Signs of Spring

This time of year, there are constant reminders around us of a very important mindset shift that I want to share with you. This mindset can guarantee the achievement of your goals. And without it, even the highest achievers can fail. Let me tell you what I mean.

It’s springtime right now, which has become my favorite season. It’s full of hope, renewal, and promise. 

We get to witness the flat out miracle of plants and trees coming back from what looks like sure death. I don’t have a green thumb, so when my seemingly dead perennial lantana plants transform from sticks into full bushes loaded with flowers, I’m shocked and amazed. Every. Single. Year. 

When my daughter, Ella, was four years old, our family moved from the city of Austin to the beautiful Texas Hill Country. We moved in February, and despite the record low temperatures and an unwelcoming ice storm, we loved living out in the country, surrounded by nature. 

Just one month later, we were delighted to witness the unfolding of one surprise after another as spring transformed the land around our new home. Bright iris flowers sprouted from bulbs hidden under previously barren patches of dirt. And twiggy bushes and trees became lush with bright green leaves.  

We created a family game called “Signs of Spring.” Simple rules:  The first person to notice a new sign of spring shouts “Sign of Spring!” Then, we all stop in our tracks to check it out and marvel at it. And so, with joy, we acknowledged and celebrated every new wildflower, butterfly and blooming bush day after day. 

But here’s the thing… if you’re rushing around or if you have your nose to the grindstone, you won’t notice these signs of spring. Ella taught me that. That first year, she won our Signs of Spring game over and over, as I fretted over the neverending To Do list that's inevitable when settling into a new home.

And so it goes with your progress.

As a High Performance Coach, I work with high achievers who work really hard and know how to hustle. So when they create a new goal, and don’t get the results they want within their preconceived time table - they often get discouraged. 

And too often, their critical thoughts start confirming that they’ll never achieve the audacious goal they set for themselves. 

They start looking for the signs that they’re going to fail. 

• Q1’s numbers fell short. I’ll never meet my annual revenue goal.
• I’m exercising every day, but the scale hasn't changed. 
• I’m going to couples therapy, but I still feel disconnected in my marriage. 

And this is when momentum is lost. When goals are abandoned. 

But what if… you look for the “signs of spring” instead?

What evidence is out there that confirms you’re on the right track? 

When you put actions in place to achieve a result, you create a path for success. It is a critical failure if you forget to acknowledge and celebrate each and every action. 

Every time you perform a new habit, you must celebrate that you are becoming the person you desire. It’s a sign of spring!

Every time you see an ounce of positive change, acknowledge and celebrate it!

It’s a sign of spring. 

• You used that box breathing technique instead of letting road rage take over in that dang school pick up line - Celebrate! You’re one step closer to the Zen life you want.
• You resisted buying junk food when grocery shopping - Celebrate! You’re becoming the healthy person you want to be.
• You made 2 more connections than you did last week - Celebrate! You’re one step closer to your sales goal.

You may not have the final result you want - YET - but you’re on the path. 

Success will come, IF you keep going. 

And you will keep going, if you look for and celebrate the signs that you’re flourishing. 

So, as you drive around this weekend, look for all the signs of spring. And let it be a reminder for you to take stock of your own signs of success. Because there are signs all around you - every day - confirming that you are on the right path. But you have to look for them. And feel the encouragement that those signs bring.

Let those daily wins (no matter how small) lift your spirit and fortify you to take the next step!

In doing this, you will find that you’re striving & struggling less. You are less mired down by the discipline of “have to” and “hustle.”  Instead, you’ll be pulled by momentum toward your success, toward the person you want to become. 

Here’s your challenge:  Create a HABIT of acknowledging & celebrating your accomplishments. 

Here’s how:

1. Every day, write at least 3 signs of success. Every action you take towards your goal counts… especially those little actions! 
2. Keep these in the same place every day for 3 months. Put them in your planner, add it to Notes on your phone, or create a separate journal of wins. 
3. Review your signs at the end of the week and at the end of every month.

This simple habit will allow you to keep going, even when you face challenges. You are training your brain to look for your signs of success (not signs of failure) AND that will SUPERCHARGE your momentum!