I recently read an article that indicated that many people are reluctant to tell the truth because they might anger, offend or hurt someone’s feelings.
Instead, they try to honor other people’s needs and wishes because they don’t want to challenge, have a discussion or share their opinion.
Although this may feel right at the time, it can and often does send a mixed message which can cause stress and lead to distrust.
You don’t need to keep your opinion to yourself.
Communication is Power
Speak up and diplomatically share your thoughts, ideas and needs.
If you need time to form your opinion before sharing it, Say So!
Suggesting time to think about a situation is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of thoughtfulness and demonstrates confidence.
Being direct and truthful may not always get you what you want, but it can lead to a better outcome.
I hope that during these first few months of the year you have taken some time to reflect on all that you have previously accomplished, recharged and made time for self- care and revisited your goals and intentions for the future.
I know how easy it is to get busy and be distracted by things that can take you off course. Consider this a little nudge. 😊
Don’t beat yourself up about what you have not yet done.
You are too important to let your desires, goals and intentions fall by the wayside.
Instead, dedicate some time to review your intentions and write them down if you have not done so already.
Look at the barriers that may have prevented you from moving forward.
Was it skill or will that has held you back?
Did you really set a goal or was it just a dream?
Goals require planning, dreams do not!
Don’t let limiting beliefs and negative self-talk hold you back from moving forward with purpose.
If you need time to regroup, recharge or “just be”, then take some time, but put a deadline on it and set a real date that you will get back on track.
The best opportunities often arise during the most challenging of times, so give yourself some grace and be open to all that awaits you.
“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. Strength comes from overcoming the things you thought you couldn’t do.”
Now is the time to identify and leverage your strength and to optimize your potential.
Let me know how I might support you as you Move Forward with Purpose,
Are you feeling overwhelmed, unfulfilled, empty and just t-i-r-e-d?
Have you taken some real quality time to rest, reflect and reevaluate what you want and need to feel better and make this a year for you to move forward with your intentions?
Many people answer No to this question, then go on to answer that they are just too busy to take time for themselves.
THERE ARE 1,440 MINUTES IN EACH DAY FOR EACH OF US. HOW ARE YOU SPENDING YOURS?
When I ask what was accomplished during their “busy time”, people find it hard to measure.
I know that things always come up that are out of our control, however, busy does not necessarily mean productive.
Accomplishments and taking time for yourself are requirements to living a happy and productive life.
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO LOOK AT WHAT HAS PREVENTED YOU FROM ACCOMPLISHING THOSE THINGS THAT YOU CONSIDER IMPORTANT AND MAKING SOME SMALL ADJUSTMENTS.
I hosted an Ask Marsha H. webinar in February discussing how to get on track with your goals by setting realistic intentions and I noted some small, simple strategies to get on track.
If I can be of help to you in this regard, book a 15-minute Discovery Call with me to see how we might work together.
We have all heard the phrase “New Year, New You” but what does this mean to you?
DECIDE WHAT’S NEXT IN YOUR LIFE & STRATEGIZE ON HOW TO GET IT
If you have not already done so, now is a good time to reflect on where you are in your life journey and where you would like to be.
Some would suggest that making New Year resolutions is not worth the effort, but others like myself, believe that setting a realistic roadmap helps to guide you to move forward with your intentions.
Setting your intentions is like setting your GPS to map out where you want to go. There may be detours along the way, but your GPS will help to reroute you and get you back on track.
Reflect on and consider answering these questions:
What am I feeling called to do?
What will I keep doing?
What will I start doing?
What will I stop doing?
What has worked for me in the past? What lessons have I learned from my successes and my missteps?
What are my stressors, barriers and my internal and external challenges?
What are some self-sabotaging habits and beliefs that may be getting in my way?
Who or what distracts me and how can I better control my attention?
What do I consider to be important to my success and can I commit to and focus on them?
MAKING A PLAN THAT IS ACTIONABLE IS HELPFUL WITH KEEPING YOU FOCUSED AND ON TRACK… USE IT AS YOUR GPS
Be honest with yourself.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
Reflect on the past few years and write down what worked well and what did not go as expected.
Identify and document the gaps between where you are now and where you want to be by this time next year.
Look at the barriers that may have stalled you and how they can be avoided or at least minimized.
Set realistic, actionable small steps that you can take consistently. (Lose 10 lbs. this year by working to lose 1 lb. per month).
Look at what is needed to move forward, then track your progress and celebrate your accomplishment.
Set realistic deadlines for each step you are willing to take.
Change will only happen when you are consistent.
Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for guidance and support along the way
IF YOU KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING IN THE SAME WAY, YOU ARE LIKELY TO GET THE SAME RESULTS. HOWEVER, MAKING A CHANGE, NO MATTER HOW SMALL AND CONSISTENTLY APPLYING IT, CAN CHANGE YOUR TRAJECTORY AND YOUR END RESULT.
Determine what you want your future life experiences to be, then let your future desires drive your current behavior.
Happy New Year!
Please let me know if you can use my support in the New Year to help you Move Forward with Purpose.
If you could imagine your ideal life in 3-5 years from now, what would it be like?
How would it be different from the way it is now?
Will you continue doing the same things, in the same way and expecting different results? One of the previous reminders I shared recently was regarding changing lanes.
This was a friendly reminder to review your routines, habits and beliefs and make adjustments as needed.
Today’s reminder is to set your dreams in motion! To crack your “happiness code”, and feel more fulfilled, you need to think of enjoyable times in your life, the positive things you have accomplished, the people you enjoy being with and the skills you enjoy using.
Start with taking some quality time for reflection and self-exploration. Think about what happiness, success and your best life look like for you. Pay attention to what you enjoy and what puts you in a happy state.
Take time to focus on your passions, motivations and what gives you joy.
Think about the barriers that may have kept you from moving forward and how they can be prevented from reoccurring.
Identify who or what can eliminate or at least lessen these challenges going forward
Who can help you with this process and help hold you accountable?
What are 1-2 small changes you can make immediately.
I am a strong believer in doing things in 15-minute intervals and writing things down in a place where I can easily see them Consistency matters- decide on a regular time to work on any changes – Morning? Afternoon? Evening?
Give the best time of the day to yourself. Remember we are only talking about starting off with 15 minutes. Paying attention to your accomplishments, skills and what you enjoy doing will help you to focus on developing an action plan
Ask for help as needed- often friends and family can help point out strengths and accomplishments you may not have realized and enjoyments you may have forgotten.
There are also many assessment tools that can help identify patterns and commonalities.
NOTE: You may be good at something that you don’t really enjoy. I believe that that happiness comes when you identify the things you enjoy, that you are good at and that gives you a sense of accomplishment. The time to get started on living your best life is NOW!
Let me know if, as your Strategic Thinking Partner, I can help you to move forward with purpose.
We all start out on the highway of opportunity. We are enthusiastic, we work hard to demonstrate our skills and experience. We do all we can to get that corner office, the higher-level title and all the benefits and perks that come with it. But when do you decide to review, reflect and take time to reevaluate your priorities?
Are the goals that were once at the top of your list still as important to you?
Have you made the necessary adjustments in your plans, your time, and your commitments along the way?
Have you taken the necessary time for:
Self-care?
Making and following up on connections?
All the promises and commitments you made to yourself?
When is it time to slow down, take time for yourself, enjoy life, start a business, take another job, travel, retire or declare, game over and do something completely different?
When do you know that change is on the horizon for you?
How do you prepare to make a shift?
What dreams do you have that have not yet been fulfilled?
Have you made plans for your next steps?
Please consider this a friendly reminder that you owe it to yourself to be happy but it is a choice that takes time, focus and planning.
If you have not done so already, now is a good time to get back on track!
Contact me if I can help you with this process. As your Strategic Thinking Partner, I can help you Move Forward With Purpose.
