We recently had a massive moth migration from the great plains to the Rockies through Billings, Montana. This year was more "mothy" than usual because we had an unseasonably wet early summer.
The migrating moths help to pollinate plants in Eastern Montana and they also end up as good food for bears in the Rocky Mountains. So, while super annoying, it's an integral part of nature.
Despite how good it is for nature, it sure is annoying as a person. These moths were EVERYWHERE! They made their way into our gas fireplace, flittering around at night, covering most of the used-to-be-clean glass. They hid in every crevice of our outdoor furniture, including the umbrella which was terrifying to open as dozens of them came hurling from the folded flaps when I tried to raise it. I had the heebie-jeebies to say the least.
As the moth season seemed to drag on for weeks, I started to doubt that this was a migration. It seemed to be an infestation. If the end goal of the migration was the Rockies, some of these moths missed the mark. It was as if some of these moths (let's be honest, millions - I'm sure that's how many are dead under our deck) got distracted and completely lost sight of their goal. Maybe it was the cozy layout of our deck, the bountiful buffet of flowers and grass (or whatever moths eat), or the daunting thought of having to fly hundreds of miles to the destination. I know they're going to be bear food, but did they know that?
It's easy to lose sight of the end goal when surrounded by distractions. We face them EVERY DAY - work deadlines, weather changes, Netflix, #momlife, social opportunities, Instagram reels...and so. much. more. Some of our distractions are unavoidable and some seasons offer up more roadblocks than others. Even so, there are a two strategies to make you more likely to meet your goal:
1. Set your goal for your season. Some seasons of life do not afford the time necessary to complete your goal. Adjusting your goal to fit your season will increase the likelihood of you meeting the goal. For example, if time does not allow for the long runs you need to appropriately train for a marathon, maybe you can run your fastest 10K in this season. When you're honest about your circumstances then you can set realistic goals. You're more likely to succeed if your goal matches your season.
2. Prioritize the path. Of course you want to be gracious with yourself in acknowledging just how much time you do have to complete your goal(s). But you also want to challenge yourself to reach your potential.
Prioritizing the steps it takes to reach your goal will help you accomplish it. Set appointments for your exercise routine. Meal plan around your schedule to decrease frequency of take-out. Take your water bottle with you so you remember to drink your fluids. Carve out a bedtime routine so you get enough rest. These (and many more) are ways to make sure you're doing what you need to do to get to where you want to go.
You can set yourself up for success by applying these two strategies to any goals you have - fitness, nutrition, financial, academic, any area! Be a determined moth who makes the migration. Just blend into the scenery to avoid becoming a hungry bear's dinner 😉.
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