Now that 2023 is underway maybe you can find some free time just for you? Some space for you to stop, reflect and simply stare into the distance, to the are changes you would like to make in your life.
Making some time to ask yourself ‘what difference would it make if’, _____ I had more time and energy to do what I want, finally took the evening class been talking about, had confidence to say no to taking on yet one more piece of work, searched for a new job, joined a dating site, got started on your reading pile or you learnt to play a musical instrument and your desires go on. You may have only dimly thought about the difference and that is ok, a start is a start. I applaud your openness to change and the difference this would make.
I have been doing just that after taking some time off over the festive season to rest, replenish and refocus on the difference I want to make. I invested in a programme with Lisa Wynn called ‘Momentum’ that was based around her Scottish heritage of honouring the New Year by cleaning up and putting to bed the old year. Through journalling and coaching taking this time has helped me work through some limiting beliefs about what I achieved last year while opening my mind to the abundance and joy I am moving towards with each decision I make in 2023. I have new ideas brewing that I will share more about in the coming months.
What difference would some space to think make to you?
Book a free discovery call with me, gift yourself some space where you can openly discuss, explore and take first steps towards a challenge that you feel is holding you back from your full potential. Together we can open the opportunities for lasting change. Along the way you will find out a little more about me, and if investing in yourself through me is right for you. Like me you may be able to flick away that little pixie of limiting-beliefs.
While I see so much value in cleaning up and putting to bed the old year before welcoming the next, I find the idea of making resolutions problematic. Why?
A resolution is defined as ‘a firm decision to do or not to do something,’
Which leaves no room to adapt, change or respond to what is coming up for us in the moment as we progress. This approach feels too final, either you achieve the resolution, or you don’t! It also implies that a ‘new year, is a new you’ rather than each year building on the next, flowing into each other for a lifetime of learning.
I believe what we need is this more flowing, more continuous approach that allows for flexibility while still focused on a plan or goal, something that gives us space to focus on our mind, body and soul to achieve the change we desire. The most transformational and lasting change starts when we move towards something we want, that focuses on seeing the possibilities of the future, rather than the losses of the past.
Therefore, I prefer and invite you to consider setting intentions that open your mind to the possibilities beyond a simple achieve or not. An intention denotes you have a plan, purpose, objective, and/or goals. There is a sense of responsibility and added determination to see it through. You have a set plan and structure with the understanding that it must be flexible whereas resolutions are not. You begin to really map out your journey while considering other things that may happen and could impede your journey.
Are you moving towards what you want?
Something that can impede your journey is a plan or purpose grounded in the motivation of moving away from something you don’t want or like, mostly driven by negative emotions from the past and your limiting beliefs in life. What you may find is that as you move further away from what you don’t want, your motivation to move forward declines and you start slipping backwards again.
Contrast this to when we move towards something we truly want for ourselves, the results are often more predictable and sustainable, more grounded in habit-building. It is likely we have a clear plan of what we want, our purpose and who we want to be, having set aside time and energy to map out what we want for our future. We know that along the way there will be obstacles and diversions, that change may not be as immediate but with our intentions clear this allows for long-term sustainable growth.
It is the difference between going on a crash diet to fit into an outfit, or changing our eating, exercise, and mindful practices for a more sustainable healthy life while buying a new outfit.
Would you like some clarity on the first step to change?
When I start working with new coaching clients one of our first conversations will be to get clarity on what they want to move towards, what they want to accomplish, their vision and the values that guide them on their journey. This is such a powerful exercise and one I love supporting my clients to complete, as it really opens up the mind and for many brings immediate clarity to what is at the heart of a challenge, so work can start on moving towards change.
If you are reading this thinking, you would like some support getting clarity on your own intentions towards lasting change. Book a discovery call with me, lets talk about what is on your mind, what change means to you and if I am right person to support you, don’t worry I won’t force anything if doesn’t feel right but what I do know is that having the space to express what is in on your mind will spark thoughts, ideas and create energy for change.
To help you get some clarity right now on your what difference would it make if… here are five questions to consider. I invite you to reflect on and write down what comes up from each question. No judgement just write what comes up whether it is a word, a sentence or a whole essay.
- What is your greatest challenge right now?
- How is this challenge impacting on your wellbeing/health/finances/relationships/career on your heart’s desire?
- What difference would it make to you to have this challenge gone?
- Imagine you wake up tomorrow and this challenge has gone, how will people know, how will you behave and act differently?
- What feels like it is holding you back from making the first step is it your confidence, the time, knowing where to start, having the energy, or something else?
I would love to hear what came up for you, message me or if you prefer a chat book a free discovery call – you could look at it like a gift of time and space just for yourself.
My vision is to empower women to be confident leaders, to manage day to day stresses with ease to feel energised not exhausted, and I guide the male allies who want to know how they can help. To find out more about how I could help you, your team or organisation visit my Services page.