Last month at this point in time many of us were putting the finishing touches on our lists for the New Year, focusing upon goal-setting and trying to implement one step at a time. Now by the middle of February, many people are feeling overwhelmed and fatigued, unable to move ahead on their game plans.
So how about shifting perspective and start making “to be” lists before making “to do” lists? Each morning before beginning your daily activities, you can create your to be list and write down what you wish to express throughout the day. You could choose to be organized and efficient, spontaneous, compassionate, daring, reflective … the sky is the limit, and you hold the power to choose whatever is most appropriate for you in your own context.
After you have committed this to paper, next write down on another list what you wish to do as this person. Not only will this practice help you reconnect with your deeper values, but it will also produce positive emotions and renewed energy.
Going towards our highest ideals is key to maintaining motivation and enjoyment along the path in the journey of self-improvement!
In the compelling and powerful words of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, often quoted as being the founder of the Positive Psychology movement, ‘Of all the virtues we can learn, no trait is more useful, more essential for survival, and more likely to improve the quality of life than the ability to transfer adversity into an enjoyable challenge.’
In his book FLOW, the psychology of optimal experience he tells incredible stories of how prisoners-of-war survive solitary confinement by creating mental challenges to control consciousness during unbelievable adversity. The more stressful the situation, the more important it is to define challenges to move towards.
What about you? When situations in life are somewhat out of your control what goals can you create to challenge yourself? Sign up for a 10km charity run, self-publish that e-book that’s inside of you, go down a dress size…
More words of wisdom from the man himself, ‘when adversity threatens to paralyze us, we need to reassert control by finding a new direction…, a direction that lies outside external forces.’
What goals can you put your attention on to counterbalance rising stress levels, discover happiness and improve the quality of your life?
In the words of Monty Winters,
‘This is your life. Do what you love and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop overanalysing, all emotions are beautiful.Life is simple. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your minds, arms and heart to new people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often, getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them.Life is about the people you meet, and then things you create with them so go out and start creating. Life is short. Live your dream and share your passion.’
What’s your philosophy for a life well lived?
It’s June already, and we are half way through our calendar year. How has this year been for you up to this point? Is it manifesting as you pictured it back on January 1st?
… have you decided to be today??
What feelings or realization does this question raise in you?Whose shoulders does it put the responsibility and empowerment to change firmly upon?
Next time you’re in a situation where the external factors don’t mirror your internal picture of the ideal world, try asking yourself this very question. It all begins with a simple decision, and you can be off and running, taking the lead in your own life!
While musing on the value of truthfulness and the guidelines around the philosophical arguments of when to be truthful, I decided on a personal guideline of practising ALWAYS being truthful to myself as it’s NEVER okay to lie to yourself. I consequently threw myself the following challenge and would now like to throw it out to you:Take a piece of paper, find a quiet corner and for 15 minutes write down, just for your own personal use, what you are reluctant to admit to yourself, to face up to and be honest about.
Remembering that we often present to the world a combination of both empowering and limiting stories, we might have the habit of choosing the parts of an experience that prove that we, and the world, are just as we think and expect. We also tend to ignore what doesn’t fit in with our personal view of things.
Taken that we then act on these stories and make decisions based on them, what are some of the stories you are telling yourself? Being aware of them and how they are affecting you could help you to choose more empowering and positive ways of living authentically.
“All transformation begins with the courage to explore and examine those beliefs that do not support us. We can then reinterpret how we see ourselves, others, and the world from a new perspective marked by compassion, understanding, and hope. ” [Dr. Joe Rubino)
We’re now one month into the New Year. How are you coming along with your intentions to tweak the areas of your life where you would like to see transformations? If you’re feeling the need to refresh your inspiration or motivation, you might start by taking a look at the following areas …
What beliefs will you let go in order to fully support your deepest aspirations? And remember, you can begin by integrating compassion, understanding and hope into all aspects of your own life:
1) Health
2) Finances
3) Relationships
4) Family
5) Recreation and Fun
6) Spiritual Development
Don’t you just love that quote from Thomas Leonard?
It reminds me of Gandhi’s wise words about becoming the change you wish to see in the world. Now that might involve dropping a few limiting self-beliefs and redefining who you are. Remember, your past does not determine your present, neither your future.
Are you defining yourself in ways that are limitations or in ways that are enhancements? How do you define yourself? Who are you? If you were to goggle your name, what definition of you would you find? How about writing it down now?
Hmmmm, makes me think of that other wonderful quote about how we help no one by playing small! So, let’s think, feel and act as that magic wand today, and experience the difference!
As they say in Greece on the first day of each new month: “Kalo Mina” – Have a good month!
The beginning of the month of June often signals our shift into summer plans and holiday visions. To this we can add a dose of good news, as found in the words of Anne Frank:
“Everyone has inside him (her) a piece of the good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!”
Join us at this summer’s High Heels to Flip Flops retreat to discover your own greatness, harness your potential and create the life you are dreaming of!
The Coach Approach 
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