So, here we are. In what seems like the blink of an eye, this is post number 100 for Yes, You Can Do It. 100 posts since I took that nervous first step back on the 5th May 2019. 100 posts where I have, at times, bared my soul for all to see. If you’d have told me just 5 years ago that I’d be doing this, that I’d go ahead and write multiple blog posts on really personal subject matter, I would not have believed you. But much has changed in that time. My own approach to life has changed, but perhaps more importantly, the landscape regarding mental health has changed, especially when it comes to sharing experiences, issues and thoughts on the subject. There is still so much to do and so far to go with this, though my own interpretation is that we (as a society – a country) have made considerable improvement over recent years, and long may it continue.
Landmark numbers such as this usually prompt some sort of review of what has gone and a preview of what is yet to come, and I’m no exception. As recently as the 16th May, I wrote that I had, at that time, lost some of my enthusiasm for the blog (you can find that post here). Thankfully, that was a temporary blip and my current enthusiasm level for the blog is as high as it ever has been and I intend to keep it that way. I wrote in that post of my aims for the coming months and they largely remain the same: primarily to continue with the weekly posts, to continue attempting to increase the reach of the social media channels, especially Instagram, and to create a free e-book featuring the first 100 pages in their entirety (hopefully by the end of July but certainly by the end of August). But I have additional aims and aspirations now: to connect more with other mental health blogs, organisations, and social media pages; to work on SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) as I’m certain it’s something I can address quickly to potentially direct more people to the blog; to perhaps focus more on positivity, defiance, and possibilities (unless the gradual ‘return to normal’ reignites some of the past anxieties which just haven’t been that much of an issue since Covid struck). I also have other, non-YYCDI related ideas to pursue. The one I’m most excited about right now is a new Instagram page called ‘Advice for my daughter’, but more on that in a week or two…
As well as reaching post number 100, I was inspired this week by a podcast called ‘The Daily Boost’ – a short, sharp podcast which delivers new episodes every weekday with the aim of helping people to clarify their purpose, breakthrough obstacles, and stay motivated. The host, Scott Smith, talked about creating momentum in one of this week’s episodes. He asked if we’ve ever been in a situation where we found ourselves stalled. I’ve felt like that on numerous occasions, most recently when I wrote that blog post in May regarding having lost some of my enthusiasm for the blog. Smith went on to say that most of us will have been in situations where people don’t return calls or messages, or our e-mails get ghosted (i.e. no reply, no acknowledgement – nothing), or we can’t seem to get support or commitment for what we’re trying to achieve. He then suggested that creating our own momentum is vital – that anything can happen when we do that. It can be difficult at times to kickstart that momentum though once we’re there, it’s hard to stop. Smith concluded by stating that we shouldn’t wait for permission – that we should press ahead, decide what we need to do, work hard and get things happening. That really resonated with me. I’ve been too much of an obliger in the past. I’ve waited to see if new ideas would be validated and accepted by others. Over the past year or two, I’ve become more comfortable in moving away from that way of thinking. I know what I want to do and I’m pressing ahead and doing it. I still listen to and value the thoughts and opinions of others but not to an extent where they’ll significantly alter my way of thinking. I have that momentum right now and Smith is right – once it starts, it only picks up steam. YYCDI will continue for some time to come though I am also prioritising other objectives in life and have taken significant steps recently to find the time to devote to them. Will I get to where I want to be? Absolutely, by just getting started and creating that momentum.
As always, thanks for reading, stay safe, and please do try to be kind to others and to yourself.
Best wishes and take care.
Mick
