As a firm believer in the power of discipline and building habits that support your goals, I can admit that the COVID-19 pandemic threw me for a loop. I’m a wife, a full-time employee, and a business owner — and all of my worlds came crashing together as we began to shelter-in-place in March.

In my full-time job, I had new time-consuming COVID-related responsibilities, I had also just taken on a commercial design client in my business, and now my husband and I were working from home. I found myself cooking more, doing more dishes, and having to clean up around the house more. More, more, more!

I know that everyone’s COVID-19 experience is different. Depending on where you are, you may be on some version of a shelter-in-place order and if not, you may be trying to adapt to what your new normal looks like. Some of us can only focus on trying to survive and make it to the other side of this pandemic. That is more than OK.

For anyone dealing with loss in this season, my heart goes out to you. Please take care of yourself and pick up your goals when you can. You’re in the thoughts of many.

For those of us who find that our goals are getting lost between conference calls, stocking up, homeschooling, and endless meal prep, here are the lessons I’ve learned on how to live an at least somewhat disciplined life during COVID-19.

1. Take note of your day. How are you spending your time? Where are there opportunities for you to steal away and invest time in your goals? Be on the lookout for even small windows of opportunity and take it! Data shows that we’re all on social media a lot more these days. If applicable, could you cut down on scrolling for your goals — or even find ways to use social media for your goals?
2. Start with 15 minutes. You can do anything for 15 minutes. Getting up 15 minutes earlier or staying up 15 minutes later to make headway on your goals will pay off. It sounds exhausting now, and it will be initially, but the motivation will come once you realize that you can do it and it is beneficial for you.
3. Feed yourself some positivity. What story are you telling yourself? How are you speaking to yourself? Lean on positive quotes, gratitude journaling, faith practices, uplifting music, or whatever it is that adds positive words and feelings to your awareness. Your life will improve when your self-talk improves.
4. Outsource. Where possible, how can you delegate your responsibilities or outsource some of your daily tasks? For a few weeks in March, I didn’t have time to cook or grocery shop between my 9-5 and my 5-9. My husband and I swapped groceries for a meal delivery service. Allow yourself to let go of your traditional habits and to do what works for you.
5. Give yourself grace. Times are hard, and you can do hard — but everyone needs a break sometimes. It’s OK to rest.

These lessons are about positioning yourself for the future, and finding the time to pursue your purpose during a difficult season. In a time of increased stress and uncertainty, the last thing anyone needs is undue pressure about being the most productive, profitable, and passionate person around.

What are your tips or strategies on how to remain disciplined in your daily life? Let us know in the comments below!

Just remember, baby steps count. We’ve been conditioned to believe that everything has to be done in a grand, sweeping fashion — but that’s not the case. Baby steps are still steps, and as the old adage says, the journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step.