Do the Right Thing: 10 Tips to Get Back on Track

It can be exhausting doing the right thing all of the time. Ok, let’s be realistic. Most of the time. No one is perfect. Even if we create a perfect image of ourselves in our heads, there will still be flaws. However, there’s a difference between intent to do the wrong thing and learning how to not do the wrong thing.

We’ve all been there at one point or another. Rolling over when the alarm pierces our soul on Monday morning to call out; stopping by Chick-Fil-A for the #1 combo with a sugary lemonade while we were supposed to be “clean eating”; shopping without checking that bank balance first when it’s not pay week; finding excuses to skip 1) a potentially confrontational discussion or 2) avoid necessary admin work like monthly budgeting; and staying up late to mindlessly watch the Grammys, Oscars, or favorite flick when you know you have a presentation or proposal due the next day.

Everyday, we encounter tempting moments to relax a little bit and not do the right thing. It’s a justifiable feeling, especially if all you do is WIN. (If you’re not in that category, I suggest you get a coach ASAP).

When facing the temptation debacle or wresting with a decision to do the right thing, know that your energy is out of alignment. You MUST get it back on track or you’ll hear Erykah Badu crying out “danger!”

Here’s ten tips to realign your energy and motivate yourself to do right when you really want to do wrong.

Pause- Stop trying to run Usain Bolt circles around your head trying to be creative with excuses.
Breathe- When we’re stressed, the first thing we stop doing is breathing properly. Count to 3 slowly and inhale deeply. Count to 3 again while exhaling. [New to this? Faith Hunter Yoga can help channel your inner peace.]
Calm your mind- Eliminate any distractions and focus on yourself (consistent meditative practice helps with this). Identify and release any fears you may have.
Remember why you started- Take it back to the beginning to uncover why you are doing what you do. There’s a goal tied to daily tactics, so assess what you’re doing and make a decision to eliminate those things that don’t align with your goals.
Assess your toolkit- Remember what you do have and think about how you can overcome the areas in which you lack. For instance, if time is an issue, consider getting some help. Whether it’s a housekeeper to help at home, a stylist to coordinate your wardrobe, an accountability partner to keep you on track, or an intern or virtual assistant, there’s ways to overcome it.
Break down tasks into manageable items- We’ve all heard that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Break tasks down into manageable pieces. When we eat, we don’t swallow food whole (At least I hope you don’t. If so, you’d be a constant Heimlich recipient). Adjust your mindset with your work. Keep it simple.
Keep your word and apologize when you fall short. Be mindful. Don't make it a habit. Remember I said we aren’t perfect? However, your word is your bond. Don’t overcommit and if you do, apologize for it without being called out. Then, make a change.
Be honest with yourself- Take your cape off for a moment and assess what drives you and what demotivates you. In many cases, we may on the wrong road leading to something we truly do not want. Get on the right road!
Remember who you represent (the power of the brand)- Back in the day, my Mom kept us in line by saying “don’t embarrass me”. Many people praised her for how well behaved my brother and I were. Well, this applies to you today. Everything you do represents where you’ve come from, who you are, and where you’re trying to go. A wrong decision can embarrass your Mother.
Affirm yourself- YOU CAN DO IT!- Oscar Winner Viola Davis said it best “You is kind, You is smart, You is important”. Remind yourself of these simple truths everyday.