Notes-to-self

Sometimes we can find ourselves floundering to start or complete a project or maybe we’re avoiding having a difficult conversation or maybe we’re simply unsatisfied, and long to be happy again.

Sometimes we’re our own worst enemy.

Since I started writing my book, there have been daily bouts of self-doubt.

Moments where I think I’ll fail.

Moments when I convince myself I’m a hack and that everyone secretly laughs at my work.

To help me through these hard moments I’ve been writing “notes-to-self”– like a personalized grocery-list for overcoming my doubts and fears.

I write these notes on Post-its (and leave them on my desk), in the margins of books, in my phone, and I even recently began posting them on twitter (@writeonfighton)

These notes-to-self help me stay focused on the things important to me–writing my book, spending time my family, and improving my health. They get from one sentence to the next. From one life situation to the next. From one exercise to the next.

These notes provide some much need perspective when my thinking becomes too complicated, too pessimistic, or too scrambled.

Here’s a collection of my recent notes-to-self:

• Accept. Accept. Accept.
• Your body is damaged by your mind and spirit are not.
• Laugh more.
• Look at people in the eye when talking to them. They deserve your attention.
• Listen.
• No cellphone in bed–lights out means lights out.
• Ask more questions.
• Drink more water.
• Take care of your body–your family needs you.
• There is no shame in asking for help.
• You have the right to change your mind.
• Procrastination causes anxiety. Do something.
• Criticism or praise–it’s all the same. Doing the work is all that matters.
• You have so much more to learn.
• Simplify, simplify, simplify!

If you’re working on a project or desire to improve in any area of your life–I encourage to write notes to yourself. They can be the boost, the gentle reminder, or the kick-in-the-butt you need when you feel stuck, mired in doubt, or teetering on the verge of quitting.

Be well,

Jay

Life favors the brave. Subscribe and receive my weekly stories, encouragement, and positive messages to help you through this thing we  call life.