Almost exactly 10 years ago, when I was just a few months into a new job and trying desperately to keep my head above water, I came across an article that I knew contained something valuable. I bookmarked it and moved on – to the seemingly more important things I had going on at the time. 

I have a belief that people, places, and things – and yes, even articles – cross our paths when we need them to. 

That, for me, is especially true.

Like Andy Bowers says, “Timing—the great engine of so many of our successes and failures—has an enormous hand in our reading lives, and every once in a while the spark and tinder of a good book and ready reader is matched perfectly enough to change our course.”

I love that. The ‘spark and tinder’ of that article crossed my path again not too long ago – at the perfect time – and has been just enough to change my course. 

I have been working diligently on a personal goal I really want to accomplish and I just haven’t been able to give myself the leverage I’ve needed.  I’ve been actively looking and asking for some answers.

Imagine my surprise, relief, and gratitude when I looked in my folder of bookmarked articles and found what I needed, saved by ‘past’ me – 10 years ago. 

In that article, Leo Babauta gave me a detailed process to put aside the things that were in my way – and he did it in terms that made a lot of sense to my very list-oriented brain.  

His 4 steps from 10 years ago have helped me get some momentum with my present-day goal – finally! – and maybe they’ll help you, too. 

Are you ready?  This is how I’ve adapted them for me:

1. Pay attention to what’s in the way of your goal.  

What’s distracting you? 

Think of the pain these distractions cause you later, instead of only the temporary comfort and pleasure they gave you right away.

Picture those distractions.  

Picture letting them go.

2. Think about the person you want to be, the life you want to live.

Set your intentions to do the good work you think you can do.

What is that good work?  

Who is that future you?

3. Watch your brain when an urge comes up to do other things, to go to the comfort of distractions. 

Are you wanting to escape the discomfort of something hard, and go to the comfort of something familiar and easy?

What is the hard emotion or thought you’re trying to avoid?  

Sit with it.  

Allow it.

4. Realize and reassure yourself that you don’t need the comfort of that distraction. 

You can be in discomfort and nothing bad will happen. 

In fact, sometimes the best things happen when you’re a little uncomfortable.

Just past the urge for distraction is the thing you’re meant to do.  

Can you see it?

I can’t wait to hear about the momentum you are giving your goals.  And if you need help with it, I’ve had lots of practice.  I’d love to be in your corner. 

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