For most of my life achievement was the goal. Career, relationships, health, or athletics - I saw it through the lens of achievement.

Wanting to reach a huge goal (first doctorate in family, first female officer in my fire department), a small goal (complete 2 spartan races within 1 year of wrist fracture with bolts) or a seemingly impossible goal (85lb standing bicep curl?)  created constant motivation. 

 The love I sought outside myself through achievement was a lover who was always unattainable.  I could always be not quite good enough. There is always more, something bigger and better.

 Don't get me wrong, Achievement is valuable, and it has a dark side.

 Often achievement can be a way of avoiding hard conversations, things you don't want to think or speak about.

 Seeking achievement can create busyness.  When we feel constantly moving, working, and achieving you feel there isn't the "luxury" of self-reflection.

 You tell yourself...

You’ll always be successful.  You were born a high performer, a high achiever. It’s in your DNA. 

Your challenge is:

1. Include others in your journey
2. Understand it will never happen fast enough for you.  That’s the point not something to push against.

When you achieve something, it is so much more fun when you get to share it.

Investing in connection with others and yourself is your challenge.

Part of you thinks it just slows you down to collaborate or join with others. You can do it alone so much faster.

True.

Yet, your growth will happen when you join.

At the end of your life, you will realize it isn’t about the achievements (they are epic though) it’s about your relationships.

Firstly, with yourself.

Here are a few questions I ask myself and journal about.

What are you not admitting to yourself?

What are you avoiding, resisting?

What do you yearn for?

On life’s menu, what would you like?

With love from my 6^th decade wisdom,

Lt....