Alignment Between Personal Values and Professional Endeavors

Alignment between personal values and professional endeavors.  It sounds hard, but coaches can help.  Finding this alignment is key to achieving true fulfillment in your career. When your work resonates with your core beliefs, it not only enhances your job satisfaction but also fuels your motivation and sense of purpose. Here’s a guide on how to align your values with your work for a more meaningful professional life.

Understanding Your Core Values

The first step towards aligning values with your work is identifying what truly matters to you. Core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that drive your behavior and decision-making. They encompass a range of aspects, including ethics, integrity, social responsibility, creativity, and personal growth.

As part of a coaching arrangement, one of the first things we do together is uncover these values and beliefs through a “floorplan” exercise where you identify the beliefs and values from the various rooms in the home you grew up in.  Then you get the opportunity to contemplate what values have changed for you over time. This exercise helps you use the past to understand your present while also guiding your future.

Evaluating Your Current Role

Once you’ve identified your core values, evaluate how well your current job aligns with them. Consider the following aspects:

  • Company Culture: Does the company promote a culture that aligns with your core values? Are its ethics in line with your own values?
  • Job Role: Does your role allow you to leverage your strengths and pursue your passions? Do you feel that your contributions are valued and make a meaningful impact?  How well does your role align with your values?
  • Work Environment: Is the work environment supportive and conducive to your personal and professional growth? Does it offer a healthy work-life balance?  Does the environment support your values?

Assessing these elements can help you determine if your current job aligns with your values or if there are areas that can change to help bring that alignment closer together.

Making Adjustments

If you find discrepancies between your values and your work, it’s time to make adjustments. Here are some strategies to align your values with your professional life:

  • Communicate: Openly communicate your values and concerns with your supervisor if there is psychological safety in doing so. This can help foster an understanding and create opportunities for adjustments within your role or work environment.
  • Seek Alignment: Look for projects or tasks within your current job that align more closely with your values. Volunteering for initiatives that resonate with your core beliefs can provide greater satisfaction and fulfillment.
  • Professional Development: Invest in your professional development by seeking out training, certifications, or courses that align with your values and enhance your skills. This can open up new opportunities and roles that better match your principles.
  • Networking: Connect with like-minded professionals and organizations. Networking can provide valuable insights and opportunities to collaborate on projects that align with your values.
Exploring New Opportunities

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your current job may not fully align with your values. In such cases, exploring new opportunities may be necessary. Research companies and roles that prioritize the values you hold dear. Look for organizations known for their ethical practices and employee satisfaction.

When applying for new jobs, make sure to highlight your values and how they align with the company’s mission during interviews. This not only demonstrates your commitment but also helps ensure a good fit for both you and the organization.

Embracing Continuous Growth

Aligning your values with your work is an ongoing process. As you grow and evolve, your values may shift, and it’s essential to periodically reassess and realign your professional life accordingly. Embrace continuous growth and stay adaptable to maintain alignment between your personal and professional aspirations.

Conclusion

Aligning your values with your work is crucial for achieving long-term satisfaction and fulfillment in your career. By understanding your core values, evaluating your current job, making necessary adjustments, exploring new opportunities, and embracing continuous growth, you can create a professional life that resonates with your beliefs and brings true meaning to your journey. Remember, a fulfilling career is one that reflects your values and allows you to contribute authentically to the world.  Do you want to learn more about how coaches help you find alignment between your personal values and your professional endeavors?  Please reach out and let’s chat!

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome is challenging, but doable.  I’d be lying if I said I had never felt it and my guess is that you have, too.  But, what is Imposter Syndrome? Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling of self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of competence and success. It’s a common experience, affecting professionals across various fields, especially women. I have worked with a lot of clients who bring this sentiment. The good news is that imposter syndrome can be overcome, allowing you to own your achievements and believe in yourself fully. Here’s a guide to help you on this journey.

Understanding Imposter Syndrome & Acknowledge Your Feelings

Imposter syndrome isn’t a reflection of your abilities or accomplishments. It’s a psychological pattern that manifests through self-deprecating thoughts and unwarranted feelings of inadequacy. Recognizing that imposter syndrome is a common struggle shared by many successful people can be the first step towards overcoming it. Be honest with yourself about your feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy – and know that it’s ok. This acknowledgment can lessen the power these feelings hold over you. Notice when it’s happening.  Are there specific triggers?  Are you in specific places?  With specific people or groups of people?  Is it only when you’re doing something new or does it come up without warning or patterns?  Understanding patterns can help you prepare or avoid triggering situations. I have talked with many coachees who bring the challenge of imposter syndrome, and while it takes effort to remove it, it is possible.  And once removed, it can open doors to more personal and professional fulfillment as well as create a path to ongoing achievement.

Reframe Your Thoughts & Record Your Accomplishments

Challenge negative self-talk by reframing your thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking, “I don’t belong here,” or “I’m not good enough,” counter these thoughts with positive affirmations like “I earned this” or “I’m the expert”.   Remind yourself of your achievements, qualifications, and the hard work you’ve put in to reach your current position.  Maintaining a record of your achievements can serve as a tangible reminder of your success. Whether it’s a journal, a digital document, or a collection of notes and emails, regularly review this record to reinforce your self-worth and capabilities. Celebrating your victories, both big and small, can help shift your focus from self-doubt to self-confidence. Believe that you are good enough, because you are.

Embrace Your Unique Journey

Everyone’s career path is unique, filled with different experiences and challenges. Avoid comparing yourself to others, as this can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy. Instead, focus on your individual journey and the progress you’ve made. Embrace the uniqueness of your experiences, which contribute to your personal and professional growth.  I believe in the value of embracing our own unique journeys so much, that a colleague and I are working on a podcast called “Success Your Own Way” which will be launching over the next few months.  I encourage you to tune in to hear from others on their unique journeys and how they have achieved success in their own ways.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic and achievable goals can prevent feelings of overwhelm and inadequacy. One framework that can be used is SMART when setting goals.  Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Break down larger tasks into manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. Achieving your goals can boost your confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment, so setting them well is key.

Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself and recognize that nobody is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes and experiences setbacks. Practicing self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. This approach can reduce self-criticism and promote a healthier self-image.

Cultivate a Support Network & Seek Feedback and Validation

Surround yourself with a supportive network of peers, mentors, and friends who understand and can empathize with your struggles. Sharing your experiences with others can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide encouragement and reassurance. Constructive feedback from coaches, colleagues, mentors, and supervisors can provide valuable insights and boost your confidence. Don’t hesitate to seek validation from those you trust. Their perspectives can help you see yourself more objectively and appreciate your strengths and accomplishments.  And then when they tell you you’re doing a great job, believe them!  You can trust these colleagues to tell you if you’re failing (in a gentle way, of course) and you can also trust them to tell you when they are proud of your efforts and results.

Seek Help from a Coach

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey that requires self-awareness, reflection, and proactive steps. By acknowledging your feelings, reframing negative thoughts, and embracing your achievements, you can gradually build confidence in yourself and your capabilities. Remember, you deserve to own your success and believe in your worth. Embrace your journey and celebrate your unique contributions to the world.  If imposter syndrome is impacting your mental health and well-being, consider seeking professional help. Coaches can provide strategies and support to help you navigate and overcome these feelings. Please reach out if you would like to talk more about how coaching can help overcome imposter syndrome and live the life you deserve.

Gratitude Can Help You Live the Life You Want

Gratitude can help you live the life you want. As we exit the Thanksgiving holiday, it has gotten me to reflect on the importance of being grateful.  Taking my kids to see a movie, being able to spend quality time with my husband, and living in a safe place – these aren’t things that everyone has the privilege of having. Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a powerful practice that can transform your perspective and significantly impact your overall well-being. Embracing gratitude in your daily life can help you achieve the life you desire by fostering a positive mindset, enhancing relationships, and promoting personal growth. Here’s why gratitude is crucial and how it can lead you to a more fulfilling life.

Understanding Gratitude

Gratitude is the practice of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life, whether they’re big or small. It’s about acknowledging the goodness that surrounds you and being thankful for the people, experiences, and opportunities that contribute to your well-being. This mindset shift from focusing on what’s lacking to celebrating what you have can have profound effects on your mental and emotional health.

The Psychological Benefits of Gratitude

Practicing gratitude has numerous psychological benefits. It enhances your overall mood by promoting positive emotions such as joy, contentment, and optimism. When you focus on what you’re grateful for, it reduces stress and anxiety, making it easier to navigate life’s challenges. Gratitude also helps combat negative emotions like envy, resentment, and frustration, allowing you to experience greater emotional resilience.

Research has shown that people who regularly practice gratitude report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. They tend to have a more positive outlook on life and are better equipped to cope with adversity. By fostering a grateful mindset, you create a foundation for a happier and more fulfilling life.

Strengthening Relationships

Gratitude plays a crucial role in building and maintaining strong relationships. Expressing appreciation and thankfulness towards others deepens your connections and fosters a sense of trust and mutual respect. When you show gratitude to those around you, it encourages them to reciprocate, creating a positive cycle of kindness and support.

Gratitude also helps you develop empathy and compassion, which are essential for healthy and meaningful relationships. It allows you to see the best in others and appreciate their contributions, fostering a sense of belonging and community. By nurturing these connections, you enrich your social life and create a supportive network that enhances your well-being.

Promoting Personal Growth

Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for personal growth and self-improvement. When you focus on the positive aspects of your life, you become more motivated to pursue your goals and aspirations. It encourages a growth mindset, where you see challenges as opportunities for learning and development rather than obstacles.

Practicing gratitude also helps you cultivate a sense of humility and self-awareness. It reminds you of the external factors and people that contribute to your success, keeping you grounded and appreciative. This humility can drive you to work harder, be more resilient, and maintain a balanced perspective on your achievements.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude

Incorporating gratitude into your daily life doesn’t require grand gestures. Here are some simple yet effective ways to practice gratitude:

  1. Keep a Gratitude Journal: Dedicate a few minutes each day to write down things you are grateful for. Reflecting on these positive aspects can enhance your mood and shift your focus away from negativity.
  2. Express Appreciation: Take time to thank the people who make a difference in your life. A heartfelt note, a simple message, or a sincere conversation can go a long way in expressing your gratitude.
  3. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation to cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and appreciation for the present moment. Focusing on the here and now helps you recognize the beauty and blessings in your life.
  4. Acts of Kindness: Engage in acts of kindness, whether it’s helping a colleague, volunteering, or simply offering a smile. These actions not only benefit others but also reinforce your own sense of gratitude.

Conclusion

Gratitude can help you live the life you want by fostering a positive mindset, strengthening relationships, and promoting personal growth. By embracing gratitude in your daily life, you can transform your perspective, enhance your well-being, and achieve a deeper sense of fulfillment. Remember, it’s not about waiting for extraordinary moments; it’s about finding joy in the ordinary and appreciating the journey as it unfolds.  So as we exit Thanksgiving and enter the next holiday season, I invite you to find gratitude every day.  If you think a professional coach could help you find your joy and live your best life, please reach out – I’d love to connect!

The Risk of Doing Nothing: A Silent Threat

In a world constantly in flux, where change is the only constant, the act of doing nothing can be deceptively attractive. It might seem like a path of least resistance—maintaining the status quo, avoiding decisions, or delaying action. However, the risk of doing nothing often outweighs the perceived safety and comfort. This article delves into why inaction can be more dangerous than we might think.

Missed Opportunities

One of the most significant risks of doing nothing is the loss of opportunities. Inaction can lead to missed chances that may not come again. Recently I had the opportunity to meet Michelle Young.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with Michelle, she was a former Bachelorette and Minnesota educator.  She is now thriving as a television personality, speaker, and activist.  I watched Michelle on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette and always appreciated how she showed up – with charisma, positivity, and integrity. I was also aware of her love of basketball, which happens to be a shared passion.

A Risk I Dared to Take

At a recent MN United Football Club (UMNFC) game at Allianz Field, Michelle was hosting a booth to support her foundation, the Michelle Young Foundation.  Now this might sound a little silly, but I was starstruck. I wanted to be brave and walk right up and boldly introduce myself, but I wasn’t feeling brave at all.  I finally summoned the courage to approach Michelle and I’m so glad I did.  She was warm, welcoming, and gracious (as were her parents who were there supporting her). And she agreed to take a photo with me.  To many of you, this may just look like any old photo.  For me, it is more than a photo. It represents a risk I dared to take.

Hesitating or failing to act can result in regretting what might have been. The world rewards those who take calculated risks, seize the moment, and are proactive.  I’m grateful that I dared to take a risk and I lean on this experience when I’m feeling unsure or nervous about taking action.

Stagnation vs. Growth

Doing nothing often means resisting change. And change is everywhere. While doing nothing might feel safe and comfortable in the short term, it leads to stagnation. I have talked to many friends in the corporate world who seem paralyzed in their current role.  They know they aren’t growing yet they want to grow.  They know they aren’t happy but want to be happier.  But they do nothing to change their situation. Why is that?  Because doing nothing seems safer.  They convince themselves that change may make things worse.  Or that if they make a change, they will lose their hard-earned ground.  That doing nothing is the least risky choice.  But the reality is that the short-sighted decision to do nothing will likely have longer-term consequences.  Doing nothing is a silent threat.

Growth and progress, whether personal or professional, requires action, adaptation, and sometimes, stepping into the unknown. Without taking steps forward, individuals and organizations remain in a static state, unable to evolve with the changing world. This stagnation not only limits potential but also creates a vulnerability to becoming obsolete.

The Illusion of Safety

Many people choose to do nothing because they fear making mistakes or the uncertainty that comes with action. However, this perceived safety is an illusion. Avoiding decisions doesn’t eliminate risk; it simply shifts the risk from short-term to longer-term. For instance, not making a career move might feel like a safer choice in the moment, but staying in a stagnant job leads to long-term dissatisfaction and missed professional growth.  I have talked to many who wish they would have made a change sooner. I have also struggled with making changes until I realized I was truly and deeply unhappy.  And at that point making a change felt more like running away from something rather than running toward something better.  Doing nothing ended up not being safe, where making a change sooner would have actually provided safety and security in the longer term.

The Cost of Regret

Regret is often more painful and longer lasting than the fear of failure. Doing nothing out of fear can lead to a lifetime of “what ifs.” Reflecting on missed chances and knowing you didn’t try can be more damaging to one’s psyche than having tried and failed. Regret can also impact mental health, leading to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and a pervasive sense of unfulfilled potential.  Do I have regrets about staying somewhere too long?  You bet I do! I wished I had left my last role on my terms to fulfill my dream of becoming a professional coach.  I regret that I allowed that control to be taken from me. Do these experiences help me be a better coach?  You bet they do! Recognizing patterns of lingering too long is one of the first things you can do to keep it from happening again and preventing you from feeling regret.

Impact on Relationships

In relationships, doing or saying nothing can be damaging. Avoiding difficult conversations, not making an effort to connect, or neglecting to show appreciation causes relationships to deteriorate. Yes, having difficult conversations can be tough, but is being the dark or keeping someone else in the dark a better alternative?  Not in my experience.  Doing nothing can feel good in the moment, but the implications can cause long-term deep damage to both you and the person you have a relationship with. Failing to nurture relationships can lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and ultimately, loss of meaningful connections and the relationship itself.  One way to overcome doing nothing is to prepare.  What do you need to communicate?  What are you afraid will occur?  How can you anticipate the reaction?  A little bit of preparation and empathy can go a long way when confronting a challenging situation or conversation.

Organizational Paralysis

For businesses and organizations, doing nothing can be catastrophic. In a rapidly evolving market, companies that fail to innovate, adapt to new technologies, or respond to customer needs quickly become irrelevant. Ever heard of Kodak?  How about Nokia?  Yahoo?  Blockbuster?  Xerox?   These are examples of companies that were unable to keep up with the pace of change and innovation.  The risk of doing nothing for them resulted in their demise as well as job loss for their employees and financial impacts on shareholders.  Organizational paralysis, stemming from a fear of change, leads to a decline in competitive edge, loss of market share, and eventually, business failure.

Embracing Action

Embracing action is essential for growth and progress even in the face of uncertainty. It’s important to understand that not all actions will lead to success, but each step provides learning opportunities and the potential for future success. Being courageous, proactive, willing to take calculated risks, and embracing change can lead to personal fulfillment, professional success, and the avoidance of the deeper risks associated with doing nothing. In essence, while the temptation to do nothing can be strong, particularly in the face of fear and uncertainty, the long-term risks and costs can be substantial. Embracing action, making decisions, and being proactive are keys to avoiding the silent threat of inaction.

Still not convinced? Let’s talk about how you can move from doing nothing out of fear to doing something that will help you achieve your goals.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in Effective Coaching

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a cornerstone for effective coaching, which has emerged as a critical tool for fostering growth, enhancing performance, and facilitating transformative change. Among the variety of competencies and skills that a coach must possess,

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and use emotions effectively in oneself and others. It encompasses several key skills, including self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. In the context of coaching, these components of EI are not just beneficial; they are essential for creating a resonant relationship between the coach and the coachee, which in turn, significantly impacts the coaching outcomes.

Have you ever met someone and wondered if they understood you?  Were they listening to what you were saying or did you feel dismissed or even undervalued?  This is an example of a lack of Emotional Intelligence.  If you were treated this way, it probably didn’t make you want to continue to engage in conversation.  And it could have even triggered you or evoked emotions of frustration or anger.  The first step in becoming a more emotionally intelligent individual yourself is to recognize when it is missing – in yourself or others.  Then, acknowledge the feelings and thoughts that a lack of EQ can create.  Finally, work to fix it.

Emotional Intelligence in Coaching: The Why and How

Building Trust and Rapport

At the heart of a successful coaching relationship lies trust. Coaches with high EQ are adept at creating a safe and supportive environment where coachees feel valued and understood. This is achieved through genuine empathy and active listening, allowing the coachee to open up and engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations.

Enhancing Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is both a component of EQ and a goal of coaching. Coaches use their EQ to hold up a mirror to their coachees, helping them gain insights into their own emotions, triggers, and patterns. This reflective process is pivotal for personal growth and development.

Facilitating Emotional Regulation

Coaching often involves navigating through change, challenges, and at times, emotional turmoil. A coach with high emotional intelligence can guide coachees in managing their emotions effectively, turning potential obstacles into stepping stones for resilience and growth.

Motivating and Inspiring

A key element of coaching is to motivate and inspire action towards goals. Coaches with high EQ tap into what truly drives their coachees at an emotional level, fostering intrinsic motivation and commitment to their goals.

Navigating Social Complexities

Coaching doesn’t occur in a vacuum but within the complex web of an individual’s personal and professional relationships. Coaches with strong social skills can advise on managing and enhancing these relationships, crucial for achieving success and fulfillment.

What to Look for in a Coach

As you begin to seek out a coach, pay attention to how they are showing up.  Are they creating a safe and supportive environment?  Do you feel valued and understood?  Are they showing empathy so that you can gain insights into your emotions, triggers, and patterns?  Are they helping you turn obstacles into opportunities for growth?  Do you feel motivated and inspired to take action?  If you answered yes to all of these questions then you may have found a coach that is right for you.  If you answered no to any of these, keep looking.

Cultivating Emotional Intelligence in Coaching

Developing EQ is an ongoing journey, not only for individuals seeking coaching (or being coached) but also for coaches themselves. Continuous self-reflection, seeking feedback, engaging in emotional intelligence training, and practicing mindfulness are among the strategies that enhance a coach’s EQ. If your coach doesn’t take an active interest in their personal development that can be a red flag.  The best coaches invest in themselves and ask for feedback consistently.  They listen intently and ensure the conversation is heading in a productive direction for the coachee.  They are present and engaged always.

Conclusion

The relationship between emotional intelligence and effective coaching is undeniable. As the corporate landscape continues to evolve, the demand for coaching that transcends traditional methodologies to include a deep understanding and application of emotional intelligence is increasing. For coaches, the journey towards mastering EQ is both a personal and professional mandate; for organizations and individuals alike, selecting coaches who exemplify high emotional intelligence is a critical step toward achieving lasting success and transformation.

If you want to learn more about how to find a coach that can support your growth, please reach out!

 

Knowing Yourself

Knowing yourself includes being aware of your values, who influences you, past patterns of behavior, and what inspires you. When you think about your future, how often do you think about your past or your present?  Paying attention to where you are now and where you came from can help guide you on your path forward.

Knowing yourself and what you value

Have you ever wondered… What do I truly value? Why do I value this and not that? How am I making decisions?  What influences me? What bores or excites me? Who am I when I’m performing at my best?  If you have, congratulations on being a thoughtful and introspective human being!  If you have not, read on…

When I was working in corporate America, my head was down, grinding, running on the never-ending hamster wheel.  I never prioritized myself.  My time was promised to others – my boss, my family, my household obligations.  Maybe I liked not having to think about me.  Maybe I appreciated the distraction of daily life and not having to truly think about who I am and how I was spending my time and ultimately my life.  That all changed when I didn’t have that corporate job anymore…it forced me to get real about myself, who I am, and what I value, and I started dreaming about how to get more of THAT in my life.

I think many of us in our daily hustle and bustle don’t take the time to think about what we value, yet it can unlock so much of who we truly are and catapult us to where we truly want to be.

Who influences you?

When you do start to contemplate who you are and what you value, you may start to think about the people who are important in your life, especially those from your past.  You might identify a few of your relatives and family members with whom you have characteristics in common.  You might start to recognize behaviors and quirks from a parent or other relative and celebrate “That’s where I got that!” and there may be others that you’d rather not admit to. But it all helps tell the story of you!

It doesn’t have to be only relatives that you see in yourself.  It can be a coach, a friend, a boss, a colleague, or all of the above.  What was it about them and your relationship that shaped you?  How has their influence shown up in your life?  What elements of those individuals do you strive to bring to others?  What characteristics do you see that you actively avoid?

I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by a pretty awesome family, amazing and supportive colleagues, brilliant coaches, and wonderfully patient friends.  When I think about those individuals and their influences on me and my life I feel gratitude.  Have the people in my life all been wonderful?  No, and I don’t think that is possible.  Is it important to think about those less favorable characteristics?  Yes!  How else will you be able to recognize unsavory behaviors and characteristics in yourself so that you can continue to grow and evolve into the person you were meant to be?

Knowing yourself and how you were influenced and by whom can be a tremendous gift you give yourself and others.  Simply put, knowing yourself can provide the clarity you need to move forward.

What are your patterns?

When you think about your life, what are the patterns that you notice?  How often do you change jobs or move house?  Who are the types of people that you get along with best that you gravitate toward? What types of environments are you in when you are performing at your best or at your worst?  What time of day, week or year do you feel the most or the least productive or happy?

Once you have reflected and discovered these patterns, you can dig deeper to discover the “Why” behind the pattern.  Ask yourself, “Why do I change jobs every 2 years?”  “Why do I surround myself with these type A people and avoid the type Bs?”  “What is it about this environment that causes me to feel so great while another makes me feel crappy?”  Why is it that I produce more results or feel more joy in the winter than in the summer?”

You likely have patterns that are very helpful in making the right decisions while others are not.  Knowing your patterns can help you stay ahead of decisions and avoid those that aren’t leading you in the right direction.

What inspires you?

When it comes down to it, life is short.  Am I right?  In the blink of an eye, your career has passed its peak and you begin to take steps to settle into the kind of work you love versus the kind that may bring you the biggest paycheck.  Your kids are grown, and you have more time for yourself.  Many of your dreams have become reality and it’s time for new dreams.

If this resonates with you, it might be time to take stock in what inspires you!  Who do you need in your life right now?  How do you want to spend your time?  What type of support do you need to make your dreams into reality?  What kind of environment do you wish to be in?

There is no “perfect time” to make a change toward inspiration.  There will always be patterns, habits, excuses, inertia, or all of the above that make it difficult for us to move forward.  Sometimes life happens to us and we have to deal with it in the moment, but many times (and I would argue more often than not) we have more control than we realize.  Are you being realistic about the risks of continuing your path versus making change toward a more inspired one?  How it might feel to jump out of bed looking forward to each day versus doing what you’ve always done?  What is the worst thing that can happen if you make a change….or the worst thing that can happen if you don’t?  What might it feel like to truly be inspired by your life?

Knowing yourself and how to live the life you desire

That sounds pretty good, right?  But how do you make that happen for yourself?  Here are a few steps you could take:

  • Breathe. Be in the moment. Put your brain on pause for a few deep breaths.
  • Find gratitude. Your gratitude does not have to be something big.  Are you grateful for the air in your lungs?  The sun in the sky?  Food on your table?  Love in your life?
  • Identify where you are right now. What does it feel like?  What does it sound like?  What does it look like?
  • Name what you truly value. How often are you living those values?  Could you make a change that helps you live them more?  What is getting in your way?
  • Identify where you want to be. What does it feel like?  What does it sound like?  What does it look like?

Once you have taken these steps, decide how far away you are from where you want to be.  Do you already have some of it?  How much?  What is missing?  What would need to change to get closer?  Do you believe it’s possible to get to that life?  What would make it possible?

If knowing yourself feels like a path you want to be on, but it is too daunting to do on your own, a coach can help.  Reach out for a 30-minute consultation and see if a professional coach can help you live the life you desire!

Knowing yourself
Tina Schuricht, Principal & Founder of McGinty Coaching