Slow and Steady Wins the Race...

Welcome back!

This is the first blog I've sat down to write in over a month.

For start-up bloggers, and for people who are aiming to impact as many people as possible, this could look like I've been slacking. Actually, that couldn't be farther from the truth.

Over the last month, I've started coaching new clients; I've been networking; and I've been creating a plan moving forward.

Dreading Monday isn't just a hobby for me. It's the platform for me to fulfil my purpose; my passion; and the long-term vision I have for my life!

I have found something which fulfils me. So, I intend to play the long-game. I'm thinking long-term.

There are so many factors in play when you're doing something you love. You just have to figure out which of them are the ones most valuable to your mission.

Of all the factors in play for me right now, I've prioritised two of them as part of my strategy: quality and longevity. Here's how you can shift your focus on these two factors to build a stronger vision for your life.

Quality

So many people - myself included - will fail the first time around because they jump in too deep too quickly. We think we have all the skills we require, but in reality we're blinded by the thrill of the beginning.

As I've talked about before, I used to massively focus on quantity. When I used to publish motivational posts on Instagram, all I cared about was how many I posted. Over time, the quality of each one RAPIDLY declined - and in the end, they just weren't motivational any more.

If I'm to do something that is designed to benefit others, I need to make sure that what I post is of the highest possible standard! It'd be pointless me doing this if they aren't doing anybody any good.

The quality of what I publish is a reflection of my identity. The focus isn't now about how many blogs I have, or how many people read them right now. All I'm concerned with is inspiring genuine positivity. If one person benefits from what I do, then I'd call it a success.

The way to prioritise quality is to focus on improving your skillset. Take time to reflect on where you are currently, and what you can do to produce better quality work.

What can you do right now?

Longevity

Longevity is effectively strategising what the future holds. Focusing on it is a bit trickier. It requires patience and an intense love of what you do.

The way to focus on longevity is to understand this. If you're doing something you love, and you plan to do it for a really long time, then what's the rush?

We live in an instant world. We want everything within the click of a button. Sometimes though, good things come to those who are patient.

Thinking long-term will help you determine whether or not you're in the right place. If you can go days, weeks, even months without being successful and still love what you're doing, then rest assured you are where you're supposed to be, and the results will come eventually. This is called delayed gratification.

More importantly, if something makes you happy, the end result shouldn't be the only reason you're doing it. It can be a motivator for sure, but you shouldn't be slogging everyday if you don't enjoy the slog!

Professional sportspeople don't just get a thrill from game day. The process of training and building up towards the big game is just as fulfilling as the game itself.

I'm going to be blogging, coaching, writing, presenting and much more as Dreading Monday for a very long time. I don't need to complete everything in the first ten weeks.

I haven't written a blog for a month. I've sat down today, and I still love it. It's like I never left.

The message here is give yourself time. Give yourself time to get good; time to reflect on the wins and the losses; time to appreciate that you're exactly where you need to be.

I'm focused on quality and longevity right now. I'm in it for the long run, so what's the rush?