In the wake of the last 2-3 challenging years that have seemed to have chipped away at my resilience, I have found myself disheartened by how circumstances had altered my sense of self.
I grapple with the stark realisation that I’d allowed external pressures to erode my standards, thereby compromising my personal internal integrity and drastically impacting and declining my health and well-being.
However, with the dawn of December 2023, I made a resolute decision: enough was enough.
It was time to reclaim my essence, reignite my unwavering faith, and embrace the world once more. This has marked the beginning of a journey—one step at a time—guided by steadfast belief and unwavering determination, values that I once cherished deeply.
Where better to start than by going back to basics and realigning with my goals, desired outcomes and my drive to move forward unscathed by the past and bring in the new….
Assimilating a goal into our identity is more than just acknowledging an objective; it’s about making that objective an integral part of who we are. It involves a profound psychological and behavioural shift, where our aspirations and desired outcomes become intertwined with our sense of self.
Internalisation of a goal
Internalisation of a goal involves a profound shift of our mindset, where the desired outcome ceases to be an external target and instead becomes an inherent part of our identity.
Here’s a deeper dive into what internalisation truly entails:
Emotional Integration:
Internalisation goes beyond surface-level desires. It involves emotionally connecting with the goal. It’s not just a distant aspiration but an integral part of our emotional landscape. The goal is intertwined with our feelings, igniting passion, determination, and commitment.
Shaping Self-Image:
Internalisation influences how we perceive ourselves. It transforms the narrative from “I want to achieve X” to “I am the kind of person who achieves X.” This shift reshapes our self-image, reinforcing the belief that the goal aligns with who we are at our core.
Consistent Mental Focus:
It involves a consistent mental focus on the goal. Internalisation means the goal occupies our thoughts regularly. It’s present in our daily reflections, guiding our decisions and actions as we navigate life.
Integration into Beliefs and Values:
The internalisation process aligns the goal with our core beliefs and values. It’s not just a superficial pursuit but something that resonates deeply with what we hold dear. This alignment makes the goal more compelling and significant.
Becoming a Guiding Principle:
Internalisation transforms the goal into a guiding principle in our lives. It affects our priorities, choices, and decision-making processes. Whether consciously or subconsciously, the pursuit of the goal influences our life trajectory.
Resilience and Perseverance:
Internalisation instills resilience and perseverance. It’s not a fleeting interest but a deeply ingrained commitment. When faced with challenges, setbacks, or obstacles, this internalised goal serves as a source of resilience, motivating us to persist despite difficulties.
Natural Alignment with Actions:
As the goal becomes internalised, our actions naturally align with its attainment. We don’t force ourselves to work towards it; instead, our behaviours organically reflect the pursuit of the goal because it’s an inherent part of who we are.
Identity Reinforcement:
Internalisation reinforces our identity. It’s a continuous loop where the pursuit of the goal strengthens our belief in our capabilities, further reinforcing the identity associated with its achievement.
In essence, internalising a goal transcends wishful thinking. It’s a profound transformation where the goal ceases to be a distant target and becomes an inseparable part of our identity. It permeates our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and behaviours, shaping us into individuals aligned with the realisation of that very goal.
Integrating a goal into our lifestyle and daily habits goes beyond sporadic attempts;
It’s about embedding the pursuit of that goal into the fabric of our existence. Here’s a deeper exploration of what this integration entails:
Holistic Incorporation:
Assimilating a goal into our lifestyle means it becomes an inseparable part of our routine. It transcends mere activities and seeps into various aspects of our lives, influencing how we structure our days, interact with others, and make choices.
Consistency over Intensity:
It’s about consistent, sustainable efforts rather than occasional bursts of intense activity. For example, if the goal is improved productivity, it’s not about occasional marathon work sessions but consistently implementing efficient work practices daily.
Mindset Shift:
This integration necessitates a shift in mindset. It’s not just about performing tasks related to the goal but adopting a mindset that aligns with it. For instance, if the goal is to cultivate positivity, it involves adopting an optimistic outlook in daily thoughts and interactions.
Creating Supportive Environments:
Integrating the goal into our lifestyle involves curating environments that support its attainment. Surroundings, social circles, and habits are adjusted to foster an environment conducive to achieving the goal.
Making Small Changes:
It’s about incorporating small, manageable changes that gradually culminate in significant shifts. These incremental adjustments become habitual, contributing to the overall integration of the goal into our lifestyle.
Routine Reinforcement:
Establishing routines that reinforce the goal is crucial. Whether it’s setting aside specific times for related activities or incorporating rituals that align with the goal, these routines solidify its integration into our daily lives.
Mindful Choices:
Each decision and action reflects the integrated goal. From dietary choices to time management, every decision is made with the goal in mind. It’s a conscious, mindful approach to living that perpetuates the goal’s realisation.
Embracing Change as a Process:
Integration acknowledges that change is a gradual process. It involves accepting setbacks and learning from them rather than being deterred. Adjustments are made along the way to continuously refine the integration.
Accountability and Adaptability:
Taking responsibility for the goal’s integration involves adapting when necessary. It’s about recognising what works and what doesn’t and adapting approaches accordingly, all while staying committed to the goal.
Celebrating Milestones:
Acknowledging and celebrating milestones achieved through integrated efforts reinforces their importance. Celebrations act as reminders of progress made, motivating continued commitment to the goal’s integration.
Ultimately, integrating a goal into our lifestyle and habits requires a comprehensive, intentional approach that permeates various facets of our lives, fostering lasting change and alignment with our aspirations.
Kia Kaha, Much Love Marama xox
