Despite our best intentions, it can be easy to get blown off course from our goals and aspirations. The busyness of everyday life gets in the way. Or we start habitually doing things or acting in ways that are counter to what we say we want. Or maybe other people's thoughts and opinions start to influence our choices in a negative way.
Whatever the cause, that drift is a normal part of the journey. It would be nice to be able to be on target, on purpose 24/7, but frankly, that's unrealistic. At the same time, you don't want to wander so far off course for so long that you completely lose sight of your dreams.
The solution? Check in with yourself on a regular basis so you can correct your course.
Here are eight simple questions to help you do a status check on your progress. They can help you catch yourself before you drift too far off course. They can help you identify what's happening in your life that is feeding the dream, and what's happening that is detracting from it.
Most importantly, they give you insight that you can then follow up with one of the most powerful questions I know: "What can I do about it?" That might mean, "How can I change what's wrong," or it might mean, "How can I build on the positive?"
What/who in my life is energizing me?
Take stock of the things in your life that are giving you energy. If you look at everything that happens over the course of a week, what activities leaves you feeling energized? Who is it enjoyable or inspiring to spend time with?
What/who in my life is draining me?
Instead of coasting along, unconsciously letting activities or people suck your energy away, this question is aimed at helping you shine the light on those energy leaks so you can plug them.
What am I doing right?
Sometimes we forget to acknowledge the great things we're accomplishing. We do something and our attention turns to the next item on our to-do list, without ever pausing to celebrate what we're doing right. More than that, our attention can be consumed by where our performance is less than preferable.
Between the two of those, it's a wonder we ever feel capable of moving our dreams forward.Reinforce your efforts by spending time focusing on what you're doing right.
What is distracting me from what's important?
How much time dribbles away in activity that is either standing still or backsliding? Where are you focusing your time and attention that is simply distracting you from what is really important.
These things might be clearly negative (spending five hours a day watching TV, for example), or they might be masquerading as something positive (overcommitting with your volunteer work, for example).
The key is to look at everything you do and ask, "Is this moving me toward my goal, or is it distracting me?"
What step do I need to take that I've been avoiding?
Are there any steps you know you should be taking, but that you're procrastinating or avoiding altogether? What are they? Make an inventory, pick the one that would be most beneficial, and commit to doing it.
Not only will this move you forward, it will also eliminate the seeping energy drain that comes from that little voice that keeps saying, "I know I should be doing this, but..."
Who do I appreciate?
Your journey isn't just about you. It's also about the people who support that journey in many different ways, both professionally and personally.
It's easy to take the people in our lives for granted. Don't. Take a look at who you appreciate. Then - and here's the best part - tell them.
Who needs my help?
It's not just a one-way street. Just as we can open ourselves to help, there are many ways we can help others as well. Maybe big, maybe small.
Not only does this keep the cycle of giving going, but research also shows that there is a very real personal benefit to helping others. It also keeps you from getting so caught up in your own process that you lose perspective.
What do I need to know?
Finally, look at where you are and where you're going and ask, "What do I need to know?" What knowledge do you need to be able to take the next step. What lack of knowledge is keeping you from taking the next step?
So there you have it. Eight simple questions that - if you ask them regularly and follow them up with the power question, "What can I do about that" - will keep you focused and moving towards your goals and aspirations.
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by Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst
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