One of my favourite quotes of all time is this: Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
Your ideal future is composed of many Todays. Every decision matters, both large and small. To turn the above quote into a gameplan, I’ve taken the following domains into my client-work.
Clarify Your Values and Priorities
Reflect on your core values and what matters most to you. Consider your personal and professional priorities, as well as the principles that guide your decision-making. Aligning your future plans with your values creates a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Ensuring that you’re living according to your values requires self-reflection and intentional action. Here are two ways to assess and improve alignment with your values:
Self-Reflection
Regularly take time for self-reflection to assess whether your current actions and choices align with your values. Ask yourself questions such as:
- What values are most important to me in different areas of my life (e.g., work, relationships, personal growth)?
- Are my daily activities and decisions consistent with these values?
- Do I feel a sense of fulfillment and authenticity in how I’m living?
Improvement: If you identify areas where your actions don’t align with your values, consider making small adjustments to bring them into harmony. This might involve setting specific goals, establishing boundaries, or reevaluating priorities to better reflect your core values.
Feedback from Trusted Others
- Seek feedback from trusted friends, family members, or mentors who know you well. Sometimes, others can provide valuable insights into whether your actions align with the values you profess. Ask for honest feedback on how they perceive your alignment with your stated values.
Improvement: Use the feedback as a constructive tool for improvement. If there are discrepancies between your stated values and observed behaviors, consider how you can adjust your actions to better reflect your values. Engaging in open and honest conversations with those close to you can provide valuable guidance.
Remember that living in accordance with your values is an ongoing process. As you evolve and your circumstances change, your values may shift, requiring periodic reassessment. Regular self-reflection and feedback from trusted individuals create a foundation for continuous improvement and a more authentic and fulfilling life aligned with your values.
Set Clear and Realistic Goals
Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for different areas of your life. Whether they relate to your career, relationships, personal development, or well-being, clear goals provide a roadmap for your journey and keep you focused.
Consider Your Passions and Interests
Identify your passions and interests, as they often lead to a more satisfying and enjoyable future. Incorporate activities and pursuits that genuinely excite you and align with your values. This can contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Discovering your life passions and interests is a personal journey that involves self-exploration and experimentation. Here are some steps to help you identify your passions and interests:
Reflect on Past Experiences:
- Consider past activities or experiences that brought you joy, fulfillment, or a sense of accomplishment. Reflect on moments when you felt deeply engaged and energized. These experiences can offer valuable clues about your innate interests.
- Reflect on what you enjoyed doing during your childhood. Sometimes, our early interests and activities provide clues about enduring passions. Reconnecting with childhood hobbies or exploring related adult versions may lead to rediscovered passions.
Identify What Energizes You:
- Take note of activities that leave you feeling energized and enthusiastic rather than drained. Pay attention to the tasks or hobbies that you willingly invest time in, even when they require effort. Passion often lies in activities that resonate with your natural inclinations.
Explore New Activities:
- Step out of your comfort zone and try new activities or hobbies. Attend workshops, classes, or events in different areas to expose yourself to a variety of experiences. Exploring the unfamiliar can help you discover interests you may not have considered before.
Take Personality and Strengths Assessments:
- Consider taking personality assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the StrengthsFinder, to gain insights into your natural inclinations and strengths. These assessments can provide valuable information about activities and environments that align with your personality.
Journaling:
- Keep a journal to record your thoughts, feelings, and observations about the activities that bring you joy. Write about moments when you feel a sense of flow and satisfaction. Over time, patterns may emerge that point to your passions and interests.
Seek Inspiration from Others:
- Engage in conversations with people who inspire you or pursue careers and activities you admire. Learn about their journeys and the factors that ignited their passions. Exposure to diverse stories can inspire and guide your own exploration.
Volunteer or Get Involved:
- Volunteer for different causes or join community groups. Engaging in social or community activities allows you to contribute to meaningful causes while discovering new interests and passions. It also provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.
Evaluate Your Skills and Strengths
Assess your skills, strengths, and areas for growth. Leverage your strengths in designing your future while identifying opportunities for skill development. This self-awareness enhances your ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on your unique attributes.
Maintain Flexibility and Adaptability
Recognize that life is dynamic, and circumstances may change. Cultivate adaptability and openness to new possibilities. Being flexible in your plans allows you to adjust to unforeseen challenges and capitalize on unexpected opportunities.
Cultivate Healthy Habits and Well-Being
Prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Healthy habits, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management, contribute to sustained energy levels and resilience. A focus on well-being enhances your ability to pursue and enjoy your ideal future.
Build and Nourish Relationships
Relationships play a crucial role in your overall well-being. Consider the importance of family, friendships, and professional connections in your ideal future. Invest time and effort in building and maintaining meaningful relationships that contribute positively to your life.
Financial Planning
Evaluate your financial situation and establish a plan for your financial well-being. This includes budgeting, saving, and setting financial goals aligned with your future aspirations. Financial stability provides a foundation for pursuing your ideal life.
In short, your ideal future is just a thought and/or action away. It’s never too late to start your future, so long as you have Today. If you’d like some guidance, feel free to schedule a call with me.
