What Do You Need to Start, Stop, and Develop?

Hey, it's me, Nate... I know it's been a while since you've got an official "Thrive Thursday" from me. I really do appreciate you for sticking around while I took and unintentional sabbatical.

Actually, let me be real with you, I've been overwhelmed. Not in a "everything is falling apart" kind of way. More like the kind of overwhelmed that happens when a lot of good things are happening at the same time.

I'm adjusting to life as a father of two boys. I'm trying to be present and intentional with my Wife. I'm building my business after a tough year. I'm preparing for upcoming speaking engagements. And on top of that, I'm training for a Spartan race on August 29th.

And somewhere in the middle of all of that, I realized: I can't keep adding things to my life without taking an honest look at what's already there.

So I went back to a simple framework I've been using with a coaching client of mine: Start. Stop. Develop.

And I decided to use it on myself.

START

What do I need to start doing?

For me, that meant starting to create more intentional structure around my time. Starting to protect my recovery. Starting to be more honest about when I need help instead of trying to figure everything out myself. Because sometimes we don't need more motivation. We need better systems.

STOP

What do I need to stop doing?

This one hit me a little harder. I need to stop believing that everything deserves my immediate attention. Stop feeling guilty when I can't do everything. Stop confusing being available with being effective. And honestly, I need to stop thinking I have to prove that I can carry everything. Being capable doesn't mean everything is mine to carry.

Maybe you needed to hear that too.

DEVELOP

Who do I need to become to handle the life I'm asking God for?

This is the question I think we often overlook. For me, that's developing greater discipline, emotional awareness, patience, and consistency. Because I don't just want to accomplish more. I want to become healthier while I'm accomplishing it.

I want to be a present husband. A present father. A healthy leader. A disciplined athlete. A better coach. A man whose private life can actually sustain his public life. And that's requiring development.

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."
— Psalm 139:23

I love this because David isn't asking God to simply bless his plans. He's asking God to examine him. Sometimes that's the work we need before the next level. Not another strategy. An honest examination.

REFLECT + RESPOND

1. START: What do you know you need to start doing that would make your life healthier?

2. STOP: What are you continuing to carry, tolerate, or prioritize that is contributing to your overwhelm?

3. DEVELOP: What part of you needs to grow in order to handle the season you're praying for?

QUOTE TO CARRY

"You don't always need to do more. Sometimes you need to become more intentional about what you're already doing."

SO, YOU GOT THE INSIGHT BUT NEED HELP WITH IMPLEMENTATION

If you've been feeling overwhelmed lately, I want you to know something: You're not alone.

And you don't have to have everything figured out today. Maybe your next step isn't figuring out your entire life.

Maybe it's simply asking:

What do I need to start?
What do I need to stop?
What do I need to develop?

That's where I'm starting.

Maybe you can start there too.

And if you need help on your journey, accountability, and a coach who will ensure that you built the mental fortitude to thrive, schedule a discovery call with me. If we are in alignment, I'd love to be your coach. I have 3 slots open and once they're gone the next opening won't be until December.

SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY CALL

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