What can you do exciting this year to change your same old
life-plan that isn't working? How can you take the challenges before you and
change them so you can soar like an Eagle in 2009? It's not as hard as you
think-that may be one of the stepping stones you face right there-how you think!
What can you do to think differently? It is time to think outside of the box
and succeed with passionate, yet reachable goals.
To begin,
if you haven't, you need to look at your goals or set some new ones. Think of
your goals as your "visions." Way back when, a famous jeans company, set a
vision that simply read, "we will clothe the world." They did, with that one
little vision. Ask yourself tough questions:
• Is this
really where I wanted to be in 2009? • How fast do I want to change? • How
do I change what I want to change? • How do I take charge?
Our world,
loves, and our work environments, at every level, change all the time, so you
must change with it in order to succeed. We can't just think about immediate
goals either-you must have both short-term and long-term goals to ensure you are
growing as each goal is achieved. If we break down each of our questions, and
follow-through on them, you will start to see differences through change-change
you developed all by yourself.
Is this
really where I wanted to be in 2009?
Most of us
will answer no to this, so what we need to do is take a time-out and figure out
where we are, what we did, what we didn't do, and how we can change. This is
the time to question yourself, and indeed, take ample time to really look hard
and long at what is working in your life and what is not. Look at each aspect
of your life and break everything down into a question. Next, ask yourself if
that part of your life is working, if it is-great. If it's not, write down why
it isn't working. Remember, when questioning yourself, don't worry about
setting new visions and goals quite yet; just get a good list going. Once you
have that, let's look at the feasibility of the things you want to
change.
How fast
do I want to change?
Why is
this even important you might ask? Well, if we take out that list you made of
things you want to change, some will appear more urgent or important than
others. This list will give you a better outlook on what it is you really want
to change. If it's written down and in front of you, it's hard to ignore it,
like a fleeting idea you had six months ago. This list will also help you
decide how to prioritize and be realistic. Sure, lots of us want to put up that
cool million to fly on a private shuttle to the moon, but is that realistic?
What you need to do here is look at each thing you want to change, and then
prioritize your list. A new job or career may be first on your list and buying
that house you've always wanted may be down the list a little further. Analyze
each thing you want to change on your list and put a safe and reachable
time frame for you to achieve each one.
How do I
change what I want to change?
This is
your time to think outside of the box. If you've read this far, and made your
list with a realistic time line, you have already realized that you don't like
they way your life, as a whole, is going, and just getting to this point is an
admirable achievement.
This is
your vision and goal-setting time. Take what you marked as number one on your
list, say a job change, and write down. Ask yourself first why you want to
change. Is it because you have no fulfillment? Or is because you don't feel
you work performance is noticed? Be honest here and only set goals that are
reachable. Yes, do use your imagination, but don't over do it! If you're
twenty-five years old and decide you want to become a superstar ballerina-you're
probably a little late for that. Sure you can take ballet lessons for exercise
and a hobby, but prioritize this as a new exercise routine you want-not a career
change. If you simply feel unfulfilled at work, it is time to change what you
do. If you think about it, most of your day is spent working, so why not do
something that will bring you satisfaction? If starting a business of your own
was something you always wanted to do, put that down and the type of business
you want to start. It is achievable and finding capital, small business loans
or grants can be done-you just have to do the paperwork and believe you can do
it.
Repeat the process with each item on your numbered list starting with
number one and finishing with the last number. Don't be vague when writing down
your visions for change. Be specific! For instance, if you want to start an
online business selling management tools (because you know you excel there),
don't write down, "start a business." That's an idea, not a vision! Write down
the whole thing and even jot some of the "ideas" you have on how to succeed. "I
want to start an online business using my skills in management to help others
succeed." Wow, that's impressive when you think about it-and
attainable.
How do I
take charge?
You've
done quite a lot of work so far and giving up may become an easy out-but don't
let that stop you. Remember, you wanted change and have visions! Use a mentor
or friend to help remind you of your goals. Don't just ask yourself in the
mirror everyday, "how am I doing with my goals?" Who will answer you? You
will! Having a mentor you can turn to and the ability to listen and respond to
the tough questions is the biggest way for you to attain your visions.
Take some baby steps to keep you on a roll. Change your wardrobe or
hair and reinvent yourself and how you look. This alone can motivate. Start
your business plan and work on it a lot. Show it to your mentor to discuss
items you may have missed or changes you need to make. Before long, you'll be
surprised how fast that business plan was written.
Try
motivational seminars, books or DVDs! These have proven to be one of the top
reasons people who want to change do change. Yes, you have your visions, your
time frame, and your mentor, but a good motivating seminar will give you that
extra push and put some excitement back in your ambitions. While attending
these seminars, try and network. Most of the people there are just like you and
want change in their lives. They realize, as you do, that in order to be
successful, happy, and fulfilled, you need to change. Use these people as your
Dutch stones, keep in touch, and help each other with your
visions.
Yes, it is
now 2009, and it is time for you too to think outside of the box and set lofty
goals. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. A fellow, we know,
once thought he'd like to own a car dealership-at the time he was a mere car
washer at an auto dealership. Ten years later, he now owns a franchised
dealership, selling three different auto lines. When we asked him what inspired
him, he said, "I never listened to the people who said I couldn't do it. I
always relied on the believers. I never gave up on myself." Wow! You too can
be this person-so take a look at your life, see what you want to change, make
realistic time frames, and begin your new life-even with baby steps. To soar
like an eagle, you must first get off the ground, so get off the ground running
with the necessary tools, (your visions) to get there!
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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