Will this be your time?

Well, my office is finally finished and ready for the year ahead. I can see the sunlight reflecting off the top of Gordale Scar, the ducks breaking though the ice on the water below me, and the kingfisher perched on the overhanging branch watching and waiting. The mood lighting is relaxing and the music gently fills the space. Grasping the opportunities last year offered, and accepting the risks that came with them seems to be coming together into something that could almost seem like a plan!

winding road with junctions

Some people know what they want, create a plan and then chase the goal. Others know what they don't want but struggle to describe what they do want. Sometimes plans work out, and quite often the plan does not quite survive its collision with reality. Reality is full of twists and turns, things that can be predicted, things we never saw coming, and things that just don't seem to go quite how we expected. Sometimes for better and sometimes for worse.

So I wonder if you know what you want from the upcoming year, months or even weeks? Is it a new plan, or one you are hoping to dust off that didn't quite work out last year? Is it a plan just for you, or are other people involved? Are they working with you, or against you? If you've ever tried to lose weight with a good cook in the house you'll know how that one feels! Sometimes when the world is working against you, it is not intentional, its just one more obstacle to overcome.

The key to achieving anything is to start somewhere. Many people do not achieve the changes they want because they always find a reason not to start. They wait for a perfect time that never comes. So, take one small step, do one thing differently. Notice the impact, however small, and remember that every big change begins with some of the smallest steps. Remember that if you can take the first step, you can take the second one too.

Avoid guilt. If you notice that you have inadvertently done something that works against your goal, acknowledge your humanity, forgive yourself, and make the next step a positive one. We are prone to self sabotage, its just one of those things that is sent to try us! Just don't let it become the excuse for giving up. Accept that it happens, and leave it behind you.

Tell someone about your goal. Saying it out loud somehow makes it more real. Friends will support you. Others may criticise your lack of progress. When they do remember its your goal, not theirs. Their judgement is not about you, but do feel free to prove them wrong!

Celebrate even your smallest successes on the way. Accept that sometimes you may have to make a turn along a path you did not expect to take. Its ok to rest along the way if you need to, and as you do take time to look around you at what you have achieved and how you feel about it. Its the nourishment you need to continue the journey. Decide that this will be your time, whatever the change is you want to make.

We off a kick start, small steps programme if you are looking for additional support. This bespoke plan involves an initial half or whole day session which includes identifying the best plan to suit your needs, eliminating those limiting beliefs, and a comprehensive goal setting session. This is followed up with a light touch 3 month check in and top up service to help you get those new habits properly established. Email me for more details.