Implement Your Plan  

Now that you have a written plan, you are ahead of the game and have taken the necessary steps vital to a successful caregiving journey.  Now it is important you have the motivation to implement your plan.  The following is a list of suggestions for motivational longevity: 

1.       Be gentle with yourself:  Maintain flexibility in your planning and always remain gentle with yourself.  We can pray for direction, however we shouldn't beat ourselves if things don't go exactly as planned.  Our lives are ever changing, so our plans should allow for flexibility.  

2.       Celebrate successes along the way:  On the occasions when we are successful in reaching our goals, no matter how incremental, we should take our time to stop and celebrate them.  Instead of focusing on unmet goals, we should try to spend more our time and energy focusing on our successes.  

3.       Never give up, but PERSIST till you find a way to achieve your goals:  If an action step is ineffective you shouldn't waste time trying the same, old, tired approaches.  Why continue a practice that is not getting the results you desire?  Keep in mind there are many approaches to make it over any wall, you should just keep trying till we find a way to conquer it.  

4.       Maintain a positive attitude:  Keeping a positive attitude will assist in moving forward.  When you are thinking positive thoughts you have little choice but to feel positive.  

5.       Just Do It!:  Your plan will not happen by itself.  In order to see changes and meet the challenges that are associated with caregiving you must take the necessary steps to keep moving forward and use even the smallest achievement as building blocks to continue successfully caring for yourself and your loved one.