Giving yourself time to grow

March 19th, 2011 by Joy Elaine Watkins - Life & Small Business Coach - Aura Reader

People often overestimate what they can achieve in a short period of time but underestimate the rewards sustained effort can bring over a longer period.

The trick is to set yourself a variety of short-term goals (one week-six months) to build momentum and keep you motivated together with some medium and long-term goals (1-2 years and 5-10 years).

Also, build in 'lag time' because there is often a gap between starting a new venture and seeing results and its important to recognise this.

For example, you may want to run a marathon but find yourself out-of-breath and frustrated after your first few training runs.  In this instance, you need to appreciate that time and effort will bring results as you slowly get fitter and can run further and further.

Set yourself a realistic timeframe with 'pit-stops' where you can be encouraged by the progress you're making such as a running in 5km and 10km fun runs before going for the half marathon.

You can make it challenging but also make it practical and manageable around your other commitments. It has to be something that works for you.

Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, summed it up when he said: "We predict too much for the next year and yet far too little for the next ten.'