As I looked at my reflection, what did I see?
Was the view that I witnessed belonging to me?
A picture of hope or of shattered dreams past,
When will I be happy, how long does joy last?
It can be a real minefield when you try and think of how best to plan for the future. It also takes courage to let go of past emotions or ways of thinking that hold you back.
More and more, we are bombarded by images of those who have it all, all the fancy cars and houses and the sunshine life! How did they do it? Is it a con that we are being shown? Or do they possess that indefinable quality that propels them to the top?
The answer to that is yes and no! Can you have it all? Most definitely! Do you want it all, well that is another question! What you need to decipher is will it really nourish my soul?
I often used to find myself looking at the photos of people by the pool in a fabulous home, spouting the truths or was it lies, about how easy it is to have it all! Obviously after buying their downloadable “winner takes all” products for the time limited offer of $299, but only on today’s website!
On a more practical note, if you want a life rich in material or emotional or spiritually uplifting qualities, then there are several ways to make it happen. Here are 3 main points for achieving a successful outcome!
MOTIVATION
Connect to your values.
This is the ultimate secret. If you can connect the work you do to your values, even in small ways, you can change your outlook on life. One of those key values is continuous learning and growth.
Enhance your career or personal life by finding new ways of learning. Take an online course, or try an evening class at college to increase your knowledge, and the possibilities are endless!
Play to your strengths.
Spending too much time in your weaknesses wears you down. Spending more time in your strengths helps you renew your energy and find your flow.
Strengths are the place where you can grow your best. Find the things that you can do all day that you really enjoy and find ways throughout your day to do more of that. Success builds on itself and this helps you build momentum!
Motivation is the key to taking back control of your life!
VISUALISATION
Before we can believe in a goal, we first must have an idea of what it looks like. To paraphrase the old adage: we must see it before we can believe it.
This is where visualization comes in, which is simply a technique for creating a mental image of a future event. When we visualize our desired outcome, we begin to “see” the possibility of achieving it. Through visualisation, we catch a glimpse of what is, in the words of one writer, our “preferred future.” When this happens, we are motivated and prepared to pursue our goal.
Visualise, as if it is really occurring now in this moment! This trains your mind to expect and to direct you towards that ultimate goal!
SELF-ESTEEM/SELF-CONFIDENCE
Do something you enjoy
Doing something that you enjoy, and that you are good at, can help build up your confidence and increase your self-esteem. This could be anything from paid work, volunteering, caring or a hobby.
Learn to be assertive
Being assertive means you value yourself and others, and can communicate with mutual respect. It will help you to set clear boundaries.
The following things will help you act in a more assertive way:
• Pay attention to your body language as well as to the words you say and try to be open and confident.
• Try to express your feelings if you have been upset — wait until you feel calm and explain clearly how you feel.
• Say ‘no’ to unreasonable requests.
Assertiveness can be a difficult skill to learn, and you may need to practise by talking in front of a mirror or with a friend.
There are also many, many more things that you could try to take you to the next level. Once you concentrate and fully employ these 3 pointers then you will be on the road to greater success in your life!
When I am feeling low or at times lost then I follow the 3 steps above. I get myself Motivated, and begin to Visualise what my outcome needs to be, and build up my Self-Confidence and take some action to propel myself forward!
A saying that my father always told me was this; “Son, nothing in life is easy, but if you want a dream, then you have to move heaven and earth to make it happen!”