Knowing what you want can be one of the hardest questions you face. In the great menu of life, how do we choose? Why do so many of us struggle to decide what we want? Or, more importantly, how can it be made easier? If you are stuck at the moment, feeling at a bit of a crossroads and unsure about which way to turn then here are some quick prompts to get the blood flowing and loosen up that thinking.
But before we continue, I would like to add an important point dear reader:
It’s important to have a plan, but plans can change. Who runs the plan? You do. You run the plan. The plan is not your master so don’t be afraid to re-write it.
Begin with the end in mind
Steven Covey wrote that as Habit 2 in his international best-selling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. In order to know what you want, you have to have an idea of your desired outcome. Where is the destination you would like to end up at?
Whether you are thinking about your fitness regime, a career change or your ideal love life, you need to know where you are headed. Or at the very least, allow yourself to dream it. Right now you are stuck and unsure, but in the future version of you, everything is clear. Can you sell yourself the dream of what the ideal scenario looks like in this particular area of your life? If everything was going 10/10 in that area, how would it look? How would it feel?
How often do use the GPS on your phone? You type in the destination and the route becomes clear. Begin with the end in mind to start formulating your plan.
Caught up in negative consequence
When we are stuck trying to figure out what we want, all too often we think of negative outcomes. Having imagined what that 10/10 scenario looks like, there is a tendency to start to trip ourselves up by focusing on the things that could go wrong.
If I take this path:
What if I fail?
I don’t know enough
What if people judge me for being a fool?
Instead, how about you simply start to think about what the ideal scenario will give you?
If I take this path now:
I will have more freedom
A better lifestyle
Financial security
It’s a really small shift but what it gives you is a totally different point of view that suggests more reasons to proceed, rather than standing still. Having identified what it will give you, you need to ask yourself – how important is that to me?
Where is the finish line?
How will you know that you have reached the 10/10 version of what your ideal scenario looks like? You are setting yourself up with a destination but you need a clear marker that lets you know you have made it. What will that be? What will be the clincher that makes you punch the air with joy and know that you have made it?
At every one of these stages you are in control. It is your ideal scenario. Your destination. Give yourself time to imagine your desired outcome. Focus on what will happen for you as a result of being in that place. Evaluate it’s importance to you.
How do you feel now?
It’s important to have a plan, but plans can change. Always remember, it’s your plan. The plan is not your master so don’t be afraid to write it and to then re-write it if you need to.
Very best,
Natalie
P.S Sometimes we just need a simple boost to get back on track. The Friday Orange is my weekly email with 3 thoughts to amplify your purpose and performance. Sign up to The Friday Orange.
If you liked it and would like more help to make a change in an area of your life then drop me a line. I would love to talk to you.
