#29: Pace Yourself

Growth looks different for everyone!

I had my first keynote speech today (best believe, the first of many 😉).

Wamide Animashaun (pronounced wa-me-day) @wamide_a

Giving my first keynote speech tomorrow 🌟💃🏾

When I was setting goals for 2023, one of my goals was to speak some more, particularly about my career journey. In addition to that, I wanted to be a keynote speaker, but I figured I still had some learning to do. So when at the beginning of the year, I was approached to speak at a certain event, I declined. I had a lot on my plate and just couldn’t afford to put more (see Note 26 for more). It wasn’t until mid February that I started accepting speaking engagements again.

That was my way of pacing myself.

Merriam-Webster defines the idiom “pace yourself” along these lines:

to do something at a speed that is steady and that allows one to continue without becoming too tired.

In today’s ever-changing world, pacing oneself is a very important skill to hone.

I get that it might seem like you have to do more to be visible, do more to be known, do more to be heard of, and I’m a big proponent of starting and doing things afraid. But you know what’s harder than starting? It’s finishing!!!

On setting goals - do you at your pace, so you don’t burn out (burn outs are NOT cool).

Whatever you do, just be sure to measure your growth, and that might look different for different people. Track how well you’re doing and have the persistence to go as far as you can. 

Run your own race at your comfort level, and stop competing comparatively.

Instead, let other people’s growth inspire you.

Growth looks different for everyone!