Keep Kind Intentions

She generally gave herself very good advice (though she very seldom followed it).

Alice in Wonderland

Keeping Kind Intentions is not only about how we approach others, but is also about how we treat ourselves. Like Alice, we generally give ourselves some great and kind advice, but then often fail to follow through!

There is a common saying, “he is his own worst enemy,” and this all too common tendency can become especially apparent when setting ROCKET Goals. “Self sabotage” is another way to phrase it - and it would be comical if it weren’t so damaging and widespread - last minute fumbles, forgotten papers, lackadaisical practice sessions, missed appointments, skipped rehearsals, flubbed lines and faux pas - the list of common bloopers and blunders is endless.

But isn’t kindness some kind of self-indulgent sentiment towards ourselves and others? I don’t take my own good advice or anyone’s advice, because my current and tortuous path is working quite fine, thank you. And if I fail, it will not be for lack of trying. In fact, all this trying and suffering and hard work are the goal - so if I fumble at the last moment, does it really matter?

The simple antidote to all these varied and entertaining forms of self sabotage might read -
“To truly be kind to yourself, simply make sure to succeed no matter what.”

Another way to brace against self sabotage might read -
“To truly be kind to yourself, make sure to give your maximum best effort.”

A third lens for keeping kind intentions towards yourself -
“To truly be kind to yourself, accept and learn from your mistakes and keep moving with tremendous enthusiasm.”

Each of these approaches to battling self-sabotage have their positives, but none will work perfectly. Bloopers and mistakes will crop up in any endeavor. When they do, take a moment to see the source, and if it turns out you are being your own worst enemy - then it’s time to ask “Why?!!”

It turns out that learning to Keep Kind Intentions is harder than it first might appear - especially towards ourselves.