Need help with this baby steps thing!

[EveHarrington]

Ok so I’ve never been good at the baby steps thing. Now that I’m getting better my therapist is trying to reign me in. “Eve, you can only take ONE class in the fall!” Of course I’m like psh, I’m fine, I can take a few! I need to get moving so I can get back to the real world!

Of course I know she’s right.

I just feel so constrained, is all.

In all this time I’ve never grasped the concept of baby steps. It’s just push forward!

How do I re-train my brain?

I’m so afraid that I’m behind and need to catch up.

I know I need to pace myself. But how?

Help!

 

[Warrior Chicken]

I am right there with you @EveHarrington. I truly wish I had advice. Hope that others do.

I also completely overcommit and push forward, like you do. For me, it feels like I have to make amends for all my failures. Learn, create, contribute, serve.

Then fall flat on my face when I realize the treadmills running at 10mph at 8 incline. Can hold it for a fraction, but then, damn it....why won’t the stop button work?! Someone unplug this thing!!!!
But they all left cuz it looked like I could handle it.

 

[grit]

Take the one course...baby step.
Take few because you can - not a baby step.

 

[Ronin]

Reframe.

Baby steps aren’t truly baby.

They are making the bigger ones possible, without the burn out. So it is advantage TO YOU if you do not take the few classes, for you will be able to take them later. Not burning out with all of them, now. Saving yourself the irritation with too many subjects, or the feeling of failure if not able to do so much.

They are also good organization & sequentiaing of needs. This comes first. That other one later. That we don’t worry about at all. So one more layer of stress off.

 

[Justmehere]

When beginning weight lifting, one doesn’t go to bench press 500 lbs once and expect great gains. That would just lead to injury. Instead the greatest muscle gains are with smaller weights.

When learning to climb mountains, one doesn’t immediately set up at base camp at Mt. Everest and start trekking up. That would not lead to great mountain climbing skill development.

You are training. It’s not really doing less. It’s not really taking small steps. It’s taking steps at the right weight and distance at the moment and building the strength to move on to the next level.

For the one class, really dive into every part of the process and evaluate what works and what doesn’t. While it’s a part time load, take it on full time. Use the first exam as a chance to hone up on all test taking skills. Use the first study group session as a chance to sharpen the skills of working with others. Use the first essay to sharpen all writing skills. Work on the skills and knowledge to build up to long term success. Full time.

 

[EveHarrington]

Thank you all for your replies.

I am reading, re-reading, and letting it sink in.

I just want to let you know that I value your input.

 

[Freida]

baby steps make me crazy. CRAZY. How do I make things better if I don't tackle it all at once? It's been a tough journey but I'm learning that if I use the baby steps to set a foundation I'll be better in the long run. So.... practice, practice, practice.

 

[EveHarrington]

baby steps make me crazy. CRAZY.

Yes, EXACTLY!

My therapist says I can only think 2 weeks into the future.

But she did contradict herself when saying I should look into taking a summer class.....uhm no, classes already started unless I want to go to the next county over. Plus, my life is too hectic right now. I’m up against a wall as my prerequisite courses are about to expire. (5 year limit), and I’m looking into a certain program that would start next summer.

Or, do I continue working for myself and take it to the next level?