What Will Be Different This Time?

Throughout our lives, we have bursts of action toward realizing our most coveted dreams and goals. Yet, many of us hit barriers and retreat to our places of comfort. What will be different this time?

To make lasting progress, we must identify past pitfalls and consider what will be different this time. No one explained this concept better than Portia Nelson in her book There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk:

“I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there. I still fall in… it’s a habit.”

Simply identifying problems isn’t enough to break habits. You must outline concrete actions and processes and hold yourself accountable to avoid the same mistakes and make real progress.

This is where many people fall short. Sometimes, excitement takes over, and moving at pace is far more attractive than planning. Other times, our self-saboteur works silently in the background, turning our fear of success into reality.

Here is your mission for today:

Reflect on the obstacles you have hit along the path to your goals, and ask yourself, “What will be different this time?” Make a detailed plan to turn these insights into action. Invest in your dreams—they are worth it, and so are you!

This article is the third in a three-part series from Lisa Thompson on aligning your actions with your purpose. Read the rest of the series in Am I Working Toward My Highest Purpose? and When You Are At Your Best, What Are You Doing?