Better Life Choices

Are you pre-occupied with your dreams of a better life? Do you end each day wishing things were different? If so, it’s time to start setting your goals and formulate a plan of action that will lead you out of the mundane into exciting new opportunities.

Whether you want to start your own business, travel the world, live your passion or downsize so that you have more time for you and your family, it all begins with some considered planning. But first it pays to know the excuses that hold some people back and make sure that you don’t fall victim to the `condition’.

Most people are apprehensive about trying to make their dreams reality because of the sense of risk and insecurity. They find that their current situation, although secure and comfortable, makes them unhappy to the core. Yet, to move on to living a happier, more contented life requires you to step out of your comfort zones for a while to embrace change. It’s only when you’ve gained the courage to do this that you realise that what you though of as `comfort zones’ weren’t comfortable at all. Another issue is that of procrastination. It’s so easy to put things off for another day, but more often than not, that `other day’ never arrives. One lost moment can never be regained so it’s important to act now! Don’t become an arm chair dreamer who is full of regrets for not having tried. Create time to make good things happen. Once the dream is alive, the rewards will be a more enriching way of life.

So, where to start? First, take pen and paper to write down your thoughts, ideas and your plan of action …

Create Your Wish List

Do you really know what you want? Perhaps you have a vague idea that you’d love to travel … but where to? Perhaps you want to start your own business … but doing what? In setting up your wish list, you need to identify and write down your specific goals. Bring colour and form to them by adding flesh and bones to your dreams. If you want to travel, decide where. If you want to set up a rural business, decide exactly what you want to do and where you’d like to do it. Visualise exactly what you want. This way, you are bringing your wishes to life; they become more real and attainable. And, equally important, they’ll make you even hungrier for achieving your goals.

Confirm Why You Want to Change

Have you asked yourself why you want to change your life? It perhaps seems quite obvious but it helps to write down your reasons. You may likely say that it’s because you hate your present job, or you’re fed-up of rush hour traffic jams or your long hours don’t give you any time for yourself and family. At this point, rather than dwelling on the negatives of your circumstances, start focusing on the positive aspects of what your new life will bring, such as a job you love, more time for yourself, a sense of meaning to life, etc. Focus on these benefits and keep reminding yourself why you’re making the changes to your life.

Plan Your Action

Now write down what needs to be done to ensure that you achieve your goals. This requires plenty of time to think through the pros and cons but writing it down is akin to creating a contract to yourself and one which will help you remember the steps that need to be taken. Your action plan can be as simple or as detailed at you need it to be. It can be scribbled on a piece of A4 paper or you can elaborate it in a PowerPoint presentation. Be as creative as you feel. What’s important is that you divide your action into manageable steps. Make it your daily `to-do’ list. Just like architect plans are drawn to build a house, your plan will assist you in building a new life.

Be Realistic!

Some dreams just won’t come to pass because the dreamer has set unrealistic targets. If you’re waiting until you win the lottery before you move home or before you embark on a trip of a lifetime, then you could be sorely disappointed or waiting for a very long time. The key to successful achievement is to set realistic goals and targets. Consider your options and resources and acknowledge what is available to you. Then, assess what else you need to acquire to get you where you want to be. What are you prepared to do for your dreams? How far will you go? Analyse your responses and have a reality check. You’ll then find it easier to create a way that will lead you to your goals.

Take One Step at a Time

You’re on the road now to creating a better life for yourself. Work through your action plan; make it your religion for the foreseeable future to remain committed to your goals. If you weaken at any point, consult a Life Coach who will help you keep on track. Step-by-step, you’ll get there. It’s just like writing a book. Most novelists commit to producing anything from a few hundred to a few thousand words each day in their goal to write their novel. It’s not something that necessarily happens over-night; these things can take some time to unfold and you need to go at a manageable pace, but stay motivated by reminding yourself of your goals and the fact that you’re already on your journey. Effectively, you’re already part way there.

Banish Avoidance Tactics

What’s stopping you from `walking your talk’? Do you have too many obstacles in your way … family ties, lack of finances, low energy, too many commitments, etc? Often, these are excuses for not making changes and this is holding you back from reaching your full potential. Turn these hurdles to your advantage. Obstacles can be an incredible catalyst if you have a positive outlook. Analyse each issue … is this really stopping you from living the dream? If it is a problem, how can you solve it? Can you reach a compromise? Be creative in your thinking. There are ways and means of tackling any obstacles, so throw out any avoidance tactics and charge ahead.

Reflect on Your Progress

Where will you be in 3, 6, 12 months time? Are you any closer to living your dream? Taking time to reflect on your progress is important. If you feel that you’ve fallen behind schedule or even find yourself off the path, then you need to ask why. Your action plan might need modifying so be prepared for changes along the way. You’ve got to be adaptable and open-minded.

Be Positive!

Ultimately, what keeps you on course is having the right attitude and outlook. Stepping out of comfort zones requires a positive mind set so that you stay motivated and determined throughout. Believe that anything is possible. Surround yourself with other positive people who make you feel good. Don’t let any negative comments get you down. Well-meaning family and friends might question you or cast doubts upon your plans, but don’t let them distract you from your quest for happiness. Stay determined.

Imagine your success. For example, visualise yourself running your own business or engaged on your travels or living on your canal boat, or whatever makes life meaningful to you. Your positive outlook will help you get through any challenges and keep you on course.

Life is too short to be secure yet unhappy. Who wants to grow old thinking `if only…’? We never know what’s round the corner except the only certainty in life … at some point, we die. So what have you got to lose? Making your dreams reality gives you a more authentic, contented life. It will still have its `ups and downs’ but when you’re living the life you want, you’ll be happier and richer for it.

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