Ready for something new? 5 key questions to ask yourself -
The Who, What, Where, Why, and How of your story.
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Here’s a reframe on some of the most popular blog posts on change, in case you missed them before!
At the cusp of each new season, we may find ourselves hesitant to continue toward goals we’ve previously set into motion. We may have discovered something along the way that nudges us to pivot. Occasionally when we revisit goals, we find that we’ve missed the mark altogether or got distracted along the way. No matter the scenario, remember goals are only guide posts meant to inspire growth. Nothing is carved in stone.
It may give us a beautiful sense of accomplishment to see a goal to its completion, and YES, celebrate e-v-e-r-y time. However, if you need to recalibrate your compass, ask these five powerful questions; the Who, What, Where, Why, and How of your story.
Who are you becoming?
We all have those lists. All of the things we want to do one day. The ever popular “bucket list” can be a fun and motivating exercise, but is it serving you well? As we age and as we grow, so do our needs and desires. If something from 3 years ago doesn’t resonate with who you are now, is it really relevant?
In order for your “bucket list” to have a pulse, review and re-evaluate what is fitting at this point in your life. Let it evolve as you evolve. It’s incredibly powerful to let go of ideas and beliefs that are occupying valuable creative real estate. They are draining your inner resources. As you release what no longer serves you, the “f**ck it” list initiates your truth.
Keep Reading: Bucket or F**k it list. Why both are vital to our well being.
What are you seeking?
Dharma serves as a guiding principle, leading you back to your deeper self. It’s a commitment to live in accordance with the depth of your heart and breadth of your soul. Becoming both the inspiration and the inspired, calls for you to understand what you were destined for.
Embrace whole-heartedly and courageously who you are and what you are here to do. Through unique divine gifts, live into your capacities for self-expression and self-realization. This is your particular brand of creativity. Contribute to the world through your own spark of Truth.
When is the right time?
Energy is the undercurrent that runs focus. We can push ourselves for a while, but eventually, lose our rhythm. We tap out our creative power. At that point, it may take more than a week-long vacation to rekindle our fire. It’s a matter of balancing the scheduled and unscheduled, the work and the rest.
There is a very thinly woven thread connecting time and energy. Productivity and creativity aren’t based on the constraints of time; they’re a product of our focus. It's often not a matter of having insufficient time to complete a task; rather, it's about lacking concentration. Time and energy must be managed each in their own way. Neither are unlimited resources, both run out.
Keep Reading: Time Management : Harness Focus, Achieve More, Stress less. Use time wisely.
Where are you coming from?
Before setting off in a new direction, it’s helpful to pause and get rooted in living rather than getting lost in the blur of days. Instead be active, engaged, and empowered by the choices you make as you move through with your own rhythm and timing. A seasonal reflection can be a profound practice in reevaluating how we feel and what we want moving forward.
Name the chapter. Life is a sequence of experiences, opportunities, events, and choices. What would you say this season was about? Is there a word, phrase, or feeling that captures its essence. If you were writing a book, what would the name of the chapter be? Give this time a place in who you are becoming.
Why is this important?
Why do you want to set a particular goal? Are you doing it for yourself or because you should? Is the benefit of this goal motivating enough to keep you on track - even when obstacles arise? When you get to the soul of the goal, what is your “why”?
We fuel inspiration when we connect to our rooted purpose. Setting a goal with only face value makes for a hollow intention. Real illumination is needed. Envisioning the end result of a particular goal gives it meaning.
How do you feel?
Set your internal GPS. Take a moment of awareness, so you aren’t flying blind. It’s pointless to get directions to somewhere you want to go, if you don’t know where you’re coming from. We may show up ready to conjure some inner peace, but it’s all fluff and nonsense - when we don’t take a minute to recognize how we truly feel.
With a little awareness, we can more fully understand where we are in our thoughts and our feelings.
If you notice a heavy mood weighing down your heart, what is there?
How has this mood manifested in your body? Tension, Fatigue, Pain, Restlessness?
What thoughts are circling? What are you telling yourself about this moment?
What action could you take to regain your power and shift this mood?
By fostering awareness, we harness moods as catalysts. Alternatively, we can feel it, know it, and release it — simply letting emotions move through. In any moment, consciously stepping into our empowerment rather than getting stuck in the mud.
Keep Reading: Set Your Emotional GPS. 21 Strategies to Steer Your Moods and Mindset.
Goals are not a “set it and forget it,” type of thing. Take inventory, does anything in your attitude or approach need a refresh? You’re always evolving in the context of your life. It’s okay to alter directions, scrap plans, or fine-tune a pursuit. Go through the process with these five questions:
Who are you becoming?
What are you seeking?
When is the right time?
Where are you coming from?
Why is this important?
How do you feel?
Seasons change, schedules shift and new activities take our time. Even more importantly - new hopes, wishes, and desires fill our heart. These seasonal mile markers are a favorable opportunity to check in on our heartfelt intentions.
