You’re doing great!

Why is it a struggle to wake up on a day when the day is filled with things you want to do?

When I was younger, I thought that the 51-year old version of myself would totally have his shit together. Up every morning with the rooster (no alarm), clear plan on what to do, a Tesla…

Actually, if I’m honest, I’d have aimed higher on the car. Weren’t we supposed to have flying cars by now?

But if I look at my life in a more charitable, compassionate light, I realize I sorta do have my shit together. I have a great marriage, a rewarding career, and three healthy whip-smart kids. Also, I don’t feel 51 physically. Sure, there are numerous aches, pains, and twinges which are all harbingers of the suck old age will likely bring. But I’m generally fine.

I struggle to get out of bed, yes. I don’t get enough sleep, which is more likely than motivation to be the culprit.

This has gotten me thinking about the way we perceive our lives. You may have an innate “glass is half full” outlook (if so, I’m jealous). But I think many of us easily sweep accomplishments and achievements under our mental rug and quickly turn our focus to shortcomings, failures and unmet goals.

I wonder if this is generational. I was brought up with the notion that it’s bad form to pat yourself on the back or trumpet your own successes. I see it as being humble and gracious to keep quiet and deflect any spotlight to others.

When others announce their successes, however, I don’t (usually) look at them as uncouth braggarts. I’m usually happy for them and congratulatory. Huh.

To combat my own “glass is half-empty” nature and my reluctance to talk about my successes, I have started doing two things:

1. Keep an Accomplishments Log at work to capture great work done by myself as well as the entire team.
2. Add a gratitude page to my personal journal to which I add items daily.

These things force me to look at the glass more objectively. Give it a try!