By: Alex Greer
You’ve probably been thinking about where you are in your business and
your life. You have, right? Now that you have a starting point you can
focus on your destination. Where do you want to be in a year, five
years, or ten years? In setting your sights for the future, be sure to
identify the results you really want rather than what you think you
should want. This point is so important because if you’re not pursuing
what you really want, the likelihood of feeling fulfilled with your
success is low.
I often hear successful people say they feel something in their life is
missing or they feel they should be doing something else. If you relate
to these feelings, take time to explore where your heart and passions
lie. You will be happier in the long run!
That being said, let’s assume you have picked three areas of your life
you want to change or improve. It might be generating more income,
creating more personal time, taking your business to the next level, or
attracting a new relationship. You might be feeling gung-ho about some
of the things you envision for yourself and have concern about
sustaining your motivation.
Below are some tips to help you get moving and stay moving.
1. Show up. You have identified three things you want to have this year,
right? Ok, how badly do you want them? To create anything you want, you
must be fully on board to do whatever it takes to make it happen. So,
are you? This means concentrating your attention on the destination you
wish to reach. Be sure that what you choose to “go for” aligns with your
purpose and passion so that your commitment is strong. If you’re not
fully on board, take another look at what you chose. Chances are, you
have picked areas that are misaligned with your heart.
2. Put your attention on the destination, as if you were already there.
Create a course of action that ignites your excitement. In my monthly
mastermind group, we begin each month with a list of 30 day promises. We
view these promises as agreements we make to ourselves as well as to the
group. This list is used to guide our decisions and actions so that we
remain focused on the intention we set for ourselves, personally and
professionally. At the beginning of each month, we assess our progress
and address any roadblocks that have been troublesome. We find 30 day
agreements create the momentum we need month to month. Having support
systems that provide accountability, advice, resources etc. is a
critical element that contributes to success. Share this list with your
support systems (if you have them). Including them in your monthly
intentions will add further accountability to your success.
3. Execute. Take action. Otherwise, you have good intentions that go
nowhere.
4. Reassess your progress periodically. 60-90 days is a good time frame
to re-evaluate what’s working and what’s not so that you can make needed
adjustments.
5. Create a motivation strategy. Make a list of people and things that
energize and juice you. Include things you will do when you become
discouraged or distracted such as taking a 10 minute break, calling a
friend, and using the tools you have to stay motivated and focused.
Read on to learn two key excuses people use to avoid or stall taking
action (when they KNOW they need to do it and they don’t!).
PS. This is one of the ways we sabotage our success to having what we
want!
Excuse #1 – I don’t have the time. Time issues are really about how you
schedule your time rather than trying to find more time. We all have the
same 8760 hours in a year to use. Are you making choices that improve
the quality of your life or ones that add more problems and stress?
Excuse #2 - I can’t afford it. Funny thing about this excuse…. somehow
people find a way to make things happen when they want it badly enough.
What do you think it might be costing you to keep this excuse – money,
peace of mind, your dreams?
My advice: Are you continuing to see the same patterns emerging that
keep you stuck and you’re feeling
frustrated because you haven’t been able to break through?
You will free yourself from spinning your wheels by working on personal
development. I mean looking at your attitudes and behaviors. Invest your
time, energy, and resources to get to know yourself well – who you are
and why you do what you do. Having the courage and determination to
invest in self-reflection is critical to achieving success and life
fulfillment.
If you’ve been working on yourself and made some progress, keep at it
and go deeper. Be willing to discover things about yourself that are
hidden more deeply inside. The answers you seek are within you. There is
a wealth of information, skill, and support available to anyone seeking
happiness. That’s really what we all want – to feel love and happiness!
Add people to your team to help you uncover what might be undermining
your best efforts.
Call to action: Review your vision for the year. Put your focus on the
destination – where you want to be on 12/31. Do 1, 2 or all 3 action
steps.
1. Make a list of promises you will commit to over the next 30 days that
move you forward towards your vision. Share it with someone who supports
you. Notice how you show up or disappear when action is called for.
Going forward, I recommend creating this list on the first day of each
month.
2. Observe how often you use the two excuses to say no to yourself and
your dreams.
3. Create a motivation strategy. Keep adding things to it so it
continues to expand!
Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years
experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling,
and sales to thousands of business owners, entrepreneurs, and executives
from a wide range of industries to have greater career success and
personal happiness in their life. She is also the host of a weekly
internet-based show called Powerfull Living Radio. Visit:
www.powerfull-living.biz to learn more about Lorraine’s services,
success products, and programs. Sign up for her monthly ezine, free fear
ecourse, and blog. Contact her for speaking engagements and customized
leadership programs for your company or organization -
lorraine@powerfull-living.biz
