I never thought I’d say this. I completed over 1000 push-ups from my toes last month. WOOHOO!! As a part of the 90-day movement journey, my goal was to increase upper body strength. So when one woman said she was going to do 1000 push-ups by the end of June, I joined in!
1000 push-ups later, I feel empowered. More than the great pipes forming on my otherwise slender arms, I’m discovering what it’s like to go for something again – set a goal, break it down into do-able chunks and then TAKE ACTION.
As a certified dream coach, I know that any dream is just a series of goals. But I’d forgotten how powerful the process is.
Here are 5 things these 1000 push-ups can teach you:
1. Small and Steady Win
I started out with 3 push-ups at a time. Yes, just three. It felt like I wasn’t doing enough. I wouldn’t dare tell anyone I could only do three. (It’s funny how we won’t allow ourselves to be beginners…) But 3 turned to 5, and 5 grew to 8. And slowly my daily count increased; so did my strength and pride. One day as I was fighting for one more push-up, I caught myself whispering, “Hot damn woman, you are doing this!” Nike says it best… just do it. And micro-movements are the way to start.
2. Self-Love is Rocket Fuel
Want to know the fastest way to feel better about yourself? Do what you say you are going to do. Get conscious about your actions and intentions. We do this well for other people, but when it comes to ourselves, many women default to disappointing rather than pleasing. And that disappointment is costly. Very costly. The converse is also true. Start making small promises, stick to them and watch your internal love bucket fill up. And don’t wait for someone to say you are worth it. Worthiness is an inside job. Claim it, wear it, live it!
3. Make it Fun
Dreams are inspiring; goals can be fun. I took on this 1000 push-up challenge for fun. And because I did, I approached it with lightness and curiosity versus pressure and angst. When the thought of achieving your goal lifts you up, any action taken toward it has you vibrating at a higher level. Higher vibration = more energy = greater ease of achieving results.
4. Goals Access Magic in Us
A few years back, I became disenchanted with goal setting. In fact, I began to resist it. “I don’t need goals. I’ll just go with the flow.” And while that sounds very zen-like, those words were masking a ton of unconscious fear. What if I fail? What if I succeed? Here’s what I know today. Something magical gets accessed when we go beyond our daily existence. Strength we didn’t know we had appears. Events unfold in magical ways. Resources show up at the perfect time. And we discover we are more powerful than we ever imagined.
5. Once We Have Evidence, We Become Unstoppable
You want to know what’s happening? As I was reaching this goal my mind was asking “What’s next?” It is important to complete this first goal strongly, but the energy that comes from knowing these 1000 push-ups are a done deal is huge. Once we have evidence that we can achieve simple goals, we have the courage to go for bigger ones. Yes, those heart-thumping-I-can’t-believe-I’m-doing-this goals.
What is a goal you’d like to take on this summer for fun?
Summer is a juicy time to step up your sparkle and go for something truly inspiring!
I believe in you. Keep sparkling my friend.
Love,
Paula
