It's the perfect lazy Sunday. It's a chilly day for Texas, 73 degrees, partly cloudy...the perfect day for a cute pair of sweats - mine are cashmere, thank you Neiman Marcus Last Call! A pair of fuzzy slippers, a pot of tea and a good movie. Also, 2 lazy dogs asleep on the sofa beside me, snoring gently. So cute!
I didn't always have the luxury of a lazy Sunday like this. In the past, I would be running around like a crazy person trying to fit everything I could into my only day off this week. But no more of that! How? Why? Can I have some of that, you ask? But of course my darlings! I'm happy to share my little secret with you.
First let me quote one of my greatest mentors, Tony Robbins. "CLARITY IS POWER!"
For those of you who know him, you also know that he doesn't just say that. He shouts it from the rooftops!!! Why? Because it's true.
Once I figured that out, life became a lot more simple. It will get that way for you, too, if you want it. Now don't get me wrong, you will need to be diligent with what you get clear about, but trust me when I say it will be 100% worth it, and the happiest life you have ever allowed yourself to have. You will get there in just a few steps if you will trust me and start the planning process with me by your side!
So who is with me?? Who is ready to start??
Step 1. Decide what is important to you. Run and get yourself a pretty notebook and pen.
Step 2. I want you to draw a grid on your paper with four areas in it. At the top of each area, write one of the following words:
"RELATIONSHIPS" this section will include family, romantic, friends, anything that has to do with interpersonal skills.
"CAREER". in this section well cover your work life.
"FINANCE". Here we will cover your financial goals.
"YOU". Write your name here. This will be all about YOU! Your health, your education, your well being.
It is important to take your time now. Don't rush through this exercise. This is where YOU learn all about YOU! And it is super important.
Step 3. Go through each section and make notes. Quick notes, not paragraphs, but be thorough. I want you to start each section by asking yourself this, "In a perfect world, where there are no limits, what do I want? What would make this area of my life perfect? Go wild! Be creative!! Don't hold back!!!
Let's examine the categories:
RELATIONSHIPS. In a perfect world, what would my relationships look like? Who do I want in my life, who do I need to excuse from my life, and who am I sort of stuck with? Which relationships do I need to nurture? Who do I love and want more of? Am I being a good friend, relative, partner in return to the people who have been good to me? Which of my relationships do I need to make a priority? Wow! All of that in a block on a grid? Yep! Give yourself some time. At least a good 20 to 30 minutes to think this through.
CAREER. In a perfect world, what would my career look like? What would be the perfect job for me, if I had no limits? Am I doing what I love? Am I passionate about it, or is it just a paycheck? What SHOULD I be doing for a living? Do I already have that job? (If so, lucky you!) Do I feel as though I deserve a promotion? Does my boss agree? What do I need to work on in order to move forward? Do I even need to move forward, or is this enough?
FINANCE. Everyone's favorite subject. In a perfect world, what would my financial situation look like? What does it look like now? Be realistic. Do I carry a lot of credit card debt? Am I current on my bills? Do I need to get caught up on my bills? What would my life look like if I were not in the financial situation I am in now?
YOU. Me? Wow! A section all about me? Of course! How is my health? Am I caught up on all of my maintenance Drs. appointments? If not, what do I need to schedule. Am I spending time on myself? Am I spending time doing some sort of workout? Do I need to work on my Mental Health a bit? Do I need to read more? Do I need to spend more time alone? How do I present myself? Do I look like I just rolled out of bed most days? Do I look like a million bucks??? Am I taking good care of myself, my appearance, my health?
So! Now that you've read all of this. Let's get to it!! Start writing down your thoughts. They don't all have to be perfect! Do NOT lie! Tell the truth. No one will ever see what you're writing except for you. Now is the time to do a good analysis on these areas and determine what you need to continue doing and what you need to start doing, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, what you need to STOP doing!
Remember when you're going through this exercise, to be NURTURING! Be kind to yourself. Be understanding, but also be honest. Commit to yourself that bettering yourself requires brutal honesty and some time - and YOU are perfectly able to change anything you want to change. Remember that nothing will change overnight, but more importantly, nothing will change at all until you accept the fact that it's up to YOU to change it.
I'm going to show you exactly how to do that in a very organized and honest way.
Ready.......??
