Acknowledging Where You Are

Today let’s talk about acknowledging where you are.

Sometimes I get this horrible disease called “comparitivitis.”
You may have heard of it.

I start looking at other peoples businesses, and what they are doing. And start to re-think some of my decisions.

I look at other websites, and oh and ah over how much better they are than mine.

I look at other women’s bodies and hair and shoes, and feel less about me. I feel less about my journey.

I look at other moms and think “damn, she has it together, what the heck am I doing.”

What about you, do you feel this way? 

I find I can quickly shake myself out of it by remembering I am where I am, and it is perfect. I don’t know where any one else is on their journey, and there is no way I can compare myself to them. I have done a lot of awesome things from joining the U.S. Army, traveling the world, owning businesses, having kids, moving from state to state and accomplishing many of the goals I have set for myself.

And you are where you are, and it is perfect.

We all have to start somewhere; as a parent, as a business owner, or even as a woman.

And where you are right now is perfect. Every step you take is a step forward – no matter how big or how small.

Don’t get hung up on where you are right now—it is the perfect place in your life journey.

All your past steps, all your past experiences you have brought you here.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
Lao Tzu

Where you are right now is a catalyst for where you are going. Let’s aim high, baby!

I love hearing about how others acknowledge where they are at on their journey. One of my favorites on the subject is Jack Canfield. He goes on further about not only how to acknowledge yourself but how to fully appreciate yourself too.

You may know him:

Jack Canfield, America’s #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul® and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you’re ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com

Hello Jack, please tell us your thoughts on acknowledging and appreciating yourself:

Acknowledge and Appreciate Yourself

Pop Quiz: When was the last time you acknowledged and appreciated yourself?

That’s right: YOU. Not your spouse, not your children, not your boss, co-workers or friends. Just YOU!

Seriously, think about it!

And if it’s been too long since your last pat on the back, then I want you to take the time right now to acknowledge and appreciate yourself for everything you’ve accomplished today, throughout the year, and in life.

Ask yourself: How many times have you succeeded in the past month? The past year? The past 10 years? Are you able to recall your successes as easily as your failures and missteps?

This is not a selfish or egotistical act in the least. By taking the time to stop and appreciate who you are and what you’ve achieved—and perhaps learned through a few mistakes, stumbles and losses—you actually can enhance everything about you!

Self-acknowledgment and appreciation are what give you the insights and awareness to move forward toward higher goals and accomplishments.

In working with top leaders and thought philosophers of our time, I will tell you that among their secrets of success is a regular practice of acknowledging and appreciating what they have. It can offer an oracle into the future because it not only tells you where you are but it also helps clarify where you want to go in life. Whatever that might be. The road then becomes easier to navigate—easier to see from the distance and walk confidently step by step.

Don’t forget to think about both big and little accomplishments. Many people under-appreciate the minor things they do successfully every day . And yet they can recall in detail all the times they have failed or made mistakes. That’s because the brain remembers events more easily when they are accompanied by strong emotions.

For example, you might vividly recall a graduation, losing 10 pounds, having a child, winning an award, or landing a highly sought after position. But see if you can identify just as many minor, more subtle successes, such as your intimate conversation with your spouse last night, the re-connection you established with an estranged friend last month, the quality time you were able to spend with your children today, how you checked off all your list of To-Dos for the weekend, how you learned a new task at work, or got your kid to school on time.

These may seem like minor acts in the grand scheme of life, but they are what make us feel whole, happy, and accomplished along the journey toward those larger, and much more deeply satisfying moments.

Acknowledging your mistakes also has it pluses, but we often don’t have trouble recalling or mulling over those. The point is, if you don’t acknowledge your successes the same way you acknowledge your mistakes, you’re sure to have a memory full of blunders. And a mind stuffed with negative chatter about the gaffes of life won’t fuel your energy, nor your confidence, creativity, and motivation to keep going.

Consider this, too: if you only remember the mistakes and failures, you won’t be as ready to take risks that will lead to your successes. Build your self-esteem by recalling all the ways you have succeeded and your brain will be filled with images of you making your achievements happen again and again.

Give yourself permission to toot your own horn and don’t wait for anyone to praise you. Here are two suggestions:

1.) Record Your Personal History. Take time to write your achievements down. Start when you were very young and think of all your achievements since then. Don’t just pick the major milestones; write down all the things you take for granted. For example, if you list your college degree, write your appreciation for having the opportunity to go to college and forge friendships that will last a lifetime.

You can also create a log of success every day and review it when you are faced with a new challenge. By writing it all down daily, you’re securing it in your long-term memory and it will become a part of what makes you tick. It can even become a source of positive reminders and affirmations for when you’re feeling down, as well as a personal record of you that becomes your legacy.

2.) Celebrate Yourself with Mementos. Surround yourself with reminders of your successes. Put up pictures, articles, trophies, awards and other pieces that bring your attention to your success. Make your environment speak to you about your achievements. Be proud of them!

By the way, showing appreciation for yourself and accomplishments has many rewards that go far beyond boosting your own self-confidence.

Appreciating yourself creates a cascading affect—your heightened confidence will spill over into other aspects of your life. Watch what happens when you gain that special trust in yourself. You’ll attract opportunities, experience more fulfilling relationships, and have no trouble reaching loftier goals.

Remember, people like to be around those who have a healthy self-esteem and who are achieving their goals. Commit to acknowledging your achievements and your brain will begin to tell you the truth: that you can do anything!

Thanks Jack, we agree! YOU can do anything!

Acknowledge and Appreciate where you are today.

No excuses, no buts, no ifs. You are where you are and it’s perfect.

No “I am too old”, “it’s too late” or “I should be better or further.”

Be proud of what you have accomplished so far and keep going.

Even the tiniest step is further than you were yesterday and a whole lot further than you were a year ago.

TAKE ACTION

Let’s pinky swear no more comparing, coveting or downplaying where we are right now. It is and always will be perfect as long as we keep chuggin’ forward. Learn to acknowledge and appreciate YOU!