Now we have discussed consistency, and you know how to truly stick to your goals long term.

This week we are discussing appreciation.

APPRECIATION

"Change your expectation for appreciation and the world changes instantly" - Tony Robbins

You've been working hard on your goals!

It is at this point that many people realise that they have high expectations of themselves, and if their progress doesn't look like what they expected this can lead to devaluing themselves.

However, whatever you achieved, what you learned or what challenged you it is important to be appreciative of yourself and the journey you are on, because this journey doesn't have an end!

It isn't about what you "should" have done by now, this in an opportunity to grow and challenge yourself!

What is Gratitude?

Being appreciative is expressing gratitude. This is the feeling of thankfulness.

Being appreciative and grateful is the single most powerful way to feel enough, whole and complete.

We must already be able to find contentment in what we have now, or we will not be able to find it in the future.

This doesn’t mean we don’t want to change or improve things in our lives, or indeed have more – but when you achieve those things they are unlikely to increase our happiness and fulfilment, if you're not happy now.

Self Acceptance

Appreciating what we have and who we are already is the core of self-acceptance.

Self-acceptance is shown to be a leading factor in less stress, more happiness and fulfilment, a better relationship with ourselves and our bodies and healthier behaviours (less self-sabotage).

It is important to be aware that we cannot control exactly how our bodies are going to respond, but we must still accept them the way they are!

Self Belief

Being appreciative also develops stronger self-belief. Appreciate your abilities and trusting that you can do it.

Ironically you can go much further in your journey by already feeling like you are already fulfilled!

This is because like attracts like, you must already believe you are able to achieve, have or do something for it.

Little acts of appreciation are small building blocks to strong self-acceptance and belief. You can start small and build from there!

State Your Gratitude

Actually express gratitude to strengthen it. Tell yourself out loud or write down what you are thankful for about yourself or your life.

The simplest activity is to write down 3 things you are grateful for each day, try to choose different ones each day to realise how much you truly have in your life.

Share gratitude openly. Tell people if you are grateful for them, who they are, or something they have done.

Avoid Comparison

The biggest thief of joy is comparing yourself to others (or your past self).

Your journey is individual. You can look to others for inspiration, but as soon as you start to devalue your life in comparison to another, you will feel dissatisfied.

You may have to do a social media detox, not see certain people, or be aware that someones highlight reel cannot be compared to your draft copy!

"Roses and sunsets are both incredible but they are nothing alike!"

Be Concious of Self Talk

The way you speak to yourself is a huge factor to your mindset.

Having a critic in your mind makes every day a battle, having a cheerleader makes every day exciting.

It can be very hard to feel appreciative if you are constantly attacking yourself and everyone else.

Choose the way you speak, and change the narrative!

Let Go of Should’s

When we use "I should", we’re dictating what we expect from ourselves (or what we think others expect) — how we should think, feel, and behave.

To let go of the should, frame your expectations as priorities. What is important to you state as "I want to.." and let go of what you "should" do

"Let go of who you "should" be and be who you are" - Brene Brown

Become Patient

You are always becoming, changing, and learning.

Don't get frustrated at yourself, or feel that things are not moving fast enough.

Focus on being patient, keep showing up and do your best, and be proud of yourself for that.

Amazing results don't happen overnight, and remember that rushing won't make it happen any faster!

Validate your Feelings

Reading all this gratitude talk you may get a bit "so I'm supposed to be positive all the time?" No, every emotion is healthy and deserves to be expressed and validated.

However it is important that you do not dwell in the feeling, or for it to become a pattern that clouds your personality.

Allow yourself time to express your feelings, then get on with taking action.

See Both Sides

Similar to validating your feelings, be aware of both sides of your situations.

Try to be rational, and be willing to see other views.

Ask yourself if you are perceiving just one narrow view of yourself or your situation, or if you can see it from another side.

If you can't possibly think of anything you appreciate in your life, if you look at it from another perspective I am sure you can!