For things to be different, you need change something, and that’s where many people get stuck. Usually your thoughts, feelings and the meaning you give to events need to change first, then the actions you take, the habits or strategies you run each day. It’s much easier to change direction when you are moving, so coming out of holidays is the perfect time to make changes. After all, you need to adjust to being back at work, so adjust into new habits rather than the old. So that’s the first secret: accept that change is necessary and possible.
The second secret is to know what ‘successful’ is for you. We can spend our whole lives chasing someone else’s ideas of ‘success’. We end up either disillusioned and frustrated because it remains out of our grasp, or disillusioned and frustrated because once grasped we still feel empty and unfulfilled. What’s the point of a huge house if you don’t have the family and friends to warm it into a home. What is YOUR measurement of ‘success’? What needs to happen this year for YOU to feel it’s been a successful year? (Take a moment to jot some ideas down now.)
The third secret is to create your future by setting on a path with guideposts so you know you are still heading in your desired direction, even during storms. This is often called planning and goal setting. To be effective, your guideposts need to be AYMS.
A – Achievable at a stretch. Personal growth stimulates and is the font of contentment and satisfaction. Know that growth involves discomfort and vulnerability at times, as you outgrow one ‘skin’ and adjust to the next. Just like a snake who feels constricted, and needs to shed the old skin to continue growing. During the shedding process it is totally vulnerable to predators so it chooses a safe environment.
Y – Yours. To be compelling, motivating and satisfying, it needs to be for you. Your dreams and your values as it’s your life. Make it count. Have the courage to value your own needs ahead of others’, as by doing so you’ll have even more to share. Learn how to set and maintain boundaries.
M – Measurable. If you can’t measure your success, how will you know you’ve achieved it? Acknowledge reaching the small signposts as well as the large neon ones, as they keep you on path on a daily basis. Allow yourself to feel satisfaction, and enjoy the sense of achievement.
S – Stimulating. Leave out the ‘should’, ‘must’, ‘my duty’ and your perception of others’ expectations, and go for what makes your heart sing – YOUR definition of success.
Fourth, listen to your body. It will tell you when you need to recharge, to rest, to refuel. It will also tell you when you are struggling and fighting too hard, when really, if you let go and adjust your expectations, your timeline, you’ll free up head space for more creative solutions, an easier way. You’ll remember that love and connection with others is a valuable fuel too. You need your body to complete this journey so care for it well, so it lasts the distance.
Your life is now, not tomorrow, so take steps to enjoy it now.
You don’t need to walk alone. Guides are available. Sue Lester, Head Transition Coach at Growing Content Pt y Ltd, can help you gain the absolute clarity, authentic confidence and sustainable motivation to create and walk your path. You benefit from having someone to talk to, and to nudge you back on track as needed, plus powerful processes to blast blocks out of your path as they appear. Book in for your complimentary 1 hour Success Map session with Sue now by phoning 0428 128 679 or emailing sue@growingcontent.com.au , (Available worldwide via Skype or in person Brisbane Qld.)
P.S. My definition of success is starting and ending my day with a smile on my face and a warm glow of contentment inside. For me that absolutely involves enough money to give me freedom of choice, particularly so I can continue to travel, but also for the satisfaction of helping others. Success, for me, is also deep connections with people rather than just fame, and meaningful activity each day. I want to die knowing I have made a difference.
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