Set a Pace. Stay In Your Boundaries.

Recovering from surgery has taught me many things. The most influential one is that I can still do many things, but I have to get creative in my execution.

For example, I can’t move my small pile that contains my book, my laptop, my phone, my coloring book and my pens at one time. I like having these things next to me while on the couch so I can move from one activity to another while I rest. I was getting really frustrated at myself and my inability to do a simple function. Then I got creative. I could move one or two of those things at a time. Sure it took me longer and more steps, but I could do it. 

Accomplishing a goal is a lot more important than how long or how much effort it took. 

I felt the same frustration when trying to re-engage in my business. I decided to break my writing goals down in the way I accomplished my moving-around-the-house operation. 

I broke my tasks down into small, achievable goals. I could do one at a time and get them done. Sure it took me longer and more steps, but I could do it.

I created a mantra around this mentality.

Set a pace. Stay in your boundaries.

I could accomplish my goals. I needed to give myself an expectation that I could actually complete. 

I set the pace. 

There is no reason to start running only to pass out halfway through the race. Setting a pace allows me to complete small tasks with lots of rest in between. Then I don’t get worn out and can keep doing the things that bring me joy.

What can I do in a day? In a week? I set my intentions in advance so I could focus on the task at hand, knowing I have time to work and time to rest.

I must stay in my boundaries.

This one is hard. I want to help others out. I want to jump on a new idea. I want to be able to do ALL the things.

Setting boundaries for myself is extremely important. These boundaries protect my pace and my energy. 

I can accomplish anything I put my mind to when I do it with intention and take care of myself along the way. 

I’ve had tremendous success with this mantra and mentality. Learning this method of self-care and productivity has changed the way I structure my week and increased my output two fold. 

Creating this structure in my life and my work has supported my recovery process by lifting my spirits and giving me purpose. I will continue working with this method long after I am fully recovered, thankful for the opportunity to learn a new, constructive habit.