The Unexpected Lesson from My 100-Day Meditation Challenge

Jul 24, 2024 7:51 am

Hey


I don't know about you, but I've definitely set myself some ambitious challenges over the years - and sometimes, I've stumbled along the way.


Let me tell you about a recent experience that taught me an important lesson about habit-building and personal growth.


About two months ago, I decided it was time to get back into regular meditation.


You know how it is - life gets busy, and suddenly you realize you've let an important practice slip away.


So, I set myself an ambitious goal: meditate every day for 100 days straight.


Sounds doable, right?



At first, things were going great. I was building a solid routine, feeling more centred, and racking up those meditation days like a champ.


In fact, I accumulated an impressive 65 days of consecutive meditation. Not too shabby!


But then came the weekend that changed everything.


Picture this: I'm out with friends, enjoying a night on the town. The next morning, I tackle a challenging cycle ride (because why not add a little physical exertion to the mix?).


Throughout the day, my mind kept wandering to my meditation practice. Would I find the time?


Should I squeeze it in?


On my way home from the pub, it hit me - I was going to miss my daily meditation.


But then a thought crossed my mind: "Is it worth just meditating for five minutes? To keep the streak going?"


I got so focused on maintaining my meditation streak that I sometimes treated it like a box to tick. I was meditating for just five minutes, rather than making it a truly meaningful practice.


It was at that moment I realized something crucial. In my quest for consistency, I'd sometimes been meditating for just five minutes, treating it more like a box to tick rather than a meaningful practice.


I was more focused on maintaining the streak than on the quality of my meditation.


So, what happened? I missed that day's meditation. And you know what? It was okay.


I used to think that if I didn't achieve something perfectly and consistently, I was failing.


But I've learned that's not the case at all. The key lesson here is this:


it's not about being perfect; it's about getting back on track as quickly as possible.


After a couple of days of rest, I'm back to my meditation practice. But this time, I'm really focused on when I need to meditate to get the most out of the process.


Don't let perfectionism hold you back. The important thing is to get back into the routine as quickly as possible.


That's how you build long-term, sustainable habits.


Remember, it's not about the streak - it's about the overall journey and the progress you're making.


Are you struggling with building habits or achieving your personal goals?


Do you find yourself getting discouraged when things don't go exactly as planned? If so, I'd love to help you navigate these challenges and create a sustainable path to success.


That's why I'm offering one-to-one coaching sessions. Together, we can:


  1. Identify your key goals and aspirations
  2. Develop strategies to build lasting habits
  3. Learn how to bounce back from setbacks
  4. Create a personalized plan for your unique journey


Interested in taking your personal growth to the next level? Why not give one-to-one coaching a try?


It could be the game-changer you've been looking for.


Ready to get started? Just reply to this email, and we'll schedule a time to chat about how to work together to achieve your goals.


Remember, every journey has its ups and downs. The key is to keep moving forward, one step at a time.


Looking forward to hearing from you!


Best regards,


Neil



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