Deciding to take the plunge and change your career can be daunting. It means moving away from what you know and have experience in, to pursue something that has no guarantees for success. Essentially, it’s stepping out of your comfort zone, which is the only way to truly grow and develop. To prepare yourself for this big change and to make the transition easier and more enjoyable, it’s vital that you build up your confidence. Here’s a look at some practical ways that you can build your confidence to take on a change in your career. Transferable Skills People tend to put you in a box based on the experience and skills related to your recent roles. But don’t forget about all the transferable skills you have learnt along the way that are applicable across multiple industries! Documenting these skills is often a useful exercise, whether for yourself or to show to a potential employer. Think about the soft skills that you use in your day-to-day activities; presentation, management, negotiation and sales skills for example can be extremely useful across various industries and jobs. Identify All Your Strengths Everyone has certain strengths that are unique to them. To build your confidence it’s worth analysing what your strengths are and how these can be applied to your new career. Think beyond hard and soft skills and focus on personality traits that set you apart in the workplace. You can even ask your current colleagues their opinion, to give you another perspective. Preparation and Planning Being prepared for something is the best way to build confidence around it. Perhaps this means coming up with a contingency plan for the worst-case scenarios, or building up savings that can serve as a safety net in the changeover period. Instead of rushing into a new career, allow yourself the time to explore your options and learn all you can about your new industry and role. Take a short course, talk to people who have made similar transitions, read articles and listen to podcasts. It won’t be long before you’re confident enough to make the big leap! One Step at a Time Often, simply taking action, even if it’s in a small way, can help you build your confidence and keep you motivated to keep moving forward. This doesn’t mean you should make a drastic change like quitting your job or signing up for a new degree. But taking a small step, even if it’s simply sending an email, connecting with someone on LinkedIn or doing some research into your new career choice, can often leave you feeling more confident as you start moving and building momentum in the right direction. Find Your Support Changing careers can often leave you feeling quite alone, as the people around you may not understand why you want to move in a new direction. To feel confident in your decision it’s important to find people who are supportive of you and that can help keep you motivated. Whether this support comes in the form of an online or offline community, a mentor in your career of choice, a good friend or an encouraging family member, the main thing is that you have someone you can talk to about your journey. If you are thinking about a career change and want to make sure you avoid the most commonly made mistakes? Then grab our free toolkit that also shares what you should do instead. You can download it here Have a fantastic day! Hanna
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In today’s consumerist world, it’s easy to accumulate unnecessary clutter in your home that leaves you feeling distracted, stressed out and even anxious. If this sounds like you, perhaps it’s time to reorganise and get rid of all that extra stuff. Decluttering can feel time-consuming and exhausting but it’s well worth it! To prove our point, we’ve put together a list of our top five reasons why you should tidy and declutter your home and life. 1. Mess causes stress. Studies have shown that the more stuff you have, the more stress you experience. This is particularly true for women who are more prone to high cortisol (stress hormone) as a response to excess clutter. Perhaps this is because, as women, we tend to associate an untidy home with personal failure, inevitably drumming up feelings of guilt and anxiety. On top of this, messy environments signal to your brain that your work is never done, opening you up to feelings of anxiety and helplessness. Although the thought of decluttering your space can seem daunting, research shows that the less time spent dealing with your belongings, the more relaxed you will be. So, putting in the effort today can help you become more happy, calm and relaxed in the future. 2. Clutter in the home is clutter in the mind. Have you ever found that having a messy desk makes it harder to get stuff done? This is because your brain has a hard time differentiating between what is clutter and what is actually important. The result? We don’t know where to start so we end up doing nothing at all. These feelings of being overwhelmed not only make you less capable of effectively processing information, but also make you more prone to frustration. Research shows that decluttering your work and living spaces makes it easier for your brain to focus as you no longer have clutter competing for your attention. By surrounding yourself with order and tidiness, you’re more likely to have a productive and focused mind. 3. It wastes your time. This one is simple; the less clutter you have lying around, the less time you’ll spend cleaning. In fact, studies show that getting rid of clutter reduces household cleaning by a whopping 40%. Plus, when every item has a purpose and a place in your home, you’ll be able to avoid countless time-wasting tasks such as searching for your keys, or sifting through an endless wardrobe of clothes you no longer wear. Reduce your possessions and you’ll quickly notice how much more efficient and manageable your daily routine becomes, without the usual snags that trip you up along the way. 4. Flex your decision-making muscles. In decluttering your space, try to be as selective as possible, choosing wisely to keep only the most important and necessary items. Deciding which things to keep and which things to get rid of is a great opportunity to practise your decision-making skills. A skill that will serve you well in all aspects of your life. 5. Clutter is unhealthy. Do you have old clothes hanging in the back of the closet, or discarded toys in the corner of the garage?
Items you no longer use are quite literally collecting dust and making your space unhealthier. Junk items make it more difficult to clean, inevitably leading to a build-up of dirt and dust that directly affects air quality in your home. A thorough spring clean (regardless of the time of year) will purify the air you breathe, impacting your physical and mental wellbeing. Now you know why it is important, it's time to take action. Would you like me to tell you about the easy way to start decluttering your life and surroundings, then grab our free Declutter Challenge and start today. It only takes 10min a day. Imagine your life away from stresses and frustration to happy and in control. Download your declutter worksheet here. Shine on! Hanna x Being honest with others is something we’ve all been taught. It’s emphasised from a very young age and is a continuous theme throughout life. For many, it’s one of their core principles on which their personal code of ethics is based. Yet we rarely take the time to consider whether we’re being truly honest with ourselves. Self-honesty begins with self-reflection; an objective inward look at our own truth. The problem is that our minds have a sneaky tendency to rationalise and create stories to justify certain behaviours and to avoid the discomfort that change can bring. On top this, our minds are programmed to manipulate our thinking to align with instant gratification, which rarely represents the truth.
Have you ever justified a bad food choice by making up an internal excuse about why you deserve the sugary treat? These types of misleading interpretations occur throughout our lives, as our mind busily tries to come up with reasons or excuses for the choices that are not serving us. The thing is, the more we lie to ourselves the less inclined we are to move forward and overcome the difficulties that stand in our way. By accepting our internal justifications as truth, we’re more likely to be complacent in our unhappiness, unable to evolve and reach the lives we truly want. It’s your life and you’re the only one who is going to live it. That’s why it’s worth taking a hard look at who you are and what is at the core of you. Don’t build your identity around public opinion or current trends. In life, everything else may change, but if you have a good understanding of your true and authentic self, then you will always have a firm grounding that you know you can rely on no matter where life may take you. Being honest with yourself is vital if you want to understand what it is you want from life. It brings clarity and allows you the opportunity to reflect on the things you are doing. When you know what you want, then you can work to make the vision for your life a reality. Remember to ask yourself if the people and activities in your life are helping you achieve your goals. Be brutally honest and the answers will become clear, helping you make tough decisions when it comes to relationships and career. Do you need some help clarifying what want from your life at this part of your life journey? Coaching can be a great help, book your free taster call to see how it can help you. Shine on! Hanna x Decision-making is tough at the best of times. But making a decision that goes against the norms of society, popular opinion, or the beliefs of those closest to you, can feel downright impossible. Whether you’re deciding to leave a successful career to follow your true passions, or choosing not to have children despite the pressures to start a family, there will always be people around you who will tell you that the choice you are making is wrong. But just because your choices don’t fit the traditional mould, doesn’t mean that you should be too afraid to do what is right for you. Here’s four steps that can help you make those big decisions that go against the grain.
1. How does it make you feel? Imagine making the difficult decision and taking the unpopular plunge. Picture yourself in the scenario and then ask yourself how it makes you feel. Make sure that when you do this self-reflection exercise you’re as honest with yourself as possible. You may be surprised by the feelings that come up. 2. What does your future look like? When making any decision, it’s important to look forward and have a vision of what your life will be and also what the implications of that choice will be, as opposed to simply focusing on how the decision will impact you right now. Try to picture what your life will be like in five, even ten, years’ time. Where will you be financially, geographically, emotionally? Will the decision you make today have a positive or negative impact on your life? 3. What are your regrets? Imagine yourself as an old person looking back on your life and reflecting on it. Will you have regrets later on about a decision you make today? Will you have bigger regrets if you don’t make the tough decision that goes against the norm. It’s sometimes easy to get caught up in your feelings and emotions, but taking a reflective look on your life can help you to get some perspective. 4. Who is in control? The most important thing to remember when making any decision that may go against the grain, is that it is you, and only you, that will have to live your life, so why should you allow others to control it? Make sure that you’re prioritising your own happiness and investing in a life that you want to live. And remember, that if people truly care about you, they will support you in your decision even if it means your life will be different to the one they imagined for you. Hopefully these steps will make it a bit easier to make that decision that goes against the grain. If your decision is about starting a new career, then watch our free masterclass 'How To Create A New Career Where You Thrive'. It will outline the steps you need to take, and make your decision a little bit easier. You can watch it here. Remember it is never too late to create a life you love! Hanna Are you thinking about making some big changes in your life? Do you want to up your game at work despite having young kids? Are you looking for a change in careers altogether? Or maybe you dream of starting your own business? But all too often, something stops you in your tracks, even before you’ve started. Often, the thing that is stopping you from making these positive changes is in fact your own mind and the stories that you tell yourself about why you can’t do it. To overcome these negative mindsets, you first need to become aware of the thoughts that act as barriers to change, and then learn how to reframe these so that they’re motivating instead. Here are 5 negative things we tend to tell ourselves when we’re faced with change, and how to combat them. 1. I don’t have the right experience.
Reframe: I have built up experience over a lifetime and can add the skills I need to do this. When faced with doing something different, it can often leave you feeling as though you have no experience at all! Remember that throughout your life you have built up a wealth of knowledge that goes far beyond your professional career. Make a list of all the skills you have and experience you’ve gained, and then see how these can benefit you in your new pursuit. Identify the areas where you’re lacking and figure out how you can learn these new skills that you will need. Once you have a plan of action, the experience gap won’t seem so daunting anymore. 2. Now is not the right time to change. Reframe: Now is as good a time as any to start creating the life and career I want. Starting on a path of change can be daunting. It’s the reason why all too often you stop yourself before you’ve even started. If you give in to this thought, you’re bound to find a reason to justify it, no matter what stage of your life you’re in. Your kids are too young, you don’t have the money, or you’re about to get a promotion at work. Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that you can start small and take little steps towards achieving your new goals today. Whether it’s as simple as working on your business plan, taking an online course, building your mailing list, or expanding your network, start moving in the right direction now, so that when the timing is right you will be in a better position to move forward. 3. I need a solid plan or nobody will take me seriously. Reframe: I can do this step by step and start getting feedback from day one so that I can embark on my new adventure with confidence. Asking for advice from people you trust is a great way to help you define your plan for change. Asking family and friends is often our first point of call. But remember that although they of course want to be helpful, sometimes they may have an invested interest in the outcome, which could influence the advice they offer. Often, a better direction to go is to get feedback from people who are in similar situations, as they will be able to offer valuable and relevant insights. If you don’t know anyone personally, head online to a career forum for some helpful advice. 4. I am too old to make a big change in my life. Reframe: I am fortunate to have so much experience to draw from, which will help make the change easier. When we finish high school, we’re all told that it’s time to choose a career path. What do you want to study? What job do you want to do? What career do you want for your life? But how are we supposed to make such enormous decisions, when we’re only just old enough to drive a car? As we grow older, our tastes, interests and passions develop and mature in ways that we could never predict when we’re younger. But the truth of the matter is that you’re never too old to make a change, and you’re never too old to live the life you dream of. Rather than using your age as an excuse, focus on the fact that you have valuable experience that will serve you well in your next pursuit. Rather than focusing on the past, look to the future by visualising where you are going and the steps you’ll need to take to get there. 5. I should be fearless. Reframe: I respect my fear, but will not let it paralyse me from taking steps towards achieving my dreams. Fear is not only natural but is also inevitable, and can even be useful in certain circumstances. We need fear. It stops us from taking unreasonable risks. But it shouldn’t be something that stops you from making positive changes. So, strip away the unrealistic belief that you should be fearless in the face of change and rather focus on finding ways to manage your fear so that it doesn’t get in the way of moving forward. Acknowledge your fear and try to understand where it is coming from, allowing you take charge of it. Choose to rather focus on more productive feelings or actions and your fear will soon become background noise to your positive mindset. Getting your mind to work for you instead of against you can be a tricky thing. On Tuesday the 17th April 2018 I hosted a free mini-masterclass on the topic 'The 3 core elements of a thriving mind' it is still available in our Facebook group TAC She Sisterhood a group of likeminded women on a journey to create lives and careers we love, come and join us! Have a wonderful day my friend! There are many reasons why you could decide to make a career change. Perhaps you’ve lost your passion, you’ve found a new interest that you want to pursue, or you simply your life has changed and your previous career is not a fit anymore. Whatever the reason, changing careers is a huge decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Before making the big leap, it’s important to put in the leg work so that you’re well-equipped when choosing a new career path that is right for you. We’ve put together these 4 easy steps to help plan a major career move.
1. Examine Before jumping into a new career, it’s important to first take a step back to evaluate your current situation. Why are you looking for a new career? What is working for you right now and what is not? A good way to investigate this is to keep a journal, noting down your daily reactions to tasks and situations. If you are currently working, you will be able to gain better perspective on exactly what it is about your situation that is or isn’t right. Is it the people you work with, the company culture, or simply the tasks you’re required to do? If your desire for change is based on personal relationships, perhaps you should consider a new job in the same industry before moving in a whole new direction. Also, consider alternative roles that would allow you to make use of the industry knowledge you’ve worked hard to gain. If you are on a career break this exercise will be hugely valuable to reconnect with yourself and understand better what kind a career path you should embark on. 2. Explore The next step is to spend some time assessing your interests, values and skills. Think about where you have been the most successful in the past and how various roles have made you feel? Remember that it’s important to align your core values and skills with your career path. Perhaps it’s worth taking a few online tests to help you determine where your strengths and interests lie. Once you have an idea of your skills and passions, try brainstorming some ideas for career alternatives that will best align with these. It’s always helpful to get an outsiders perspective too, so make sure you run your thinking past friends, family, or your mentor. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, a career counsellor can help make some recommendations too. 3. Evaluate By now, you should have a good list of potential career options. But before you make a choice, you first need to find out as much as you can about each option. Is there an opportunity for you to volunteer or freelance in the field to get a taste of what it would be like? Reach out to personal or professional contacts who are currently working in your field of interest to get an insider’s viewpoint, or set up a job shadow to get a first-hand look at what the job will entail. 4. Educate The evaluation process should not only help you narrow down your ideal career path, but should also help you assess the areas where you need to upskill. Research some education opportunities that would help you bridge the gap for a smoother transition into your new field. Evening classes or online options are a great option for upskilling yourself, while still working in your current job. Sign up for seminars, talks and online tutorials; the more you can learn now, the easier it will be to make your career change a success. If you are now ready to make this change and create your new career and would like to know about the most common mistakes - and what to do instead? Then download our free guide here Remember, it is never too late to create a life and career you love! Have a great day! Bye for now. Hanna Whether you think you are creative or not, everyone can work to develop their creative thinking skills to improve the quality of their ideas and level of innovation.
You don't have to be a creative genius to be able to think outside the box, you just need to do more things that help stimulate creative thinking. As with all things, it’s simply a case of practice makes perfect. That’s why it’s so important to exercise your creative muscles to ensure they’re performing at their best. This is especially important as creative and innovative thinking is a skill that is highly valued in today’s modern workplace, regardless of industry. So, how do you enhance your creativity? Here are our top five ways to improving your own creative thinking and innovation skills. 1. Read, read and read some more Reading, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, industry articles or blogs, is one of the best ways to get your creative juices flowing! Try to read up on a variety of topics, so that you broaden your horizons and are forced to think outside of your usual realms. You’ll be surprised how often seemingly unrelated topics can help you come up with creative solutions to your own problems. 2. Make time to be creative It may sound simple, but one of the greatest ways to improve your creative thinking is to actually schedule time for it. Living in such a busy world of to-do-lists and deadlines, we’re often so caught up in our day-to-day tasks that we don’t allow ourselves an opportunity to stop and simply think. Take time to take a quiet walk, stare out your window, or any other quiet activity that allows you the space to set your mind free. If you have employees or co-workers, encourage them to do the same or set up a think day/think hour specifically focused on doing absolutely nothing but creative thinking. Then arrange for a brainstorm where you can share your thoughts and ideas with each other. 3. Change it up Changing up your environment often helps prompt the mind to think along new pathways. So, if you’re looking to generate new ideas, perhaps it’s worth setting up an off-site meeting, or arranging for a teambuilding retreat somewhere new. Feeling blocked? Step away from your desk or computer and take a quick walk around the block. You’ll be surprised at how a different setting can give you a totally different perspective. 4. Get moving Exercise is good for us in many ways, but did you know that exercise can also promote creative thinking? So, next time you’re feeling creatively blocked, it might be a signal to pull on those running shoes or to grab your yoga mat. 5. Watch what you eat Too many people don’t understand the connection between the mind and the food we eat. But studies have proven that the healthier you eat, the better your cognitive processes become and the easier it is for you to think creatively and problem solve. Just like an engine, start giving your body healthier fuel and you’ll be amazed by how much better your mind runs! What do you do to bring out your creative thinking, leave us a comment and let us know. Or join our Facebook group, TAC She Sisterhood, it is our community of likeminded people each and everyone of us on a journey to create a life and career we love. Hope to see you there! Maternity leave is an incredible time, where you have the freedom to connect with your baby and adjust to life with your new addition. But as wonderful as this time is, returning to work after maternity leave can feel daunting. Often time spent away from the office leaves you feeling insecure, plagued with self-doubt over whether you’re competent enough to return to the workplace. Will people still take you seriously? Will you be on top of industry trends after such a long break? Are you still capable after months of baby talk? On top of these worries, mothers also have to deal with the added stress and guilt of leaving their new baby with a minder or at a crèche, while figuring out how to squeeze in a whole new baby routine around an already demanding workday.
That’s why it’s not surprising that a new study shows that both women and men notice a decrease in self-confidence when leaving work to have children, although men tend to recover far quicker than women when they do return to their work routine. For those of you who are feeling nervous about the shift back into work mode, here are five simple tips to help you build up your confidence after maternity leave. 1. Recognise your new skills Try to avoid feeling like you’re less that you were before, when the reality is that you’re better! Reflect on all the new skills you’ve learnt over the past few months and think about how you can effectively transfer these skills into the workplace. Everything from time management and planning, to problem solving and crisis management, not to mention negotiation skills and financial management experience; having a baby truly is a steep learning curve, filled with plenty of useful knowledge that can translate into a more productive employee. 2. Be clear on your role Returning to work after maternity leave is a great opportunity to redefine your role and shape it into something that works for the new you. If you have an idea of a new direction you would like to move in, or even a new role altogether, schedule some time with your boss or manager to discuss it before you have a chance to fall back into your old position. Even if you’re happy with your previous position, it’s worth chatting to your boss so that they can outline what your role is, as some things may have changed in your absence. Starting off with a clear understanding of your role and responsibilities will help you feel in control and less overwhelmed. 3. Ask for flexibility if you need it Before you return to work it’s worth wrapping your head around different ways that you’re able do your job, that may better integrate with your new lifestyle. Of course, some employers will be less flexible than others, but you'll never know what the possibilities are unless you ask. Remember that in the modern workplace, less importance is placed on the number of hours spent at the office and more on your ability to produce results (regardless of where you are or when you do it). When you have the discussion, make sure to emphasise the value you add and the quality of your work, as opposed to the number of hours you put in. As a mother, you’ll soon realise that you need to learn to expect the unexpected, and having the flexibility to stay home to look after a sick child can be vital to whether you’re happy in your job or not. Having a good understanding of what will be possible in these scenarios will help put your mind at ease, allowing you to better focus on your work. 4. Get a mentor If you’re feeling unsure of your career path and worry that you may have veered off track by taking such a long break, it can often help to get advice and support from someone you admire. If you feel awkward asking them to be your official mentor, simply make friends with them and ask for their advice. They will be flattered that you value their opinion, and getting an outsiders perspective can really help you plot the next stage of your career, building your confidence as you go. 5. Make sure you feel good about yourself Although not strictly necessary, getting a fresh haircut or buying a new work outfit can work wonders in terms of boosting your confidence on your return to work, especially during those first few nerve-wracking days. After giving birth, many women tend to feel self-conscious about their appearance. Investing in a few new items can make you feel great, and can also help you separate your work identity by doing away with your daily mom-wear and maternity clothes. Another option is to update your makeup, to enhance your beauty and boost your confidence. Either way, it’s a good idea to dress up a bit those first few days, as you’re sure to feel better about yourself when you see the way that others react to you. Are you feeling worried about returning to work, or maybe you are already back and managed to built up your confidence. In our facbook group, TAC She Sisterhood, there is a whole community of women on a similar journey as you. Join and share your tips and get support from others on your journey to create a life and career that you love. It's natural to experience stressful periods at work, and at home, but if you’re feeling like your nerves are shot, then there might be a problem. Consistent stress has terrible impacts on your health, not to mention the fact that your mood and productivity levels are likely to plummet. But luckily, there are lots of small things you can include in your everyday life to prevent stress and make your work life more manageable. Simply, follow these five tips to destress your day.
1. Take a breathe Breathing is so much more than an involuntary action to keep us alive; it can have a huge impact on both your mental state and physical wellbeing. Have you ever noticed that when you’re feeling stressed your breathing tends to be shallow and quick? By taking a few minutes every day to take some deep breathes or to practice some breathing exercises, you’ll quickly find that you feel more relaxed. Deep breathing means more oxygen is flooding your body, which in turn works to reduce tension and blood pressure, nourishing the body and relieving stress. 2. Walk your way to wellness Preventing stress is far better than just managing stress, and walking has been proven to do just that. Walking can help clear your mind and boosts endorphins, uplifting your mood and reducing the level of stress hormones in your body. If you can, why not consider walking to work in the mornings? If that’s not possible, simply try taking daily 10-minute walks to get some fresh air and have a much-needed break from your computer screen. Although anywhere will do, walking in a park, garden or any green space often has additional meditative benefits resulting in an improved sense of wellbeing. 3. Mood boosting music It’s a well-known fact that music has an enormous impact on our mood. Classical music for example, is famous for its soothing effects, lowering your heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels. But if classical just isn’t your thing, any music that you love will work to uplift your mood and keep your anxiety at bay. Make sure you always have your headphones with you at work, so that if you’re feeling stressed you can tune into your favourite tracks and ease your mind. 4. Anti-stress snacking The link between the gut and the brain is well-documented and many experts believe that your ability to effectively respond to stress is determined by how well your gut is working. That’s why choosing the rights foods to incorporate into your workday is vital to your health, wellbeing, and stress levels. Have you ever been ‘hangry’ – so hungry that you’ve had an out-of-character fit of rage? Make sure to avoid bouts of ‘hanger’ by keeping a stash of healthy foods to snack on throughout the day. Also, try to make sure that you step away from your desk to enjoy your snack. This not only gives you the added benefit of a break from your computer screen, but also means that you’ll be able to truly enjoy your food by focusing on its taste, texture and how it makes you feel. 5. Take a break Extensive research has concluded that uninterrupted computer use leads to many negative side-effects including inability to sleep, depression and yup, you guessed it, stress! So, during your workday, make sure that you take regular breaks from your computer screen (even if it’s just a trip to the kitchen to make a cup of tea). Using your computer (or any screen-based technology for that matter) late at night has been shown to have the most harmful effects, so try to shut down at least an hour before you head to bed to make sure you get a good night's sleep. What do you do to de-stress? Share your tips. And would you like more of this valuable tips and get support from many other likeminded women, come and join our Facebook group TAC She Sisterhood. Hope to see you there! It’s so easy in today’s busy world to get caught up in our everyday life and forget to pay attention to what we really want and why. That’s completely what I used to do. I was always committed and worked hard but not necessarily knowing where I was going, I had no big picture or vision in mind. Then one day I was in a workshop and asked to define my vison! I have to say I was quite reluctant at first as it all sounded a bit fluffy to me, but as I was there I decided to give it a go – and wow was it powerful. Since then my life has transformed, knowing where I’m going doesn’t only ground me and guide me but it also allows me to prioritise and focus on what’s really important and will get me to where I want to be. This is just as much achieving my business goals, as it is to be with my kids and husband, and every now and then to have a moment just for me. So, me time, family and career are a few things in my big picture, you need to figure out what you want and what's really important to you. To create your big picture you need to do three very simple things and these are; 1. Figure out what you really want. Your big picture includes all the elements that you want to have part of your prefect life, like your career, family, house, health, travel whatever they are they all need to be included. The easiest way to do this is to brainstorm about all the things you would like to do, be or have. One really great way to do this is to complete this sentence: Wouldn’t It Be Great If… Brainstorm about 20 answers and see what comes out, then cluster them into common themes. If you end up with more than 7 themes, try to see if you can group a few together or otherwise simply prioritise the ones that are most important. To make sure you can easily connect to your big picture you need to have no more than 7 themes. Ok, so now when you have your themes let’s move on to step two. 2. Create statements Now you need to work your themes into statements. The statements should all be present tense like “I have” or “I am” then use tangible descriptors when you can, it will allow them to come to life more. 3. Visualisation When you have your statements you come to powerful part, visualisation. This is what will allow you to easily connect with your big picture when you need to. This you can do in different ways, the quickest and easiest way is just to sit down with your statements and try to see them. What do they look like? Who is in them? What’s the surrounding like? How does it make you feel when you see the image? What smells can you identify? The more descriptors you use the stronger the picture will be in your mind and the easier it’ll be for you to connect with it. When you have a clear image of all your statements, try to bring them in to one, and voila! There you go your big picture. If you have a bit more time and feel crafty then go town and create your big picture board, get some magazines, photos or use pinterest. Cut, craft and colour whatever you feel like, you’ll sure have some fun doing that. The key things is that you end up with one clear picture including all the elements that you want to have in your perfect life. So there you go, your big picture. Now when it's clear, use it to guide you if you have a decision to make, or to ground you if you feel a bit all over, or maybe to give you some energy as you can now easily see where you are going. Whatever it is keep connecting with your big picture and you will see how much easier things will fall in to place. Have a wonderful day and remember the rest of your life starts right now! Shine on! Hanna x |
AuthorHANNA GIRLING, wife, mother, business owner, mindset coach, sport enthusiast and forever an optimist. Archives
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