52 Weeks of Esteemable Acts by Francine Ward

Author:Francine Ward
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-61649-443-8
Publisher: Hazelden Publishing
Published: 2012-03-14T16:00:00+00:00

This week, you’re invited to explore how you’ve handled obstacles in the past and, in moving forward, take the opportunity to make some different choices.

DAY 2

Bring to mind a time when you set out to accomplish a task or reach a goal, only to be faced with a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. A time when it seemed that the universe was conspiring against you. A time when you sacrificed everything for a dream and it didn’t turn out as you planned. What are the details of your experience? Perhaps it was something you’ve resolved or perhaps it’s still pending. Recall the details of the experience. Did you blame, lose focus, or get so mad you couldn’t see other alternatives?

DAY 3

Think back on the situation from day 2. If you ultimately reached your goal, what did it take? What tools did you use to get around the obstacle? If you didn’t, what lessons did you learn? What could you have done differently?

DAY 4

To keep your focus on your destination and not on the obstacles, bring to mind a success you’ve had in the past, particularly when you overcame a problem. How did you succeed? What actions did you take? Shine a light on those times you successfully overcame an obstacle. Success leaves clues.

DAY 5

Learning to be open to feedback is the most important way I’ve been able to overcome obstacles. Whether it was dealing with my past mistakes and failures or a challenge in my present, being willing to take suggestions has helped me reach my goals. Using either your example from day 2 or a new example, think of someone who could give you honest, thoughtful feedback. Consider someone who has experienced a similar situation, or someone who loves you enough to honestly share his or her opinion. Be aware that your tendency may be to get defensive and reject any suggestion that appears critical. I urge you to be open to the constructive feedback. Today ask that person to help you.

DAY 6

Talk about your feelings. Start with people you feel are safe, such as your therapist, your spiritual leader, or anyone you can trust. Then gradually step outside your comfort zone and share with others who will listen. Often we’re reluctant to speak about what happened because we fear we’ll be judged, we’ll be misunderstood, or people will tire of our story. So what if they judge you! You won’t die. Self-esteem comes from walking through the fear of what people will think. In the long run, you’ll be stronger and healthier for the experience.

When I failed the Bar exam, everyone knew it. Failing was hard and so was talking about it. I was embarrassed, but at the wise suggestion of my mentor Louise, I continued to walk through my fear of being judged and told the truth about the experience. The more I talked about it, the less painful it was. Today one of my greatest strengths is my willingness to deal with obstacles and talk about my experience.

DAY

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