Estimated Reading Time 8 Minutes
Hey You! Welcome to The Vibrant Life Podcast! I’m your host, Emily Romrell, and today’s episode is all about raising the bar in our lives. But hold onto your hats, because we’re not talking about your average, run-of-the-mill bar here. Nope, we’re diving into how to elevate our game, boost our success, and reach new heights that even the most daring adventurers would envy! So buckle up, because it’s time to kick things up a notch and start living our most vibrant lives yet!
Now, if you’re ready to turbocharge your journey to vibrant living, I’ve got some goodies for you! Dive into my poetry anthology, Po~Em’s, where inspiration awaits. Need a little extra organization and motivation? Check out The Vibrant Life Goal Planner, your ticket to staying on track with your goals. And when it’s time to unwind and tap into your creative side, grab a copy of the new Vibrant Life Coloring Book—it’s more than just coloring, it’s a pathway to meditation and finding your flow. I put a lot of heart and energy into these tools and I think you’ll love them as much as I do. Everything is available on Amazon!
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As I was preparing for this episode, the concept of pushing ourselves just a little bit further each day kept swirling in my mind. Initially, I toyed with the idea of naming it “The Backwards Limbo” because, let’s face it, I’m cheesy and that sort of name is right up my alley. And doesn’t it sometimes feel like we’re bending over backward trying to reach our goals? But eventually, I decided to shift the focus to more uplifting imagery, like the high jump.
I’ll be the first to admit, folks, I’m probably the clumsiest person you’ll ever meet. But despite my knack for tripping over my own feet, I’m constantly in awe of what athletes achieve. I’m a sucker for the Olympics—ask my friends, I’ve thrown some epic opening ceremony parties! The dedication, athleticism, and spirit of the Games inspire me to push my own limits, just in different ways.
Picture yourself as an Olympic high jumper, standing on the edge of greatness with your eyes locked on the bar set higher than ever before. Each day leading up to this moment has been a testament to your grit and determination. You’ve poured countless hours into perfecting your craft, honing your skills, and sharpening your focus.
In the quiet moments of training, you’ve pushed yourself a little further each day, inching closer to your goal. It hasn’t been easy—there were doubts, moments of frustration, and days when the challenge seemed insurmountable. But you pressed on, knowing that greatness isn’t achieved in leaps and bounds, but in the small, consistent steps forward.
Now, as you stand poised for the jump of a lifetime, a surge of excitement courses through your veins. The crowd’s anticipation fuels your determination as you visualize the leap in your mind. And then, with a burst of energy, you take flight, defying gravity with a grace that belies the effort behind it.
As you sail over the bar and land on the other side, a wave of triumph washes over you. It’s not just about this one jump—it’s about the journey that brought you here. The hours of sweat, the moments of doubt, the unwavering commitment to excellence—they’ve all led to this moment of glory.
In life, we’re constantly faced with our high jump moments. Sometimes, we see them coming, eagerly anticipating the challenge. Other times, they catch us off guard, leaving us scrambling to rise to the occasion. But regardless of when they appear, know this: you have everything you need to conquer them. With each small step forward, you inch closer to greatness. While the path may seem daunting, rewards beyond measure await you on the other side. Take that leap of faith, and marvel as you ascend to heights once deemed unattainable. Remember, even the smallest improvements each day lead to astonishing results.
Incrementally raising the bar mirrors the concept of the Compound Effect, brilliantly explained in Darren Hardy’s must-read personal development book. Picture it like this: you’re planting a tiny seed in the rich soil of your life, nurturing it with daily doses of water and sunlight. Initially, it may appear as if nothing significant is happening. Yet, with time, that seed burgeons into a majestic tree, dominating the landscape with its presence.
The same principle applies to our daily actions. Whether it’s reading a few pages of a book, saving a small amount of money, or practicing gratitude, each tiny action compounds over time, leading to remarkable results. So, embrace those small steps and watch as they snowball into something truly magnificent.
Let’s say you decide to read just ten pages of a book every day. It might not feel like you’re making much progress at first, but as the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, those ten pages add up. Before you know it, you’ve devoured dozens of books, expanding your knowledge and perspective in ways you never thought possible. I’m always about the books and reading. I can’t get enough.
As we journey through life, it’s crucial to fortify every aspect of our being. Consider the core value of faith—a source of strength, resilience, and inner peace. By carving out sacred moments for scripture study and prayer, we anchor ourselves amidst life’s storms, equipped to face whatever challenges or high jump moments might come our way.
Imagine you’re faced with a challenging family situation that requires a lot of patience and understanding. Thanks to your steadfast commitment to raising your bar of faith, you approach the situation with grace and empathy. Drawing upon the insights gleaned from your study of scripture and the strength received through prayer, you are more able to navigate family dynamics with wisdom and love.
Health and wellness are also key high bars of a vibrant life. Whether it’s exercise, nutrition, or self-care, prioritizing our well-being empowers us to live life to the fullest. Maybe you commit to incorporating exercise into your daily routine, whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a jog outside, or practicing yoga. The options are endless, right? The important thing is to be consistent in whatever you choose.
Another high bar is lifelong learning. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to challenge ourselves to expand our knowledge and skills. Imagine committing to enhance your professional skills, attending workshops and seminars to broaden your horizons, or reading books that inspire and educate you on topics of interest. By embracing a growth mindset and prioritizing personal growth, you not only unlock your full potential but also open doors to new opportunities.
Those are just a couple of generalized high bars that I think everyone should work for. But amidst the grand goals and lofty ambitions, don’t forget the power of setting specific, detailed goals. Whether it’s professional milestones, personal passions, or everyday joys, each goal is a step towards a brighter, more vibrant life. By setting clear objectives, you give yourself a tangible target to strive for, motivating you to invest time and effort into acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge.
For example, imagine a young professional aspiring to become a successful entrepreneur. They set a specific goal to complete a business incubator program focused on startup development within the next two years. Through diligent effort and dedication to their goal, they immerse themselves in the program, learning essential skills such as market analysis, financial planning, and other strategies. As they graduate from the program, they emerge as a confident and savvy entrepreneur, ready to turn their dreams into reality.
It’s also important to set personal goals to make everyday life richer. Maybe it’s learning to play a musical instrument, mastering a new language, or becoming proficient in a particular sport. By setting aside dedicated time and effort to pursue this goal, you not only expand your horizons but also enhance your sense of fulfillment and well-being.
Imagine setting a goal to learn guitar proficiently within a year. You watch YouTube tutorials and practice diligently every day, gradually improving your skills and mastering techniques. As you progress on your musical journey, you experience a great sense of accomplishment and joy, fueling your passion for music and inspiring others.
Throughout history, countless individuals have elevated themselves to greatness by continuously striving for improvement, no matter how small the steps. One such hero is Helen Keller. Her remarkable life embodied the power of perseverance and determination. Despite facing the extreme challenges of being both deaf and blind, Helen refused to be confined by her disabilities. Guided by her devoted teacher, Anne Sullivan, she embarked on a journey of discovery, learning to communicate through sign language and braille. Helen’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and opportunity propelled her forward, leading her to become a beacon of hope for millions. She became an accomplished author, lecturer, and advocate for others with similar struggles. Helen Keller’s story is a testament to the potential that lies within each of us. It reminds us that even in the face of daunting obstacles, incremental progress and unwavering resolve pave the way to the extraordinary.
Life is a thrilling adventure, complete with twists, turns, and exhilarating challenges. It’s a journey filled with excitement and potential, but it’s also important to remember that progress isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. When we set ambitious goals for ourselves, it’s tempting to dive in headfirst, fueled by a surge of adrenaline and determination. However, this all-or-nothing approach leads to burnout and overwhelm, leaving us depleted and discouraged.
But fear not! There’s a better way to navigate this journey—one that’s filled with joy, progress, and a healthy dose of self-compassion. Instead of trying to tackle everything all at once, focus on one improvement at a time. It’s like unlocking levels in your favorite video game. Think of each skill or habit as a new level to conquer, with its own set of challenges and rewards. By giving yourself permission to take things one day at a time, you prevent burnout and set yourself up for long-term success.
If you’re on a quest to improve your physical fitness, instead of attempting to run a marathon on day one, start by going for a jog around the neighborhood. As you build stamina and confidence, you can level up your workouts. Before you know it, you’ll be crushing your fitness goals and feeling like a superhero!
Remember to prioritize quality over quantity. Don’t spread yourself thin trying to do it all. Focus on mastering one skill or task at a time, like a chef perfecting a new recipe. Whether it’s honing your communication skills, mastering time management, or learning a new language, take the time to fully immerse yourself in the process and celebrate your progress along the way.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are our dreams. By embracing the journey and trusting in the process, you’ll discover that slow and steady truly does win the race. All we have to do is raise the bar a little at a time. Be a little better today than you were yesterday. The paradox is that time goes by so fast. And in no time you will look back and amaze yourself at what you’ve accomplished and what you’ve become.
Alright, Peeps, it’s time for some real talk! What’s that one tiny step you can take today to raise the bar up a notch in your life? Whether it’s starting your morning with a gratitude journal, squeezing in a quick workout during lunch, or finally diving into that passion project you’ve been putting off, spill the beans in the comments! I want to hear about it! Let’s cheer each other on as we conquer new heights. You are wonderful. I’ll catch you on the flip side my friends. Keep dazzling the world with your light and remember to Live The Vibrant Life.
