Did you eat the leftover peanut buttery chocolate covered tree shaped delicacy? Did you impulse buy the gadget TikTok swore would change your life? Were you just a smidge late for the first meeting in 2022?

I did and I was. And it’s ok. 

Setbacks are not failures, they are simply the opportunity to try again. They provide you that humbling moment to reflect on your “why”. Why do I want this, and why did I stumble?  Setbacks allow you to learn from your actions and avoid triggers or pitfalls in the future. Reevaluate, revise, and restart. The path to finish isn’t a straight line, chances are there will be wrong turns, roadblocks and possibly even full detours. The great news is that it’s not so much about the relapse but rather your subsequent recovery. As the optimistic Disney creator said, “Everyone falls down. Getting back up is how you learn to walk.”

Get up, dust yourself off and take it one step at time. 

Some goals we make are big. They may be worth it, but they are long term, taking months or years to achieve. It is too easy to call it quits when the end seems to be at an unreachable horizon. There is great importance and reward in celebrating the milestones. Recognizing the little wins along the way provides a momentum that fuels the desire to keep going. Make mini goals that promote and support your long term goal. If you set short-term goals that are regularly attainable, you’ll be far more likely to stay motivated over time. Short-term goals also minimize procrastination. They lay down a clear and defined path to success, allowing you to focus on one thing at a time. Saving $5,000 in a year might seem huge.  Instead focus on saving $110.00 per week. At the six month mark you will be on track to achieve your year end goal, and even have an additional $140.00. 

Buy yourself (or me) something nice. 

Strategically building in a margin of error makes those setbacks easier to swallow. Allow the cheat day. Treat it as your reward. Know that you will likely feel like a beached whale after that double cheeseburger, large chili-cheese fries and chocolate shake, but also know that you will be ready to head back into battle the next day.

Each day that we take a step closer to our personal end of the rainbow is a day that we have achieved something great. We have chosen to be better. And that choice is the first step of success.