By Lori Hanson
Is it time? Time for you to take on your next stretch goal? Time to start that new career you’ve been too afraid to tackle? Time to make a change in your relationship status? Time to plan the vacation of a lifetime? Time to improve your health?
In life it’s important to have both stretch goals and smaller goals. If we only set small easily achievable goals our progress toward the bigger results would come slowly. It’s also important to set a big stretch goal, one you might think is out of reach right now, but one that would bring the ultimate in satisfaction and happiness.
But before you start down the path, you need to be prepared to take on this new project. Most people don’t think about mental and physical preparedness when they start on a new journey, but that’s where you’re missing a big piece of the equation to reach success quickly.
When you get ready to go on a road trip you take the time to make sure your automobile is filled with gas, the oil has been changed, all fluids are topped off and you check the air in the tires. If the tires are old, you may even replace them to avoid the inconvenience of encountering a flat during the trip. You do everything that needs to be done before you leave to ensure a safe, comfortable ride that will take you to your final destination.
I often relate the maintenance and preparation of our bodies to a car—because it’s easier to understand that way. So if you’re getting ready to set out on a new initiative and take on a bigger goal you need to make sure your body is ready to take the trip and can support you with a smooth comfortable ride to your destination.
Here’s three steps to help you succeed on your next project physically and mentally:
- Eliminate refined sugar, alcohol, white foods from your diet for one week before you begin the planning process. Sugar, alcohol and white foods (simple carbs that convert quickly to sugar) fog the brain and don’t allow you to think as clearly as you will without them. By eliminating them for a week before you begin planning, you’ll find you feel much better physically and mentally. As you start your planning process (continuing to eliminate these items) you’ll notice that you get more gut instincts, an idea will drop in your lap while you’re walking the dog, or doing the dishes, or working out. The end result is a sold plan that you can execute.
- Catch up on your sleep. If you haven’t been getting a good 7-8 hours of sleep at night, or your worn out from the previous project or drama in your life. Give your body time to rest before taking on a new initiative. You can’t keep pushing and pushing yourself and expect to get great results.
- Let go of the drama. If you’ve been experiencing issues at work, problems with your teenager(s) or with your significant other you can’t focus on the stretch goal with your full attention. If you need to apologize, do it and clear the air. If you’ve been disappointed or hurt by something that’s been done, let it go and get over it. Remember, no one can make you feel bad without your consent. Hurt and disappointment are feelings you created, it’s your responsibility to let them go. One of the easiest ways to do this is to write. Yes, men—you can do this to. Write a letter to the person, or the situation and talk about how the situation or event made you feel. Get everything off your chest and be brutally honest. Then destroy the letter and let it go. Take three deep breaths and feel the expansiveness of letting go of hurt, anger and disappointment.
Now you’re ready to tackle the project. Stay positive; believe in yourself and your abilities. If you’re feeling compelled to do this—it’s because it is time. Remember, Anything is Possible!
For more help on how to get your body and mind in alignment to take on your next challenge, or to bring Lori in to speak for your next event, visit us today: http://Learn2Balance.com
