A Springtime Gift for You!
Almost three months of 2014 are already in the rear-view mirror. And I would bet that you began the year, as most of us did, with a list of resolutions of how this year will be different, better, than last year. And again, like most of us, you haven’t really started on that path.
Repeat after me, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and I can do this!” It is time to value you and get started on that list. And here is a four step plan to help you get going.
First, you need a vision of who you want to be at the end of 2014. Don’t picture someone else’s ideal life, what your parents or friends or spouse told you to be. It is time to create your own vision. Begin by finding images in magazines, books and on the internet. You can also add words and phrases that resonate with your vision. Get a piece of poster board or butcher paper and lay out what your vision. Or use Pinterest®!
Taking stock of where you are today is the second step. What is it about the current you that doesn’t fit the vision you developed in the first step? Work on changing habits, ending relationships that hold you back, and righting any wrongs that are hovering out there. Take time each day to release the negatives that sap your will – breathe in good energy, breathe out negativity!
This brings us to the third step. Don’t be discouraged when you experience setbacks. And there will be setbacks. Change is a major undertaking, full of zigs and zags that we didn’t expect. Start a diet and have a bad day? Go on a job interview and don’t get a call back? Plan to plan your retirement and forget to make an appointment with your financial advisor? Don’t know where to start? Don’t quit! Take time to figure out what happened and how to do better next time. Finding the solution, the next action, is part of the process and success can follow failure. Really!
And fourth, let’s look at that first step again, where I said not to picture someone else’s ideal you. Now it is time to look at your priorities. Do you place the priorities of others before your own? If so, separate your needs from others so you can pay attention to your own priorities first. Value yourself and life feels good when it thrills you.
Where will you be at the end of 2014 if you follow the four steps above? You will be closer to your vision of yourself, experiencing more joy in your life. My Springtime Gift to You!
Sandra Rodriguez
Life Repurposed Coach