Make it Plain Monday: The Journey of Self- Control
Monday, June 2, 2025
Proverbs 25:28 reminds us that “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” These words have been echoing in my mind today as I reflect on the intricate dance between ambition and discipline, between dreams and the daily grind of making them reality.
The Weight of Aspirations
I’m standing at the intersection of multiple pathways, each demanding focus and commitment. Completing my Lumia life coaching training program by the end of June, preparing for the ICF exam by September or end of August, losing 20 lbs by July, creating and launching my curriculum for BIPOC women struggling with identity crisis and imposter syndrome, conducting research on BIPOC women’s identity crisis and imposter syndrome for the curriculum, monetizing the blog and creating a faceless podcast.
Each goal carries weight- personal and professional- sometimes feeling like a symphony and other times like competing orchestras playing different songs!
The Inner Critic’s Whisper
What's most daunting is the persistent voice questioning whether I’m disciplined enough. That nagging feeling that whisper’s, “You could be doing more.” I’m learning how to distinguish between healthy self-reflection and destructive imposter syndrome. Yes, I said it. I am one of those BIPOC women who struggles with identity crisis and imposter syndrome.
Am I truly lacking discipline, or wrestling with my own expectations? Sometimes I wonder if my introverted nature becomes a convenient retreat when the path feel too demanding.
Seeking Diving Clarity
I’m asking the Lord to reveal what’s really happening beneath my ambitions and anxieties. Do I need to slow down and honor my need for rest, or step more boldly into the discipline my goals call for? The answer likely lands in the delicate balance between pushing forward and pulling back.
Celebrating Progress
Even in the uncertainty, I’m celebrating the progress I have made. I’ve walked 4-5 days a week over two miles a day, eating healthier, and lost 10 of the 20 pounds. I’ve consistently reached out to three people daily over a three day span for two weeks letting them know about my coaching practice rollout, and maintained my blog for nearly two weeks straight. With only 8 more hours needed for my ICF exam requirements, and affiliate links are integrated throughout my posts, momentum is there.
The Remaining Challenges
Three significant challenges remain: curriculum research, securing the scholarship to attend the Coach to Teacher program being provided by Body Brain Alliance, and avoiding burnout in one-on-one coaching sessions. Today’s two coaching sessions exemplify this tension- I look forward to supporting these wonderful people, yet I’m honest about the emotional bandwidth it requires. As an empath, I absorb others’ energy deeply, sometimes to my detriment.
A Prayer for Presence
This is where faith intersects with professional practice. I pray for divine guidance in these sessions, asking that the Lord’s presence fills the space between my clients and me. I pray for peace that allows me to be fully present without becoming overwhelmed.
The Power of Reflection
Writing has become my sanctuary and mirror. Where the word helps untangle complex thoughts and feelings that can be overwhelming when they stay trapped in my mind. Paired with conversations with trusted people, this reflection creates clarity from confusion.
The Scripture about self-control and cities without walls takes on a new meaning here. Maybe self-control isn’t about rigid discipline or perfect execution. Maybe it’s about creating healthy boundaries- walls with doors that protect my energy and peace while remaining open to growth and divine guidance.
Moving Forward with Faith
’m learning that tension between aspiration and self-doubt doesn’t need complete resolution before moving forward. Progress happens in the midst of uncertainty, growth happens alongside questions, and success often looks different than initially imagined.
The path ahead remains filled with dreams and challenges. But today, I choose gratitude for progress made, faith for the journey ahead, and trust that God will guide and illuminate each step.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Nia
