Breaking free from the traps that bind you
How many of you want to do better in living the life you want? I am sure most are shaking your head saying yes. If you desire more or different in your career and life and the ideas and intentions seem to go by the wayside day after day, month after month then it is time to make a commitment to change.
If what you have been doing is not working no matter what it is, then stop doing it. Why would you think that this year, this month or now would be different if you are doing the same thing? Maybe it is time to adjust your approach to setting and achieving resolutions and goals.
Instead of the usual “resolutions” or “big goals,” I like to set some positive achievable intentions that I label as projects. What about you? Is your list overflowing with big dreams you have had forever? Or are you scared to list your dreams because you feel you will never achieve them anyway?
The first step to living an extraordinary life is identifying what you want. I invite you to try the following writing exercise.
Finish this sentence: “If I wasn’t so [busy, scared, old, broke, etc.] I would……..” What is at the core of holding you back? For most, it is fear. Most of what we fear never happens, but that does not lessen the feeling. Naming what is getting in the way reduces the power of the fear or obstacle.
Know what you want and proceed with baby steps 
3 step exercise for realizing your dreams
So, what do you really want to do, experience or achieve? Go back to school, take up painting, fall in love, travel or start your own business? This is a time for brainstorming.
- List as many dreams as you want. Next, look at your list and circle the three that make your heart skip a beat. These are the dreams you were meant to go after.
Now you’re probably thinking I’m going to make you drop everything and dedicate yourself to your life’s dreams! Not a bad idea, but I’m not. Everyday life brings enough drama all by itself. Too often we set ourselves up with high expectations and then punish ourselves when we fail. I’m suggesting something easier and more rewarding; baby steps.
There is no need to sell all your belongings and hit the road or leave your marriage and run away to Paris to be a painter. That’s more likely to happen in the movies than in our real lives. (If that idea appeals to you though, don’t let me stop you. Be sure to send me an update and/or photos!) For the rest of us, baby steps are the better option.
2. Choose one of your top three dreams. Begin to list the baby action steps necessary to achieve that dream. For instance, you want to become a painter. Perhaps the first baby step is visiting an art supply store to browse. Another step is spending a few hours at a museum. How about reading books about painting and then talking with painters. You could start researching local art classes and register for one. Keep it simple and break it down as much as you can. When you do it this way it doesn’t feel like all or nothing.
3. Now consider which of these tiny, non-intimidating steps you can add to your life right away – this week! Pull out your calendar and schedule time for your baby steps. Breaking down our dreams this way allows us to start living them today, rather than waiting until all circumstances are perfect before we can be happy. You can always find a reason why now is not the right time. Taking baby steps allows your dreams to take precedence.
There is no better time than to start today
Do this writing exercise as often as you need to each year, each month or even each week. Consider talking with a close friend or working with a coach that can guide and support you.
There is no one right way or time to set and execute on your resolutions or goals. And if not now, when? You deserve the life you want to live!
I want a stronger, fit and more flexible body so I am heading out for a walk now and to a yoga class later. Even if it is a short walk it’s a start and I am taking action. What can you do today?
Let Estelle guide you in recognizing and eliminating what is holding you back from achieving what you want. She will coach you in self-understanding, setting up and executing a plan, and will support you each step of the way helping you to overcome set-backs and challenges. Contact Estelle at estelle@careeractioncenter.com or 831-601-6576