Creflo Dollar, an evangelist, once stated (not verbatim) in one of his many excellent books, "Stop starting over."
I forget the context in which he used it - no doubt it probably had to do with righting oneself spiritually or religiously - but the words have always been in the back of my mind, resurfacing when I embark on a worthwhile goal and then sputter, asking myself, "Okay, where to from here, and how?" I've made it a point not to head back to the starting line, instead continuing my journey and repairing what's fractured slowly while maturing towards what I desire. I do realize that a fresh start, kind of like New Year's Day, is a welcome thing; it gives one encouragement. But what happens when that "start" is a nice take off, but soon the process slows, sputters as previously mentioned, and halts entirely? Well, creatures of habit may begin again, while realizing that behind you is an endeavor that languishes, especially in the back of your mind ("Why couldn't I do it?".) If starting over remedies your situation and you march forward living with and besting issues that might derail you and instead attain what you sought in the first place, congratulations. However, if stopped again, you maybe revert back to the starting line, again facing a new beginning. Here's what is working for me. In late December, I began a 12-week workout program that has "seen" quite a few missed workout and poor nutrition days. Rather than "starting over," what I've embraced is evaluating where I've been, what needs to change, and a continuation of said program. Week 8 went into week 9 instead if back to week 1. Set 2, and weeks 5 through 8, ended, Set 3 and weeks 9 through 12 commenced. And yes, I do realize that beginning a new set and new four weeks is "new," but it's not starting over. - at least not according to me. No new journey; the same one with a sunnier outlook, and no wear on the mind regarding the great thing I started and what was. Improvement and going forward, not reverse. Steve
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Steve Sears is a New Jersey based freelance writer
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