Restraining Factors vs Redeeming Facts
Which Will You Choose?
We’ve all been there before. Fell short of a big goal. Struggled (yet again) to stay on top of documentation or emails. Experienced an unexpected life event that changed everything. Inexplicable loss of motivation or clarity at work or home. Simply put: things just didn’t go as planned.
These can be very discouraging moments and may have even led you to give up your pursuit entirely. But these are often times the most crucial points (among many) in any big goal or habit you are seeking. So what are you supposed to do when these moments come? How do you know when to keep going or when to pivot?
As with many worthwhile goals, it begins with the right mindset. What you tell yourself and what you choose to believe will dramatically alter how you approach these junctures. Every bump in the road presents us with two very real possibilities on which to focus: Restraining Factors OR Redeeming Facts.
Let me explain.
We all know it’s generally better to focus on the positives or to look for the silver linings. Focus on the good, not the bad, and everything will get better…right? Not necessarily. This all-or-nothing approach can lead to inaccurate assessments or defective and unsustainable strategies. Instead, it’s important to accept the truth of our restraining factors AND not let them dominate our thinking.
I’m no good at public speaking. My boss will think poorly of me if I speak up in meetings. Healthcare is not what it should be.
These Restraining Factors we repeat in our minds, in all likelihood, have touches of truth about ourselves, others, and the wider culture around us. But this is not a strategy of fake-it-till-you-make-it. Far from! Instead, you can choose to focus on the Redeeming Facts that are equally (if not more) true.
I’m not yet comfortable with speaking in front of others. I can plan and schedule a time to meet with my boss and discuss my thoughts. I have the agency to improve the care I provide for my patients regardless of Healthcare norms.
Focusing on your Restraining Factors will hold you back from action. Focusing on your Redeeming Facts will combat the reflexive responses we have when met with obstacles to our growth and propel us to action.
Here are three simple ways you can leap over your restraining factors and begin focusing on your redeeming facts that will drive you closer to your goal:
- Acknowledge 2-3 Restraining Factors – I’ll always encourage people to write out their thoughts because it can help to manifest it in a way that we can’t in our minds. Seeing it will help you identify how you are feeling and thinking about your circumstances (yourself, others, wider culture) and give you room to acknowledge some of the truthfulness of the factors holding you back.
- WRITE 2-3 Redeeming Facts – This process of writing will free you to visualize and verbalize your redeeming facts. You will then be more likely to internalize better truths on which to focus especially when in the heat of the moment.
- Remember Your WHY – A goal must have a purpose behind it. If you are to evade obstacles and move forward from your setbacks, you must realign with WHY you are doing it in the first place. Only then can you have long-term sustainable success with a big goal.
When I say, “Don’t think about a white elephant.” What do you think about? A white elephant. So, to stop focusing on your restraining factors and start acting on your redeeming facts, spend a few minutes working through these three exercises so you have a way of moving forward.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to share any breakthroughs!
If you want to have success each year, you need to find focus each day.
Focus Daily, my friend!