Friday 30 September 2016

How to Set Goals like a Boss

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/ca/7c/89/ca7c89ec9aa5ca51488504f77f2ff71b.jpgGoals need to feel invigorating, exciting and challenging - otherwise they aren't worth having. They are like anchors, or a compass that reminds us of what direction we are going in.

Often times, we set goals for the wrong reasons. If its just for the money or to please our parents, it's not coming from our unique set of values, desires and vision.

When I made the decision to drop out of university to pursue the goals I really wanted to engage in - travel, volunteering, independence and moving out - it was hard, but at the same time I would never take that decision back because it was the right one. I wasn't ready to put thousands of dollars and time into a degree I didn't feel any sense of connection to. It took a massive amount of trust in myself and support. Following the guidance of my inner compass has never led me astray.

Each and every one of us is so different and therefore we will all have a different vision and goals for our lives. These goals will evolve, change and sharpen. That's why its important that we revisit our list regularly.
"Do I really want this?"
"What's important now?"
"What am I willing to do to be happy and reach my potential?"

Asking ourselves these questions can be scary, but what becomes clear is very valuable information.
Because goal-setting can be such a broad, ever-changing process, I'll outline three points that really help me when I sit down to get clear on what I want- usually with some good music and coffee :)

Identify Your Values First
Writing specific goals down can sometimes be an overwhelming and confusing process. This is why identifying our values first can be clarifying. Start with your values and then ask yourself, "If I'm living in alignment with this value, what would my life look like? What would I be doing?"
Then go from there.

Forget the Rules
There is no "right" way to set and have goals. Worrying that maybe our goals are either too small or too big, or how they will be perceived by others doesn't work.
The key is to focus on how the goals feel and sit with us, rather than how they look.  
If it matters to you, then it's worth having. 
If it lights you up, makes you smile and feels important, then it deserves attention.

Make Time and Space

Yes, life is short and our time is valuable, but life is not a race. If we rush our decisions without giving ourselves time to rest and check in, it can actually be counter-productive.

We need space and time at home (or away from home) to get clear and gain perspective. Deep down we know what we want, but distractions and stress can blur that clarity. When we take the time to slow down and leave room for mystery and uncertainty, what comes up naturally may be exactly what we're looking for.

Tuesday 6 September 2016

This is Exactly Where You're Meant to Be

Today started like most others; with a cup of coffee, a pair of headphones and some reflection on my goals and dreams. For some reason, this morning struck me with a higher than normal level of clarity. Everything just made sense. All the things I’m doing and experiencing now are necessary to get me to where I need to be in the next five years. Costa Rica is happening this December, with another trip (I’m dreaming about Chile..) scheduled for later in the winter. I’ll also be taking the next coaching course I need to become certified. Going to school to study social work is in the works for the next 1-2 years. I’m blessed with amazing people in my life and my travels have led to many wonderful relationships. Working in the hospitality industry has funded my travels and given me the flexibility to focus on my personal growth.

Of course this is where I'm meant to be.

Sometimes when we’re exhausted, broken hearted or stressed, it’s as if our whole life is falling apart and its hard to see the big picture. We doubt ourselves and the always present power within. I’m very familiar with this feeling. Like all of us, my path has led to many road blocks where I’ve felt discouraged and frustrated. 

“Am I doing the right thing?” “What if following my heart doesn’t work out?”

What I’m realizing is that the “road blocks” are actually part of our path and success. They provide very important lessons to prepare us for what’s next and give us the opportunity to grow and see things from a different perspective. 

It’s not supposed to make sense all the time. It’s supposed to be messy. We’re supposed to want to give it all up to find clarity in the surrender, strength in the pain and confidence in the uncertainty.
Because somewhere down the line it all just makes sense.  

“You can't connect the dots looking forward you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something: your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. Because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well worn path.” (Steve Jobs)

I love this quote because it reminds us that navigating our path with trust and faith is the key. It won’t always make sense, but when it does, savor that delicious clarity.