Are you feeling mired down in routine habits or trapped in repetitive cycles? If you’re craving change, and don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. According to a study by Oracle1 and Workplace, more than 75% of people feel “stuck” personally and professionally.
Sometimes, changes are thrust upon us, and sometimes, they are the result of conscious decisions. Either way, embarking on a journey to recalibrate one’s life is no trivial task. If making changes were easy, it wouldn’t be a challenge, and each step you take carries its own obstacles and rewards. Profound transformation can change your entire way of being, touching every aspect of your life and those around you.
In the past seven years, I’ve embarked on a transformative journey that has reshaped every facet of my life—from reversing chronic fatigue to navigating life transitions, striving for self-improvement, and seeking professional growth. For a long time, I felt a deep sense of responsibility and drive for achievement, but deep down, I was stuck in a rut, longing for growth, novelty, and freshness. Making a career pivot at this stage in my life was daunting, but ultimately, it has realigned my future with values and greater purpose. And I have also ensured that my lifestyle is balanced and aligns with my goals and desires for my health and longevity.
Perhaps the transformation you’re looking for isn’t as intense. It might be as simple as adding more joy and fun to your life, improving sleep, managing stress, nurturing relationships, adopting healthier eating habits, integrating more physical activity, or addressing substance use.
When considering change, especially if you feel resistance or overwhelm, start by creating a compelling vision for your life. If you haven’t checked out my blog post on leading a vision-driven life, do that now. Writing out a vision for four life domains—health & lifestyle, career & finances, love & relationships, and personal growth—can build enthusiasm and motivation, acting as a magnetic pull for forward action.
There are no one-size-fits-all formulas or “Jedi mind tricks” to determine the right changes for you, as we are all uniquely individual. If it’s difficult to make a decision that moves you forward, I can offer you a series of questions that may help you make decisions about what goals to pursue to bring about health and fulfillment. The questions are grouped into three categories—contribution and impact, joy and passion, and personal growth—based on the impact they have in your life and the lives of others.
Contribution and Impact
Living in line with our values and authentic needs and values demands that we stop people pleasing and ask for what we want. Don’t discount the impact you will make in your unique way by aiming up and speaking your truth. You can’t possible foresee the ripple effect of stepping into your authentic self and your ultimate health and well-being.
Ask:
Is the outcome of the change that I seek good for me AND does it have good in it for others?
Are my goals someone else’s wish for me or something I truly desire?
Why: A healthy vision that has a positive impact for ourselves AND others can enhance personal fulfillment and create a sense of purpose.
Passion and Joy
Does this vision resonate with my deepest desires and values? A vision that is authentic to your unique needs should feel expansive. It will give you a feeling of excitement about stepping into a higher version of yourself.
Don’t be afraid to think big. You don’t need to know how you’ll achieve it at this stage. By aligning your attention to new possibilities with an open mind, new potentials and opportunities will arise.
“When you want something, the whole universe conspires in order for you to achieve it”
Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist.
Ask: Does the vision for my healthiest self-feel expansive and a little bit exciting?
Why: Pursuing an authentic lifestyle and way of being that brings joy and passion will sustain motivation and energy.
Personal Growth
Real transformation comes with getting out of our comfort zone. That means taking a mindset of curiosity and learning to co-exist with your fears and anxieties. It’s not always fun, but with support and learning to deal with emotions (positive or negative) you can move through them. Suppressing or avoiding emotions keeps us stuck in the familiar patterns we are seeking to change. The only way out is through.
If you’re unsure of what you want to pursue, notice where you feel a sense of longing or discontent. Try exploring new activities, online classes or courses in areas that have always intrigued you. Some might worry that it’s a waste of time and energy if they don’t end up pursuing an activity long-term. However, this exploration is super valuable as it helps redirect you towards what you do like. If you are drawn towards developing a new skill, it takes time, some discomfort, failure, and persistence to build a new skill, especially if it’s not something you’re naturally good at.
- Why are these goals important to me and who will I become in the process? Tapping into the person you become in the process of pursuing the highest version of ourselves fuels motivation.
- What do I need to let go of to move forward? Releasing past grudges, failures, or negative experiences can free you to focus on future growth. You don’t have to excuse the negative events of the past, but releasing people and experiences enables you to move forward without the weight of those burdens.
- What can I learn from a challenge or setback? Shift your perspective on mistakes to see them as a natural part of the growth process. View obstacles as opportunities for learning rather than failures.
- How can I maintain a positive attitude when faced with obstacles? Allows you to cultivate resilience and a positive outlook to persist through challenges.
- Does this goal require help from others? If so, it’s a positive indicator of the beneficial aspects of collaboration and support that can enhance your journey.
- How do I handle stress and adversity? Understanding your coping mechanisms can help you develop healthier ways to deal with challenges.
- What strengths did I use to get through past challenges? Focus on postive inner strengths rather than feel defeated. Research shows that using personal strengths not only enhances overall performance and goal attainment but also boosts confidence, resilience, and overall well-being.
- How can I measure my efforts so that, no matter how small the step, I can continue to move forward? This continuous assessment fosters a sense of accomplishment and helps maintain forward momentum toward your goals.
In summary, embarking on a journey of change and transformation can feel daunting, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding endeavor. By asking yourself the right questions and aligning your goals with a lifestyle that meets your deepest desires and values, you will consciously create a healthier, more fulfilling life. Remember, change is a process that requires time, patience, and persistence. Relish every small step forward and use your strengths to navigate challenges along the way.
Embrace the unknown with an open mind, and trust that new opportunities and potentials will arise. As Paulo Coelho reminds us, “When you want something, the whole universe conspires in order for you to achieve it.” Stay focused on your vision, remain resilient in the face of setbacks, and continually seek growth and joy in your pursuits.
Whether you are making small lifestyle adjustments or embarking on a profound transformation, know that every positive change contributes to your well-being and the well-being of those around you. Your journey is uniquely yours, and each step you take brings you closer to your ideal self.
Stay committed, stay curious, and keep moving forward. Optimal health and peace of mind and spirit is achievable by exploring new possibilities with curiosity and an open mindset.
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About the Author
Heather Budd is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, trained by the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. She specializes in guiding individuals through lifestyle transformations to manage chronic illness and combat fatigue. With a diverse background in business, leadership and a profound personal health journey, Heather empowers clients to reclaim their health and extend their health span.
Important Information: The information and insights provided in this blog are based on personal experiences and are intended for informational purposes only. While I strive to offer valuable guidance, it is important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique. You are ultimately responsible for your own decisions and actions. Please consult with appropriate professionals when making significant changes to your health, career, or personal life. While health coaching can support and enhance overall wellness, it is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health objectives.
References
- https://www.oracle.com/pk/news/announcement/people-believe-robots-can-support-their-career-2021-10-26/
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