I found myself in the last week looking at the list I had made for myself of goals and hopes for 2014, appreciating the opportunity to have a clear picture of the reality I would like to manifest. Watching as the foundation is being built for my future, as I would like it to be.
It fills me with joy knowing that I have the ability to create a vision for my reality and I find peace in knowing that the way I show up in this world will determine how those around are responding, and therefor the results I get. But sometimes I worry about getting of track. How do I make sure that the decisions that I am making every day are inline with my vision?
On a call with one of my clients this past week, she shared with me her experience using the process I shared with all of you last week. Having a family meeting with her daughters and husband setting family and individual goals.
They had never done anything like this before and she was met with some rolling eyes and skepticism when she first brought it up. But she is determined to change her family dynamic and had no intention of taking no for an answer.
While the process was a little ruff at first, as everyone around the table tried to gauge how honest they could be, she took the first step and put herself out there. Sharing her real dreams and hopes for herself and the family for the coming year. Her family responded in kind, and they all left feeling encouraged.
I was happy to hear about the progress and her success, but what she really wanted to share with me was her fear of what comes next. How can she help herself and her family stay accountable and know that they are staying on track?
This is a great question, I know it is one I ask myself often.
While I may be clear on what I want, I do not always notice when I am self sabotaging by eating that unhealthy meal because I am in a hurry, or when I don’t take the time to listen to a friend in need because I am inwardly focused.
I recently reread the wonderful book by the late Debbie Ford – The Right Questions.
In the book Debbie offers a wonderful set of questions that can help guide us in the moment to know whether the decision and action we are about to take is aligned with what we really want.
One of her suggestion I have adapted and have been using with myself and teaching the girls I work with, allows us to take a look in the moment and ask ourselves, what is the goal I have set for myself around this issue, and then- is the step I am about to take going to move me towards achieving this goal or farther away. Here is an example:
Lets say that your goal for the year is to maintain a regular exercise routine and be able to run 5 K by the end of the year. But you are tired, it has been long day, one of the kids is sick, work is crazy, maybe today you wont work out. In that minute before you make the decision to curl up on the couch and watch TV ask yourself : 1. What is the goal I set for myself? Why? Is this still important to me? If it is, then is the decision I am about to make going to help me achieve my goal or taking my farther away from it?
I have found that by asking myself these series of questions, which once you practice a bit come easily and quickly, suddenly the motivation I had when I originally set out to achieve the goal is back, and I find the power to move forward towards my goal.
This week try this with yourself, ask your daughter these questions when you see her acting out of alignment and teach her how to use this technique for herself, then let me know what results you get.
Wishing success in achieving all you have set out to accomplish this year
Much Love and Support
Tova
