The power of “yet”

In this post, I am going to dig deeper into the concept of how we can show ourselves more grace. 

My To-Do list feels never-ending. There are always tasks I never get to for one reason or another, such as lack of time, prioritising other tasks, procrastination, etc. I’m sure you can relate!

In addition to my regular To-Do list, I also have a Life Goals document I regularly add things to, because I find when I write something down it makes it more real, and kick-starts the manifestation process. This list has been the culmination of my short, medium and long-term goals over the last 15+ years since I started the document, so as you can imagine, this list has grown considerably over time.

I am amazed at how many of these goals I have ticked off, but there are also plenty more that remain unrealised (and let’s be fair, plenty of the travel ones were put on hold over the last couple of years!). When I look at my list, I often feel overwhelmed – especially when the days, weeks, months and years fly by as quickly as they do!  

The key, I’ve discovered, is to take a deep breath and tell yourself to SLOW DOWN!

Whilst we don’t know what lies around the corner, rushing through our lives at a million miles an hour just to achieve every goal we set, or tick everything off our To-Do list means we’re also missing out on the small delights that lie in everyday experiences, such as gazing out the window at the sky, or noticing the breeze against your skin. 

Right now, I implore to take a few moments to celebrate all you’ve accomplished in life so far, and be grateful for the experiences you’ve had and the people you‘ve met. 

Once you’ve taken a few moments to reflect and show gratitude for the life you’ve lived so far, I want you to TRUST that the universe will provide the time and resources for you to achieve everything else you’re supposed to in your lifetime. 

With this in mind, let’s circle back to your list of goals. Take a moment to identify your most important goals – let’s start with three goals. Now I’d like you to assign a rough time period in which you would like to complete these goals.

While you’re thinking, I’ll share one of my personal goals with you, which is to be able to run 10km in 45 minutes. I’ve had this goal on my list for YEARS! It has been put on hold more than once because life got in the way. However, I continue to chip away at it. This year I have focused on it more diligently by engaging a running coach to help me with my technique, I’ve read and listened to numerous running books, downloaded various training plans, and turned up to Park Run more consistently with the goal of improving my time each week. 

Now comes the most important bit – are you listening closely?

Achieving any goal requires determination and consistency – showing up day after day to put in the hard work.

BUT, a big part of achieving a goal is MINDSET.

For example, when I’ve talked about my 10km goal in the past, I’ve said “I can’t run 10km in 45min”. 

But I’ve since modified my language and NOW say “I can’t run 10km in 45 minutes YET.”

See the difference? Rather than shutting down the goal and saying I can’t do it (no matter how badly I want to), by adding the word “yet” I’m opening myself to the possibility that I will be able to run 10km in 45 minutes in the future. 

Let’s say one of your goals is to learn to play the piano, or speak Spanish, for example. You could apply this strategy to any of these goals and revise “I can’t play the piano” to “I can’t play the piano YET”, or “I can’t speak Spanish” to “I can’t speak Spanish YET.”

By applying this small but mighty word to any of your goals, you are not only busting any self-limiting beliefs, but you are also giving yourself the gift of grace by demonstrating patience and giving yourself time to achieve your goals.

Once you’ve set the goal, break it down into manageable steps, then take the first step – no matter how small! This is how we make progress with grace and intention.

This week I encourage you to ponder:

What goals or dreams do you need to add the word “yet” to right now? How will this change your perspective on achieving them?

I’ll conclude with this quote from Jacob Rees-Mogg: “Patience is a virtue; virtue is a grace.”