Tips to not derail when real-life hits

What do you do when real-life happens? When you have conflicting priorities, not enough hours in the day to get it all done and you can see your personal goals and objectives unravelling in front of you? 

These are the top 5 things that I consider and do when I feel myself off track. 

1. Go back to your "why". Think back to why you started something in the beginning, what was at the heart of your decision. Figure out if this is still a priority before you quit. If you can reengage with your "why" and it's still something you can feel is a priority you've got to figure out a way to keep going.
2. Bring it back to the basics. Chances are that you've thrown yourself into your new project with such gusto and enthusiasm that you've added a few bells and whistles along the way. If you find yourself losing focus and becoming derailed, strip it all back to the fundamentals. Remember it's not about perfection - it's about progress.
3. Clear your mind. Usually by the point that we are derailing there is an enormous amount of noise going on in our heads. Find a way to clear that out. I do something called my 5 minute meditation that helps me to sort and organize my thoughts in a logical way making me feel more focussed and in control. Plus it only takes 5 minutes.
4. Stop with the self defeating talk. Talking down to yourself or negatively isn't going to help get you back on track. In fact it's probably going to stick the final nail in the coffin on whatever project you're trying to finish.  
5. Get some sleep. Anxiety and emotions are heightened when we are operating on not enough sleep. Rationale decisions are harder to make and logical thought process out the window. 

Finally (this isn't a tip but words to live by) comparison is the biggest thief of joy. No one else's life is perfect, even it appears all wonderful and shiny via Facebook / Instagram / their chat. Don't worry about others, just focus on yourself, take a deep breathe and get back on track.