When my my mom passed away just four months after my dad, I was pretty emotionally drained.
Life was still busy and daily tasks couldn't come to a complete halt, but I did cut myself some slack and often asked myself the same question.
"What's the next thing I need to do?"
I couldn't plan an entire week, it was just too daunting. And I felt so exhausted, I just didn't know ahead of time how much energy I would have on any given day.
As long as I just looked at one thing at a time, I could accomplish the bare minimum and sometimes more.
One of the answers to my question was to gift myself 6 sessions of in-home massage! I honored that answer from within and it helped so much!
When it comes to making progress, the concept of "floors" and "ceilings" can be incredibly useful in framing your approach. Imagine that every time you achieve your "floor", you take a step. Therefore, each step brings you closer to your "ceiling".
Understanding Floors and Ceilings
Floors: The Minimum Standards
Think of a floor as your baseline. It represents the minimum standard you aim to achieve. Setting a floor helps you avoid falling below a certain level of performance or progress. For example, if your goal is to exercise regularly, your floor might be committing to just 10 minutes of activity each day. This establishes a non-negotiable starting point, ensuring that you stay engaged with your goal even on tougher days. Checking in with myself by asking, "What's the next thing I need to do"? became the "floor" that held me in place so that I didn't sink lower.
Ceilings: The Maximum Aspirations
On the other hand, a ceiling represents your highest aspirations. It’s the upper limit of what you want to achieve, and it doesn't matter how high the ceiling is. Establishing a ceiling helps you aim for something that feels out of reach now. For instance, if you aspire to run a marathon, your ceiling might be to complete the race in under four hours. This gives you something to strive for while still allowing for flexibility in your journey.
There are additional benefits of Floors and Ceilings such as -
Motivation: A clear floor keeps you motivated during challenging times, as it reminds you that any progress is better than none. Meanwhile, a well-defined ceiling pushes you to reach for more, keeping your ambition alive.
Realism: Setting both a floor and a ceiling helps you maintain a realistic perspective. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you only focus on lofty goals. By acknowledging your minimum expectations, you create a more approachable path.
Flexibility: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes you may not reach your ceiling. However, as long as you meet your floor, you can still feel a sense of accomplishment. This flexibility helps you navigate setbacks without losing sight of your overall objectives.
Implementing Floors and Ceilings in Your Goal-Setting Process
Define Your Goals: Start by clearly defining your goals. What do you want to achieve, and why? This clarity will help you determine appropriate floors and ceilings.
Establish Your Floor: Determine the minimum level of effort or achievement you will accept. This could be a small, manageable task that keeps you moving forward. Write it down and make it a part of your routine.
Set Your Ceiling: Identify your maximum aspiration. What is your dream outcome? This is where you can be ambitious, allowing yourself to think big and envision your ideal success.
Create a Plan: Develop a roadmap that outlines how you will work toward your floor and ceiling. Break your goals into smaller, actionable steps that help you progress over time.
Review and Adjust: Regularly assess your progress. If you find yourself consistently exceeding your floor, consider raising it. If you’re struggling to meet it, adjust your expectations to maintain motivation and avoid burnout.
Take a moment to define your floors and ceilings, and watch how they propel you toward your aspirations!
Xo,
Meredith
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