I welcome you to my blog on this Saturday afternoon (or whenever you're reading this!)
I'm feeling super energised and productive today.
This got me thinking that success really does start in your mind and that with the right attitude, the world is our oyster! So why is it that we all have these plans and dreams but we so often fail to make them our reality?
The answer is very simple. In fact, it's so simple that it's a shame that so many people don't realise it!
Without the right mindset - which is the 'engine' supplying us with motivation, a will to work and consistency in what we're doing - we either underestimate our abilities, burn-out in the process or simply give up on our goals.
This is why we all need structure. A plan that is both realistic and challenging. One, which encompasses our strengths and weaknesses as well as the obstacles we will have to overcome.
I thought about this structure and the key-words it should contain. In doing so, I reminded myself of all my achievements; the significant and the less important ones, the professional and personal success and the things that I wish I had considered at the time as they would make everything much easier.
So take out a pen and a piece of paper and use the below structure to achieve anything you want!
Remember to use this as guidance only and feel free to alter it slightly to suit your own needs and circumstances.
Step 1: Achieve the right state of mind
I said this before and I'll stay it again; it all starts with your mind! Start this process by clearing your head and coming to a peaceful state. I can assure you that an anxious and troubled mind will definitely not bring you any luck.
Think of what works for you. Do you enjoy playing sports? Does yoga or meditation calm you down? Whatever it is - do it before sitting down to draft this plan.
Step 2: What is the objective; i.e. what exactly would you like to achieve?
This is probably the easiest step.
Simply write down what it is that you would like to accomplish. Remember to be quite specific. If you'd like to lose weight and become fit & healthy, specify how much you'd like to go down on the scale. If you dream of being successful professionally, state what position you would like to hold etc.
Step 3: Why is it that you want to do this?
You have to ask yourself the following questions before going ahead with this plan:
(1) How will achieving this goal make you feel?
(2) How will it affect your everyday life?
(3) Is the reward worth the work that you are going to put in?
(4) Will this make you happier?
If the answers to these 4 questions are positive - continue with the next step.
Step 4: Your strengths & weaknesses vs the obstacles
Now it's time to define your strengths & weaknesses.
Let's start with the positive side of things! Ask yourself what it is that you are good at and how these traits will benefit you in the process.
For instance, if this is a long-term goal that will require a lot of time and energy, appreciate how patient you can be without becoming frustrated. You can also remind yourself of a situation when you used this trait or skill. This way, you will be able to convince yourself that you are well capable of implementing the same skill for your advantage during this process.
Remember that these qualities do not have to be directly related to your goal; be creative and think outside the box when asking yourself this question!
Now think of your weaknesses, but make sure to be honest with yourself. You're doing this for you and you will take out what you put in so stay truthful.
How are those weaknesses going to affect you in your plan? How will you overcome them?
Step 5: Be realistic and make little steps
If your goal is something that's worthwhile, it won't be easy to achieve. This is why you have to challenge yourself but also be realistic at the same time.
It's all about moving forward but doing so consistently, rather than making one big step towards your aim and then becoming overwhelmed and doubting your abilities.
Step 6: Define those steps
This is the actual plan and something that you must do yourself.
Write down these steps in bullet points; you may also include brief notes and guidelines under each.
Step 7: Visualise, Visualise and...Visualise!
This is perhaps the most enjoyable step and one that you certainly deserve after going through the preceding six!
It's now time to relax.
Put down your pen and paper and switch-off your mind.
Your only job now is to close your eyes and visualise the end result. Ask yourself how you are feeling after making your dream reality. Visualise how happy and fulfilled you are.
Think about how proud you made yourself feel, how impressed you are with the hard work that you put in.
In this moment, you feel happy and powerful. The sky is the limit!
Although it's a relaxing and easy step, it is crucial in the process. Every time you feel like giving up or you begin to doubt yourself, come back to this 'daydreaming' stage and remind yourself why you're putting all this work in.
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Well done for sticking with me till the end and please feel free to tell me about your goal in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you and send some positive energy your way!
Or perhaps, there is something that you're proud of and you'd love to share with the world? Either way I'd love your feedback!
- Paula ♥
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