Step Four – Reflection
After some time passes, allow yourself a pause. You can determine when you think it’s best to do so. Consider the following:
Have you reached a milestone you honestly never thought was possible?
Do you feel exhausted by your efforts?
What is your stress level?
How to you feel about the progress you’ve made?
Maybe you’re juggling too many things. Maybe you’ve reached a stumbling block. Maybe the universe is simply telling you to come up for air. Whatever the case, you’ll know when it’s time. During this pause, reflect on how far you’ve come. On everything, good or bad, you’ve experienced along the way. Ask yourself the following:
Where were you at the moment you decided to start this journey?
What prompted you to start?
Where are you now?
What do you still need to do?
What has changed in you along the way? How are you different?
What has changed in your environment?
What goals need to be modified as a result of these internal and external changes? (Repeat the goal setting process, assessing whether there are any changes that need to be made. If so, take a moment to note these.)
Stay in this phase as long as is needed to recoup and regain your energy. Revise your plan and think of ways in which you’ll continue to move forward. Lean on meditative resources. Give thanks. And, wait for your mind to clear. Once you’re motivated to begin again, review your revised goals and think of ways to spring back into
action!