The Middle Way is often described as a path of balance, but that doesn’t mean it’s as easy as placing equal weights on a scale and calling it done. Life’s “weights” aren’t fixed. They shift, evolve, and sometimes surprise you. That’s why the real art lies in noticing how things change in quality, not just quantity.
Think of it less like a simple pendulum swinging back and forth, and more like a spinning disc—fluid, dynamic, and always in motion. With the right small adjustments, you can stay centered while steering your energy toward what matters most.
Generating a wish list or dreams list is one way to connect to your possibilities and inner desires – A way to focus on what you are asking for. The list itself can take whatever form you prefer. It can simply be a list, or it could be organized by themes or in the form of a chart.
Taking time to generate a wish list gives you a reference point, a place to check in when you lack resolve or inspiration. Allow your list to grow with you. Don’t be afraid to reevaluate based on who you have become since you made an entry. Remove items that are no longer a good fit, such as possessions, skills, or activities that were a priority for previous ways of thinking. Take note of any areas where you don’t have inspiration; here, you can ask what might support you in identifying what you would like to create.
The last key in this series is to never give up. Once you know exactly what you want, and begin to take action on it, applying a positive framework, and moving forward even when you are scared, you must persist even when you experience setbacks. Here are some practices that will carry you through when you encounter obstacles or make mistakes.
1) Hold Yourself in High Esteem
Perceive yourself as extraordinary. Know what you are really good at, your strengths, gifts, and talents, and deeply appreciate them. Believe in the unique contribution that you are making and pledge to honor this even when it feels like no-one else is.
The first three keys to self-motivation of envisioning your future, taking action steps towards it, and addressing the fears that hold you back, can all be more easily maintained by the fourth key: a commitment to being positive. Making a pledge to stay optimistic by focussing on opportunities and possibilities aids in affirming and encouraging the progress you are making. It is a form of self-advocacy that you have control over. Whenever possible, adjust your thinking to propel you forward, and sustain your enthusiasm and high energy. You can do this with the following techniques:
1) I am Happy Because …
Find reasons to be optimistic and committed. Make sure your goals and the steps to reach them are defined positively so that they pull you onward. Think about all the things that you are grateful for, especially those that contribute directly to the goals you are focused on. As you complete each step, take time to acknowledge it to build your confidence that you can do all that needs to be done. Pay attention to and be thankful for everything in your vision that you implement and achieve.
Even when employing the first two keys for motivating yourself, of detailing your vision and beginning to take action to realize it, you may occasionally feel frightened: especially when reaching your goals requires stretching yourself and encountering new territory. This is when the third key becomes critical. Don’t buy any excuses or limitations you impose on yourself. If you or others are hard on you, objectively think of these criticisms as positive feedback for your sustained growth. Do not internalize them allowing a false barrier to occur that will hold you back. The following habits will allow you to respond to, own, and address your fears.
1) Alternative Perspectives
Oftentimes, overcoming our fears leads to our greatest strengths. So, it is useful to reflect on what the opportunity or inspired action could be in the circumstances that are causing us anxiety. Think about the ways that you are conceptualizing the issue. In each case, examine them for truth and other possible ways of thinking about the experience. Are you anticipating or inflating problems? What would be a more useful, positive, and purposeful way to think about it? How can you make change work for you and direct yourself? Another way to address your fears is by taking a moment to own your anxieties and find the benefit or upside is a great way to keep on track. Identifying the value in what you are doing, even when you don’t want to do it, provides additional reasons to engage. It supports your decision to be great. Developing this type of honest contemplation also brings rewards of self-encouragement and self-compassion.
