More money?
More joy?
Less stress?
Less debt?
More time?
Less distraction?
It is an oft stated truism that if we don't know where we are going, don't be surprised where we end up.
And that's just it.
WE HAVEN'T SAT DOWN AND ASKED THE SERIOUSLY TOUGH QUESTION OF OUR SELF:
What do we want out of life?
One of the problems we all face, is that each day is unpredictable. You set out on a course of ACTION but it doesn't take much to blow you to the four winds. And it is the small-est of things that can blow you off course:
- A lack of sleep;
- A lack of exercise;
- An argument with a loved one; or
- Spinning the same plates and feeling that you have achieved precisely ... NOTHING.
I remember as a kid my parents continually asking me: "OK what do you want to do when you grow up." My answer was always the same: "I don't know." This left them frustrated but not as much as me. It would have been better if I had blagged it.
Having gone through various jobs from a mechanical engineer to a recruitment consultant and eventually as a lawyer, a common theme emerged; namely what I enjoy most is helping others get what they want: a better job and the resolution of often difficult and unpleasant cases. There is one other burning desire: to help everyone become the most of anything. I fervently believe that every person has the ability to be great at something. Most people that I have met either through fear or lack of confidence have given up dreaming about their Best Self.
One of the best book titles that encapsulates this point is Anthony Robins' book Awaken the Giant Within. If only we could unlock those massive reserves of (latent) potential how different the World would be.
And there you have it. For me it is about helping others. I have even gone so far as to stick a label on my computer that says: "How can I help you today?" to remind myself. My kids laughed when they saw it but isn't that what we all do, even if we don't like to admit it?
There are many wonderful books on goal setting, positive reinforcement, prosperity consciousness and working through adversity, but ultimately you have to have a purpose or a deep passion for something. If you can find that - and find it in abundance until it almost consumes every waking minute - then all the other things will more easily find their place.
One other thing: make time to think. Take time to reflect. Start assembling your wish list by all means but keep coming back to those moments that truly inspired you or left you fantastically exhausted.
If you never make time to think then you will simply end up repeating in your mind the same (negative) issues over and over and over.
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