holds organizations or individuals accountable like a good ol’ mission statement. It also allows you to call yourself in instead of call yourself out when you acknowledge the work you initially set out to do and remind yourself of your purpose with your own, well thought out words. You may have to tweak this a few times; I can tell you as an entrepreneur, I’ve written several versions of the same statement for multiple areas of work I’ve been a part of. It’s not a one and done, and deserves to reflect your full passion and commitment in your authentic voice. Be sure to reflect who you are and what you’re working towards. You can find tons of online resources on how to do this, but I also offer this during my life coaching programs. One crucial detail: after it’s written, put it on display! Use your mission statement as a morning mantra, your gentle reminder when you’re feeling disgusted with the laundry list of life’s to-do items, or as a check in when you’re not sure if something aligns with the new path you’re on.
My personal mission: intentionally choosing a path of happiness that honors myself, the land, and those around me.
Treat Yo’self
Recognizing the successes in your life is actually an accountability practice. Stop and breathe every once in a while and look around! Check out that amazing trail you’ve blazed. By checking in with those pretty important milestones you've met, you’re able to measure and celebrate the transformation you’ve achieved. A hike on your favorite trail, an extra special meal, an evening with a friend...your reward doesn’t have to be extravagant, just something meaningful to you. Those celebrations are allowing you to positively take note of the effort and progress you've been pouring into your life.
All in all, if you’re mindfully pursuing the work of maintaining the fulfilling lifestyle and practice you’ve uncovered, you’ve already taken steps toward holding yourself—instead of beating yourself—during times of accountability. I’d love to hear how you do this in your own life, as I fully know how valuable your own experiences can prove to be for others. Feel free to share how you’ve lovingly held yourself accountable in comments below!
~Much love, Casey