"When Life Doesn't Go As Planned" - by Global Ambassador Melissa

When Life Doesn't Go As Planned
Article by Global Synchro Ambassador from The Netherlands & New Zealand, Melissa Laby   |   Published April 25, 2024

Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned, and that’s okay. 

Remember why you set your goals in the first place.

If you're like me, you tend to fixate on a goal so much that any obstacle or setback feels like a personal failure.

Skating has always been a significant part of my life, despite numerous challenges pulling me away from the ice – from injuries and earthquakes to a chronic dysautonomia condition affecting my daily life. It often seemed as if the universe was signaling that my aspirations shouldn't involve the ice rink, but my heart disagreed.

Despite the injuries, health issues and other hindrances, I've learned to adjust my goals and redefine success, alleviating the pressure of failure and keeping myself on track. I've achieved more than I ever imagined, and looking back, I wish I had my current knowledge during those constant battles. Reframing your perspective is a powerful move and opens up your world to new opportunities you may have never thought were possible.

Only you know what you are capable of. Begin with baby steps and no step is too small. This is your journey.

Being able to assess where you are now and what is realistic for you in your current stage.

Adopt the word ‘yet’ into your thinking “I can’t do this…yet”. If it was easy, everyone would do it so remember, challenges mean growth.

Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth: The most memorable and rewarding moments are those you had to work for.

Hold yourself accountable, set yourself smaller goals within the bigger picture to ensure that you have a way to track your progress.

INSTEAD OF THIS

“This is too hard for me”

TRY THIS

“This is a good starting point and I know I am capable of doing this”

INSTEAD OF THIS

“I should be able to do this by now”

TRY THIS

“I have been able to do ____ so far and this is helping me along my journey to achieve my goal”

INSTEAD OF THIS

“They can do that so much better than I can”

TRY THIS

“I have come so far despite my challenges and I am surrounded by people who understand my journey”

Nothing is impossible. Making the first move and writing down your goals is taking the first step towards possibility. Remember why you started this in the first place and remember that child you once were, who is most definitely looking up to the person you have become.

 -Melissa x