Asset Protection- The Asset is YOU!

Bridging the Gap: Keeping Yourself Fueled for Life

In the quest for personal development and self-improvement, understanding the dynamics between our real self, meaning the you that “shows up,” and your ideal self, the “aspirational you,” is crucial. This relationship is deeply intertwined with our psychological well-being. The distance between who we are and who we wish to be can significantly impact our stress levels, affecting our overall mental health in profound ways.  If we say we will never do something yet find yourselves crossing that line, our inner turmoil and stress will likely become unmanageable.

Imagine your mental energy as a gas tank, with serotonin as fuel keeping you moving forward. Serotonin, often associated with well-being and happiness, fills your tank, empowering you to bridge the gap between your real and ideal selves. However, as stress enters the equation, it's like hitting a patch of road that depletes your fuel faster. Adrenaline kicks in, a necessary boost for short-term challenges but not a sustainable energy source for long journeys.

When stress becomes a constant companion, it leads to an anxiety overload, akin to pushing your vehicle too hard without proper maintenance. This anxiety can throw your body's natural balance off, with adrenal and cortisol levels fluctuating wildly, leaving you in a state of emotional and physical disrepair. If left unaddressed, this state can spiral into depression, a profound emptiness where hope struggles to find a foothold. And without hope, a vital part of us begins to wither away and die.  It could be a relationship, a dream or our very lives.

However, it's crucial to remember that this journey isn't about reaching a destination of perfection but about minimizing the distance between our actual and ideal selves in a healthy, sustainable way. Here are a few strategies to help maintain your mental 'fuel' and keep moving forward:

1. Self-Awareness: Regularly check in with yourself to understand your feelings and needs. Acknowledging where you are on your journey helps plan the steps needed to move closer to your ideal self.
2. Stress Management: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, exercise, or hobbies into your daily routine. These practices help maintain your serotonin levels and fill your 'tank' adequately.
3. Set Realistic Goals: Aim for achievable milestones that gradually reduce the gap between your real and ideal self. Celebrate these achievements, no matter how small, to fuel your journey with positive reinforcement.
4. Seek Support: Remember, asking for help is okay. Whether it's friends, family, or professionals, a support network can provide the encouragement and perspective needed to navigate the road ahead.
5. Embrace Imperfection: Accept that the ideal self is a guiding star, not a distant shore. Embracing your imperfections as part of your unique journey can help alleviate the pressure that feeds stress and anxiety.

In the grand scheme of personal development, understanding and managing the distance between our real and ideal selves is a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. By nurturing our mental and emotional well-being, we can ensure that our journey is sustainable and filled with hope and fulfillment. Remember, it's not about the speed of travel but the quality of the journey. Let's make it a meaningful one.

LIFE BY DESIGN’s coaches, Lorena and Julie, are here to support you every step on your journey towards personal development. We are dedicated to providing a holistic approach to help you navigate the complexities of bridging the gap between you and your ideal self, ensuring you have the tools, support, and community needed to thrive. Together, we can make the journey successful, enriching, and fulfilling.