Whether you are happy as you are or if you have hit rock bottom, there is always room to grow.
I am here to help you begin 2024 in the right way.
Do you know what it would take to make you truly happy?
Most people are striving for that feeling, for everything to be great. If you asked them “what would it take for you to be happy?” they have no idea. Sometimes you may get an answer like, “well, if I was a size 12” or “if I found the right partner” I would be happy.
Trying to create your dream life without having goals or a clear idea of what you want is like trying to shoot an arrow through an apple with the lights off and spinning around 3 times. Not only is there a high chance of missing the apple, but there is also a big chance of firing the arrow in a direction you really do not want to go.
Here I’m going to share with you some tips on creating clear, achievable goals, small steps to create big changes and how to use your imagination to move towards your dream life.
First we will start with creating your ideal future. The diagram below shows your life separated into different categories.
Once you have printed out the picture, sit down and really feel into where you are now and answer honestly on the chart marking from 1-10. This gives you a real idea about where you are right now. Some areas may be great and others not so, you will see which areas need work once this activity is done.
This is where the magic begins. As I mentioned at the start, many people want to be happy but don’t have a clear idea of what it will take. We are going to use the power of your incredible mind and imagination to find out what that is.
So when you have completed step 1 and have your ideal future right in front of you, the next step is creating goals, breaking down the ideal future into small achievable steps.
To start, I have a little exercise for you to do. This can be done sitting or standing. Close your eyes and drift into your ideal future you have created. Really feel it and then imagine looking back to now. Ask yourself “what is the first step I took to get here?”
Trust your mind and see what comes up.
Write it down.
This is an exercise you can do daily or even weekly to keep you on track and allow your powerful subconscious mind to guide you on your journey.
Goals
Goal-setting involves more than just being aware of what you want to achieve. It requires planning, as well as true readiness for action. They bring the vision and motivation together.
Goals are the true stepping stone to success.
Effective goal setting requires you to create a plan of action. They will provide you with the motivation and guidance to bring your ideal life closer to you. When creating goals there are some rules that can be used to ensure success.
These are known as S.M.A.R.T goals.
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.
Specific: Goals need to be specific so you know when they have been achieved. What is it that I desire to achieve?
– Why do I want to accomplish it?
– Who is involved (if anyone) in achieving my goal?
– Where is this goal taking place?
– What requirements are involved in achieving this goal?
Measurable: For a goal to be measurable there must be clear criteria for reaching the goal.
Ensuring the goal is measurable will allow you to keep track of your progress.
– How will I know when I have reached my goal?
– Words like, How many or How much
Achievable: Making sure your goal is possible to achieve but also not too easy can be tricky.
– The goal must be realistic
– You must be able to set a clear road map to reach it.
Relevant: The goal must be significant and really matter to you.
– Does this goal seem worthwhile
– Is this goal moving you towards happiness and fulfilment
– Can you realistically fit this goal into your life
– Do you have to sacrifice anything to reach this goal
Time-bound: Goals need to fit into a time frame to add to motivation and desire to achieve them.
– When
– What can be done today
– What can be done *…* weeks from now.
Just for fun, how about you to pick one area in your life you would like to change. With this area, Close your eyes and picture how you would like it to be five years from now. Really go for it, dream big. Once you have done that, open your eyes and write that down.
Now let’s bring the goal back to one year from now, close your eyes and see where your mind takes you. Also write this down.
Now closing your eyes and going back into the one year from now feeling look back to now and ask yourself ‘what steps did I take to get here?’ Open your eyes and write these down.
Once you have your steps written down, turn each step into a S.M.A.R.T goal. Go through the list of questions above and get very clear around what it is you want and what you need to have happen to know you have achieved it.
Remember STEPPING STONES. When you have a wide river to cross if you leap, there is a chance of getting very wet. If there were stepping stones from one side to the other, solid, within reach stepping stones you will get there.
In reaching our goals there can be barriers and hurdles that need to be crossed. This is where I can help. Hypnotherapy is an amazing tool that helps with mindset, can clear blocks and move you towards your goal easily. Sometimes we need a clear leader, an accountability partner, a person who can guide you and pick you up when you fall.
If this sounds just what you need, reach out to me at openminds@lindsaycook.net or 021 222 5546
