Victoria Walton, M.S. is TRAffIK’s resident Life Coach and will be helping us tackle the issues that hold us back from becoming the “TRAffIK Stoppers” we all can be. Look for her column Victorious Living the third Tuesday of every month. Victoria Walton may be contacted at victoria@intraffik.com. To read previous installments of Victorious Living click here.
Nothing lights up my world more than seeing people get out of life what they want. That’s why I became a life coach.
I take on clients who have realized that what they want in life requires them to come outside of their comfort zone. They have accepted risk. What worthy thing does not require it? Whether it is asking someone for a date, pursuing one’s dream as an actor, buying a home or starting a business, there is never a guarantee you will acquire that for which you set your sights. One thing is for sure, though — if you don’t stretch yourself, life will be mediocre. I don’t know about you, but mediocrity is wholly unappealing to me.
In this economy, though, I can see why one might resist going after certain dreams, particularly when pursuing them could produce strains of various types, e.g., financial. Yet, hard times do not have to be an obstacle. These challenging days simply dare us to create a better strategy. There is never going to be a better time. Moreover, because unrequited passions don’t really die, hesitation could result in prolonged dissatisfaction, leading to detachment from your desires and the ensuing inertia. So what are you waiting for? Let’s take a look at a few key elements to include as you create a sound plan that will result in the lighting up of your world.
1. Weigh the pros and cons of both making changes and staying where you are. There is always a cost/pay off relationship for our actions (or inaction). Writing down a realistic list of pros and cons will help you get present to what is at stake and keep you motivated toward your goals.
2. Set your priorities. When you are generating major change in your life, other areas in your life can shift as well. As you plot your strategy, consider how to keep your priorities, especially the people you love, in their proper place.
3. Consider the pitfalls. Setbacks are going to happen. So forget the fantasy that you won’t have any. Consider the potential impediments, how to minimize their occurrence as well as be prepared to creatively handle surprises.
4. Mind your energy. In the book, “The Power of Full Engagement”, executive coaches, Loehr and Schwartz, reason that it is energy, not time, of which there is a dearth. What energizes you? What do you need to feel renewed? Think about what you need to maintain energy levels and incorporate these activities as you map your way to your goals.
5. Stay accountable. Pick supportive friends and/or family members who will call you to task, be a sounding board for your ideas, and encourage you when all you want to do is throw in the towel. Outside accountability is an aspect of social structure that is critical for success. After all, it is much harder to tell yourself no, when you have a cheering section!
Disclaimer: Life Coaching is for “healthy” people; it isnot intended for use as a substitute for medical advice, professionalpsychotherapy, or any other therapeutic intervention.