When life gets in the way of life goals
As we move into February, if you haven’t already forgotten your new year resolutions, you might be having trouble getting started. Life just keeps getting in the way of your life goals, right?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get rid of life so that we could get on with life?
Only joking.
I was thinking—you know how you can’t think straight when there’s a mess around you? We often say ‘I have to clear my desk before I can start the next task’.
This is true of life. We might have clear life goals, we might have established good plans, but we can never quite get started.
Aside from sabotage, it could be because aspects of your life are taking up your brain-space and you have no energy left for the things that would bring you joy and success.
Here’s a twist: instead of focusing on what you want to do, it might help you to focus instead on what you want to STOP doing. I don’t mean things like stop smoking, I mean to get rid of anything that gets in the way of your peace of mind. Anything that gets in the way of achieving your life goals.
So, where would you start, if you wanted to clear some brain-space to focus on life goals?
Consider these energy drainers:
- People from whom you need to distance or disconnect yourself
- Too much to do for others with no time for yourself
- Habits that work against you or drag you down with regret and guilt
- Negative thinking that depresses rather than uplifts you
In other words, stop seeing people who drain you and replace them with people you enjoy. Stop saying ‘yes’ to so much and learn to say ‘no’. Stop expecting perfection of yourself, but stop doing whatever brings you shame. Prevent any anxious or negative thinking by consciously choosing a positive, affirming perspective. Get help where necessary to move forward.
Give yourself a bit more bandwidth to achieve your life goals – things that you’ve been wanting your whole life, but consistently find hard to focus on.
Clearing your life isn’t done in a big sweep. It’s a process of small tweaks, like editing a big document, one typo at a time.
I keep reminding myself that I will not tolerate anyone who treats me with disrespect. I will not tolerate my own bad habits and excuses and I will not tolerate unhappiness. Listen to constructive feedback, but do not accept criticism.
If you keep tripping over the same shoelace, tie the shoelace or change your shoes.
I’d love to hear your comments or questions. Please share your thoughts by contacting me directly.
I’d love to know what you think of what I’ve said here. You can give me your feedback, ask a question by email or post a comment below.
If you or someone you know would like a personal consultation, please call +61 3 9690 8159.
Rebel (graciously) against anything that holds you back.
Change your Thinking - Change your Life Course
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