How Can YOU Start Your Best Life Now?

Dream big...then don't quit!  Dreaming is a start, but unless you follow up with some plans and actions, nothing will happen, right?  If this sounds good to you, where do you begin?  Let me walk through some options with you.

I recently re-read an article written by Harvey McKay, author of the New York Times Best Seller, "Swimming With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive."  Something he said there made me really think.  He said he once heard a high school math instructor issue a challenge at a school assembly.  "I hope you all fail," he said.  "Because if you don't, you haven't set your goals high enough."  How true!  We are always so concerned with succeeding, looking good to others, not making a mistake...that we forget that we learn and grow through our mistakes and failures.  By failing, we learn how to go higher and get better.  If we constantly set small easy goals that don't challenge us, of course we'll hit them!  But, are we growing?  Are we getting better?  Are we building for the future?  I say, "No!" to all of the above.  We NEED to fail to get better and grow.

This is never truer than when it comes to planning for your next phase of life.  You can get by with not setting goals' most people never do.  They go through life, taking it as it comes, and doing "whatever."  They never suffer great disappointments, but they never think about what they REALLY want or if they're living life to the fullest.    Come to think of it, not setting goals is tricking yourself into thinking you're succeeding when you are actually failing without admitting it to yourself!   And, if you don't set goals to help you determine where you're going, how will you know when or if you get there?  WOW!

So, what do we do about that?  Dreaming...setting goals...putting a plan in place and then taking action will help you determine what matters most to you--what is REALLY important and help you focus there, and get you where you want to be. 

Setting life goals is a two-step process:  first you need to allow yourself to dream to help focus your plans on what REALLY matters to you and what you really want.  Then, you need to figure out a realistic way to take actions that will get you where you want to be. 

Dreaming is actually a fun and easy first step.  Block out some time;commit this time to yourself.  Sit down with no cell phone and no other wireless devices; get a notepad and DREAM!  Think about things you've always wanted to do or have but thought weren't possible.  Think about things you lose yourself in--what do you love to do.  What makes you most happy?  Where do you want to go?  Write down whatever these things are.  Free yourself to think about possibilities you might not otherwise even consider.  You may want or need to have more than one "dreaming session."  Those things that resonate most with you when you review your list are likely  the most important to you.  Give yourself permission to let yourself go--and, build the confidence to start taking the next steps to realize your dream.

Goal-setting/Planning is next.  While knowing what you want is an important first step toward success, it isn't quite enough.  You need to know how you're going to get there.  Think about both actions and results.  Be realistic about what you can do in the next few days or weeks (short-term); then, the next few months (mid-term) and the next year (longer-term) to begin moving toward realizing your dreams. Stretch yourself... 

Then take action!   It isn't enough just to get those goals and plans on paper.  You actually have to DO something!   Remember, it's OK to fail!  That let's you figure out what worked, what didn't and what you need to do to move forward.  YOU CAN GET THERE! 

Assign yourself specific things to do; determine how you'll measure yourself to know if you're making progress.  Regular accomplishments will keep you motivated and ready to take the next step, set the next goal and go for it!

Have faith in yourself; focus; follow through and you will find happiness and success!

Good Luck!
Linda Miller

If you would like help examining your values, getting to know yourself even better and focusing on what's most important to YOU; and, then setting your goals and putting your plan in place with advice on how to move forward, let's chat!  We have a workshop or coaching session that will fit your needs!  Call me at 612-209-1775