A Mid-Year Check In

Has your inner voice been trying to get your attention lately? Maybe it’s telling you about a specific change to create in your life or the world. Or perhaps it’s just raising an alarm that something feels off and to start doing things differently — stat.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, #Firestarters, it’s that this inner voice is one of the strongest allies we have. But here’s the thing: We have to actually listen to it and work with it instead of just saying, “Hey, I’ll get back to you later.”

Today I want to share with you the steps I use to align what’s on my mind and in my spirit with how I spend my days. This process, which I call a #Me-Set, consistently delivers powerful results. I can’t wait for you to try it, too, and to tell me about your experiences. Ready? Let’s go! You can start your #Me-Set right now, no matter where you are or what else is happening.

Step 1: Breathe

When was the last time you paused to give yourself some space and some grace? It’s all too easy to put off catching your breath and checking in with yourself. There’s just so much clamoring for our attention and trying to stake a claim to our energy — from our to-do lists to trying to please others.

But by pushing ourselves to go faster and harder to keep up with it all, we drift farther and farther away from what’s truly important to us. I read a quote recently that stopped me in my tracks: “Do less, attract more.” When we pause and breathe, we magnify our personal power. We become more generative, more innovative and more insightful.

Before you read on, take a moment right now to try a breathing exercise or to take a few deep breaths in and out. Notice what happens to you, mentally and physically, when you do. Now you’re in a good space for the next part of the process …

Step 2: Visualize

With your mind clear, your vision can start really taking shape. Ask yourself questions like this and let your imagination go to work: 

  • What exactly do you want to do? A few examples to spark your thinking: Change jobs, write a book, start a nonprofit, or complete a marathon.
  •  How do you want to achieve this goal? For example, do you need more training to land your dream job?

  •  Who will be with you as you work toward this goal? Examples: You’ll co-found your nonprofit with your siblings. Or you’ll join a marathon training group through your job.
  •  What obstacles do you expect, and how will you overcome them? Examples: If you get writer’s block while working on your book, you’ll spend some time in your favorite outdoor space to recharge.
  •  What will it look like when you achieve this goal? Examples: Picture the amount of your first paycheck in your new job. Imagine walking into a bookstore and seeing your book on the shelf – what does the cover look like? What will you say and wear when accepting an award for your nonprofit? Who will be cheering you on at the finish line of the marathon?

As you visualize, get as detailed as you can. Paint a picture so vivid that it feels real.

Step 3: Attract

With the first two Me-Set steps, you’ve set your vision in motion. Now something extraordinary is going to happen. You’ll get help from the great, guiding force in your life, whether you call that force God, the universe, Spirit or another name. That force is on your side and sending you what you need. All you have to do is keep your eyes open.

And you might not have to look far. The people, tools, and strategies that can advance your goal might already be in your life. You just have to realize they’re available and that you can tap into them.

Missing something that you need? Pay attention. It’s coming. By focusing on your goal and having faith that you’re being guided, you’ll know when that help shows up — whether it takes the form of an idea, a person, or even an affirmation that you’re on the right track.

Step 4: Transform

The final step is the big one. You have to roll up your sleeves and go to work. You might freeze up at this step if you don’t know where to start that work. But don’t worry. I’ve got your back. Here’s what I do during this step:

  • Record the goal. You might even want to tell others about it to increase your accountability and momentum. The people in your life can help you reach your goals only when they know what those goals are.
  • Break it down. Your goal might require a few – or many! — interim goals along the way. For example, when writing my first book, some of my first interim goals were deciding on a format, making a list of #Firestarters I wanted to interview, and forming a team of people (such as a book coach and copy editor) to help me. Again, consider sharing these interim goals with others. Every little bit of support helps.

  • Commit the time. The things that are most important to you deserve the most space on your calendar. (I know you’ve heard me say this before, but it’s a big point.) Set some dates for the interim goals you want to achieve. Schedule the time you need to complete those goals. (And, yes, this means some other things might need to fall off your calendar.) Also, set aside some time to check in with yourself to make sure you are on track.
  • Do one thing that will move you forward, even if it feels scary!

No matter what your goals are, I hope this article has helped you bring them a little closer to reality. To keep the momentum going, check out the #Me-Set Minute videos on my YouTube channel.. And remember two things: 1. You can do this. 2. I’m always in your corner!

 

More Fuel for #Firestarters

P.S. Want to know what the screensaver on my phone is? It is the picture of me in the red hoodie that you see above. Friend, there is no time like the present to trust the timing of your life. And, I want to be reminded of that each day!

Copyright (c) 2023 Movement Maker. All rights reserved.

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