If You Know You Want to Make Changes, But Not Sure Where to Begin

Over the past few weeks we’ve been looking at what it takes to accomplish just about anything. And at this time of year many of us are already thinking about 2024 and the new resolutions we want to begin.

But so much is against us when we flip the calendar at the end of the year and start on a new goal…in fact most new years resolutions are quit before January does.

So far, I’ve discussed what may seem obvious…if you want to accomplish anything, be it losing some weight, growing your savings, improving a relationship or taking on a big project, like writing a book for example…

YOU HAVE TO START

In other words, at some point we have to stop researching how to do it, stop gathering more information, and stop talking about doing it, and just start already.

Then, we talked about what we should do, instead of focusing on finishing something; we should practice it instead.

DON’T FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED…PRACTICE IT!

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!

In order to make progress in any area of our lives, personal, professional or relational, we improve the odds of seeing growth if we enjoy what we ‘re doing on a daily basis. If you don’t enjoy the daily habits and routines you’re tackling, it’s not very likely you’ll stick to it for very long.

And before you know it, it will be this time next year and you’ll be having the same conversation with yourself, you’re having now, with little progress.

Where Do I Begin?

It’s hard to make progress on your goals if you aren’t even sure what goals you should tackle.

Can I make a suggestion? If you want to implement a meaningful goal then think you should begin with the end in mind.

What I’m saying is, think ahead to the end of your life for a moment. Think about your funeral or perhaps your 90th birthday celebration…whatever works for you, and consider the following.

1. What do you want people to say about you? Your spouse? Your friends? Your colleagues?
2. What character qualities will they use to describe you?
3. What will you accomplish?
4. Who will you serve?
5. How will you use your life to bless others?

These are important questions that deserve your time and attention. So don’t rush past this part. Take the time you need to get some clarity about the person you want to be.

Then, reverse engineer it. What kind of things do you need to do, on a daily, weekly or monthly basis in order to be the person you want to be?

1. What values will you live by?
2. What habits do you need to start?
3. What habits do you need to stop?
4. What resources do you need to access?
5. Who will you allow to influence your life?

I tackle this in much more detail in my new book, Vantage Point: Five Perspectives to Live a Better. In fact, I even share the eulogy that I’ve already written for myself.

So, if you’re not sure where to begin, start at the end. Start with the end in mind.

Next week, I’m going to share one habit that has had a huge impact on my life.

Until then,

Feeling stuck? Not sure what to do next? Your life not where you want it to be? Life coaching can help. Contact me for a free  45-minute discovery call. Let’s talk.