Failing...and Moving On

“If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.” - H.G. Wells

 

And I did fall down. Quite drastically. I have completely faltered on my goals in the past fortnight. Excuses are pointless, so let's just say that I chose some other activities over these goals in the past two weeks. And though I did accomplish some important things, the fact that I didn't keep up with my commitment to the top three goals I have set for myself makes me uneasy. Therefore, I have decided, that I MUST course correct immediately. Here is an update on my goals, and my plan to get back on track.

 

1. The Course

Status: I am doing the course, but have fallen almost a week behind schedule.

Plan: Focus. Say no to things that are not essential. Sleep early, get up early, get more out of a day.

 

2. The Book

Status: I haven't done much here, again. I did share some chapters with a friend to get initial feedback, and one specific input from her makes a lot of sense, but it will also require me to discard whatever I have done so far, and start from scratch.

Plan: Start over, as a part of NaNoWriMo 2014. Finish the first draft of 50,000 words in November. That means writing 1,667 words every single day of the month. I can do it!

 

3. The Exercise Routine

Status: I followed it only for five days instead of ten

Plan: I've GOT TO find an hour everyday, 5 days a week, and exercise. Quitting is not an option!

 

Now, for the stuff that I did choose to do:

 

1. I made my resume...after almost seven years: Something extremely interesting came up, and I just HAD to do it, despite my resolution of not getting into the “job hunt” mode before this year end

2. I passed the written test for driving in California: In the first attempt (Yay!)

3. I took driving lessons, and practised driving separately as well

4. I passed the behind-the-wheel driving test: Also in the first attempt (Yay! Yay! Yay!!!)

5. I attended a workshop on writing at the local public library: Interesting stuff on re-writing

6. I attended a Diwali party, met some nice people, and look forward to making new friends: yet to make follow up calls, will do that once I get back on track

7. I found my WHY. Or I feel I did. More on this in a separate post.

 

So, this is what has been happening. This post is meant to put things back in perspective for me. Setbacks, I suppose, are a part of anything worthwhile we do in life; more so when trying out new things. I believe, that the important thing is to treat them as just that – a part of something bigger...a part which is essential to complete the whole, but is not the end in itself.