Ho’omau is the Hawaiian word encouraging us to carry on. It means to be steady, constant, enduring, persevering, and unceasing.

Those who ho’omau do not give up, especially when the going gets hard. They know that, in most cases, the best things in life are not easily won. 

Those who live ho’omau are resilient against opposition. They don’t worry about what others say to them or about them. They are focused on their goals, knowing that they can do it with faith in God and balance in their lives. At the same time, they know that some things require sacrifice, but the reward will be worth it. 

The Ho’omau Challenge 

Is there something you started that you just haven’t been able to finish? Is there something you need to carry on from? Are you in a situation that requires endurance? Is there a goal you want to reach that others say is impossible? 

The Ho’omau challenge can help you overcome these self doubts, and even self abuse. By learning how to set goals and make plans to reach them, you can learn what it means to be steady and constant, no matter what challenges might come your way. This is a very broad overview of setting goals. I go more into depth on setting goals in my course, which will be available for purchase soon! 🙂 

1. In your journal, separate your page into four categories: physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental. 
2. List no more than 3 goals under each category, making sure that they are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based). For example, you might write “eat healthier,” which is a great goal BUT is it measurable? A more measurable goal might be, “Eat at least 2 fruits and vegetables per day for the next two weeks.” 
3. Make plans to accomplish each goal, meaning now is the time to open up your planner and write when and how you will make it to your goals. 
4. Create a vision board or write your goals on a sheet of paper. Place this somewhere you can see it so that you 1) won’t forget and 2) will be encouraged each time you glance at it. You got this! 

Extra: My Story 

Ho’omau is one of my favorite words… like. ever (ok, besides my husband’s name). The reason is that it is full of so much meaning, and it holds so many stories—for me and for many others. I had to carry on from so many things in my life.

I hear stories all of the time of people who gathered the strength to carry on: a once-nobody rising from the darkness to become a somebody, whether an athlete, a singer, a writer, etc. 

Ho’omau is exactly that, but it doesn’t have to be that huge. I’ve talked to many women and men who have suffered terrible trauma. Their ability to come out of depression, mental illness, and leave toxic relationships always inspires me. Their commitment to ho’omau is AMAZING. 

I give myself credit too. I feel like I literally rose from ashes. It’s been a long journey for me: from being super poor, with little to no family support, and just totally mentally crushed to who I am today. I am so grateful for my challenges, and I’m especially grateful for ho’omau: the constant willpower telling me to keep going, the little bits of energy I would get as I looked at my goals, and the power I felt from accomplishing what I’d set out to do. 

You can TOTALLY do this. E ho’omau! 

Love, 

Lei 

P.S. Want to learn more? Sign up for my 5 Hawaiian Days to Wellness Mini Course and begin your journey towards wellness, Hawaiian style!

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