By Nancy Alexander, PT
Have you ever found the need to hit the “reset” button? Or call a time-out? Or just say, “Hey, what am I doing here?” I know I have. Often it happens at this time of year. It’s a time to reflect and set a direction for the next year. It can happen after hitting a major milestone or goal, too. It’s that feeling afterward when you say to yourself, “Now what?” I have to admit that is where I am right now. I just met a major goal to move to Florida. I’m pretty goal-oriented so I’m feeling the void. It’s a combination of being lost and also seeing so many opportunities ahead of me. I have found that sometimes you just need to start.
I’ve decided to dedicate my efforts to my health. I know, BIG surprise right?! I want to focus on my physical health, especially. The stress of moving has led to adding pounds that I don’t want. And you just can’t hide under winter clothes down here, if you know what I mean. I want to be stronger, too. There are bigger goals out there for me, but for now, I choose my health.
Just start…
iStockphoto.com
As I’ve worked through this process, I thought I’d share the steps I took to get me to this point. Here they are:
1) Be honest
Where are you now? What’s going on? What is on your mind – often repeatedly. Listen… listen to yourself and see where your thoughts are going. What do you keep coming back to? Journal if you need to and work through these things. Writing helps me find my way every time. Go with what works for you.
2) Prioritize
So, you’ve identified some areas that mean something to you, that give you some drive for the future. Spend some time with each one and see which idea gets your attention the most. Which one excites you? Which one can you imagine happening? Which one will open doors for you and perhaps positively impact other areas of your life? Are you willing to remove some noise from your current life to make room for this new thing? Try to identify the one thing you choose to be, do, or have.
3) Identify what to do NOW
Revisit your number one priority and decide, can you do it now? Are there any barriers that need to be addressed? Think positively! Don’t think, “I can’t because…” Think, “How can I?” That opens your mind to the possibilities before you. Remember when I said sometimes you just need to start. This is where it happens. Just start! Your path will change as needed over time. You’ll find your way. You just need to start. Set yourself up for success. It can’t happen without a start.
4) Be accountable
You made a choice. Now own it. Others may question you, heck you may question you. Barriers will show themselves. Believe in yourself and own it for the reasons you discovered above. Only you are responsible for your outcome. There is no blaming others if it doesn’t work. It is truly all on you. Scary maybe, but so liberating and powerful at the same time. Sometimes others can help us be accountable. Seek out like-minded folks and commit to checking in with them from time to time. Hire a coach – someone who has experience in what you want to accomplish. Do whatever it takes to be accountable. And celebrate that there is so much under your control. That, is cool.
5) Congratulate yourself
Congratulate yourself on your bravery. Celebrate the fact that you are controlling your own destiny and changing your life for the better. Celebrate that you are teaching your loved ones and those around you how to live their best life, too. Be your number one fan! You identified a next step, a goal. Be proud, and believe you can do it. Lead with intent. Perhaps new ideas and goals will show themselves on this journey. I believe that they will. Keep your eyes open and see all that is before you. Opportunity is everywhere if you look for it.
Is this your life? Now go live it.
Leave a Reply