Revitalize Your Self-Care Routine and Embrace Imperfect Action this September!
As September ushers in a fresh breeze and a renewed sense of purpose, let's explore how this month can be your springboard for revitalizing your self-care routine, setting new goals, and embracing the beauty of taking imperfect action.
September: A Time of Renewal
September is a magical threshold between summer's warmth and autumn's embrace. It beckons us to realign with our routines and aspirations, just as the fashion industry unveils its finest in September issues. Much like the leaves changing color, we too can embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Coincidentally, I (Crystal, the visionary behind MVMNT), celebrate my birthday this September. This serves as a poignant reminder to immerse yourself in our thriving online community.
With any new addition to our routine, we must plan for success. Half the battle is learning to enjoy the process. The other half is preparing for imperfect action (because we will likely never feel ready to make a change). Behavior change is a common topic of discussion with many clients I have worked with over the years. I hope to lend my expertise to help you succeed as you embark on your new fall routine.
With a changing pattern, many will find momentum in bringing about new habits. This forward swing is lovely for finding healthy new rituals. Having said that, it’s crucial to plan for when we adapt, and practices are no longer shiny and new. Below I will go over the steps to consider as you align your routine with your new goals and help you prepare for success.
Imperfect Action & Goal Setting
September's essence invites us to embark on a journey of progress through the art of goal-setting and the courage to take those beautifully imperfect steps forward. It's a beckoning to cast off the heavy cloak of perfectionism and, instead, revel in the exquisite dance of growth. Even those small, seemingly flawed strides pave the way for profound transformation. Within them, we foster not only self-trust and resilience but also a profound sense of our own worth.
Initiating the process of setting goals is a pivotal stride, demanding your initial commitment. The unfortunate truth is that too many individuals falter before they even begin due to a lack of commitment to their aspirations. So, how does one go about setting goals? You've likely encountered the concept of "smart" goals – specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. But here's the twist: let's gently shatter that notion. While it works like a charm for outcome-driven targets, it's less than ideal for the intricate realm of lifestyle change. When we're addressing lifestyle shifts, we're weaving subtle, almost insignificant shifts into the fabric of our existence – adjustments so minuscule that committing to them daily is akin to a playful laugh, "HAHAHA! No sweat, Crystal, that's an easy feat."
“Make it so easy that you can’t say no.”
Leo Babauta
The Power of Small Steps
Embracing these subtle, small promises to yourself isn't just about achieving transformative outcomes; it's a journey toward nurturing self-worth, fostering self-trust, and cultivating resilience. While setting ambitious, outcome-focused goals might seem enticing, they can inadvertently pave the way for repeated setbacks. These setbacks, in turn, can cast doubt on our ability to rely on ourselves, eroding our self-esteem and belief. This detrimental cycle can lead to a breeding ground for self-hatred – a path I've walked myself, and one I've learned is not worth pursuing.
When we commit to these small, achievable promises each day and actually follow through, we gift ourselves with instant affirmation and validation. It's a way of reminding ourselves that we matter – a reminder that's essential in a world where we often overlook our own worth. Trusting in our ability to honor our promises fuels the belief that we're deserving of keeping them – a truth that's resoundingly valid! You are remarkable and deserving of dedicating yourself to even the tiniest acts of self-care. Remember, tackling a challenge is much like eating an elephant – one bite at a time. Pardon the analogy, it's one of those quirky expressions writers employ to drive a point home – did it hit the mark for you?
I understand the allure of small steps may not compare to the flashy appeal of grand, audacious goals. Those smaller strides might not be plastered all over social media, grabbing attention like a firework. Yet, the truth is, it's these small steps that hold the key to profound, lasting change. The magic isn't in the grand gestures but in the consistency of those gentle, persistent efforts. It's essential to acknowledge from the start that these steps might not be Instagram-worthy or immediately captivating, but they do yield remarkable results – that's where their real strength lies.
Audit your Attitude & Shifting Perspectives
Indeed, it's quite possible that your attitude isn't exactly a cheerleader's, especially if you've been chasing after quick fixes, hacks, or gimmicks promising to miraculously transform your path. Those "HACKS" are precisely that – a shortcut: a fleeting, mediocre solution at best. As you embark on this fresh routine, consider shedding that perspective.
Whether we like it or not, the conversations we have with ourselves influence our attitudes and beliefs about everything. Embracing a self-compassionate attitude becomes your compass for cultivating lasting change in your behavior and routines. Sustainable transformations should never lead to mental strain (seriously, if you continue berating yourself like that, I am going to become depressed).
Self-Compassion
A Blend of Honesty and Kindness: Self-compassion is the union of candor and kindness. While honesty without kindness might be the norm, it's a harmful combination. Think of it as "brutal" honesty – a flavor that doesn't serve anyone, not even the Karens or Chads of the world. Beneath their tough exteriors often lies a layer of hidden sorrow. On the flip side, kindness without honesty isn't a better alternative. Unfortunately, this can enable self-destructive tendencies. Kindness devoid of honesty encourages self-sacrifice, undermining our needs in favor of pleasing others. This path only leads to long-term resentment and destructive coping mechanisms (0/10 – not recommended).
Let's have a heart-to-heart moment. Are those familiar thoughts creeping in as you attempt to initiate a new routine? You know the ones – "this is just too hard," "I'm not capable," or my personal favorite, "I simply don't have the time." Have you caught yourself saying, "I can't possibly attempt that stretch – I'm as flexible as a brick," or perhaps, "Meditation? Oh, that's reserved for the enlightened monks," or even, "I should shed 20 pounds before even thinking about stretching." These inner dialogues are like well-worn records, each playing a tune of doubt and resistance.
The Layers Within Us: Deep within our subconscious minds reside our well-practiced habits, beliefs, and values. The mere idea of change, no matter how slight, can trigger internal turmoil. You see, our nervous system craves safety – even if it's the illusion of safety based on familiarity. Although our conscious mind is on board for change, it's the subconscious where our unintentional resistance dwells. Hence, the need for a gentle starting point, a path illuminated by small steps.
Starting small isn't just a strategy; it's an artful entryway to shift those long-standing patterns. Imagine it as a "back door access" to rewriting your internal narratives. It's akin to greasing the hinges on a door, making it increasingly effortless to swing it open. In this journey, an attitude of self-compassion becomes your guiding light, softening the edges and making room for change.
As you set foot on this transformative path, consider these simple affirmations: "I'm a beginner, and that's absolutely okay." Celebrate progress, even if it's not perfection. Embrace these empowering statements, for they become your foundation as you navigate the realm of change with a newfound grace.
Celebrate Every Victory
I know that many of us might instinctively roll our eyes at this, perhaps thinking we're merely giving ourselves false praise or deluding ourselves. You might even consider that life itself doesn't come with participation awards, so why bother celebrating seemingly trivial things? But let me pose a follow-up question to those notions – why persist in a pattern of self-criticism if it's clearly not yielding positive results? If that kind of relationship with yourself were effective, shouldn't you have arrived at your desired destination already? Why aren't your aspirations fully realized if berating yourself is truly the path to success? The reality is, it's not. Your resistance to showing yourself more compassion is a doorway begging to be opened with curiosity. What's the worst that could happen if you experimented with a fresh approach towards yourself? It's a journey worth embarking upon.
Did you manage to put on pants today? Did you remember to hydrate yourself (you, wonderful Cutecumber – hydration is your secret superpower)? Don't downplay these seemingly "small" accomplishments. In reality, these seemingly minor victories are monumental steps toward nurturing your well-being. Your successes, no matter how seemingly insignificant, deserve to be met with applause and enthusiasm. Their importance goes beyond what meets the eye; they are the stepping stones to the transformative journey you're embarking on.
Embracing Your Emotions
As change arrives, it can stir a whirlwind of emotions – fear, grief, and uncertainty may accompany the act of relinquishing old habits. Our familiar routines, as comfortable as they are, provide us with a sense of false security. It's crucial to acknowledge that experiencing emotional reactions during times of change is not only normal but expected. Change carries a weight of stress, which is why I've emphasized starting slowly and embracing small steps repeatedly. Let go of the urge to overhaul your life overnight – remember, crafting a resilient mind and body takes time.
Amid these shifts, I implore you to extend gentleness to yourself. Allow room for your emotions and sensations to surface without judgment. One of the most nourishing skills you can develop is the art of tuning into your body and observing your feelings. Often, our emotions are fleeting, transient visitors – they pass as long as we don't impede them with excessive thoughts or attach meanings to them. When emotions are infused with meaning, they can become trapped within us, creating a sense of stagnation. But if we permit them, emotions flow like the wind, making their entrance and exit naturally.
Speaking of healing, I invite you to explore one of my recent blog posts dedicated to sleep. Embracing a full night of rest is one of the most effective ways to lay the foundation for success in each day. Delve into the significance of sleep and uncover the impact it holds when we either gain or miss out on its benefits. You can find this insightful blog post by simply clicking HERE.
Last thing to Consider: FlexFlow Lifters Challenge
As you navigate this season of revitalization, consider the FlexFlow Lifters Challenge as an invaluable companion on your path. This experience aligns seamlessly with your self-care routine, offering expert guidance and a supportive community to enhance your mobility and flexibility.
Mark your calendar for the FlexFlow Lifters Challenge, running from September 25 to 29, 2023. In this 4-day experience, I will guide you through a comprehensive mobility assessment and introduce you to mobility routines designed to specifically improve mobility for lifters.
Within the challenge, discover how to incorporate small steps, and quick mobility routines to support your journey to a happier healthier body & mind. These playful assessments and routines are the foundation of lasting transformation. Small, consistent steps lead to enduring change and tangible tools for holistic well-being.
Embrace the journey – learn to listen to your body, trust yourself, and unlock lasting transformation. Don't wait – embrace the potential of September, and the FlexFlow Lifters Challenge awaits your transformative experience.
Sign up now and embrace the art of change!