Cutting some slack while playing hard

Today I got my frist mark back for a BIG paper in my masters program.  But, before share more, let me give you a bit of background.

For those of you who don't know, I am currently pursuing my Masters in Sport Psychology at the University of Ottawa, while still running my business, planning a wedding, leading introductions with Landmark Education, and commuting to and from Ottawa 2x/week to spend time with my family.  It's a lot . . . and I love it.

And, I am a high performer, expecting success in all areas of my life. 

So, even though my attention is divided, and I am a full-time student using a part-time schedule, I am still committed to rocking it at school.  And, at the same time, I'm aware that I'm not a master at school yet.  

I have framed it in this way: t's like any athlete in their first few months at the next level of their sport, such as their first experience with a Provincial or National Team - they're probably going to struggle at first.  It takes practice to develop the 'muscles' in a new environment, in this case my university masters 'muscles'. So, I'm embracing my growth experiences on this journey as well.

Why am I explaining all of this?  Because it sets up my reaction to the mark I got back today on my first BIG university Masters paper.  

I see myself as a 90% student, even with everything that's going on.  

And, today I received a 77% (which I think I'll be able to raise to 82% with a resubmission related to my mistakes in reference formatting).  And even though I was telling myself before I got the mark that I'd be happy no matter what I received, since it was a chance for my further development, I realized when I recieved the mark that I was secretly saying 'I expect a 90%', because I was initially disappointed.

When I realized this I had to laugh.  I am studying performance psychology, and here I was putting myself down for what is a great mark given my lack of experience as a masters student and my crazy schedule.  My attachment to results and motivation to succeed almost distracted me totally from the first accomplishment of my Masters career thus far.

So, now with pride I say I received a 77% (possibly an 82%) on my first university Masters paper with so much room to grow based on the feedback I receive.

And I'm still aiming for a 90%.

What's the point if this post?  

Take a moment to look at how hard you are being on yourself with the goals you set and your achievement of them.  Be kind to yourself, look at what worked and what didn't to direct changes you make moving forward.  And, still "shoot for the moon, even if you miss you'll land amongst the stars' (Les Brown).

Love,

Kara