It can be hard to find the spirit to take the reins of your life. Perhaps your needs and desires take a back seat to family or work. Or perhaps you don’t think you are worthy. Whatever the cause, we’re here to tell you that you are worth your time. Your physical and mental wellbeing is paramount to living the life of your dreams. You may experience discomfort and apprehension along the way, but embracing this discomfort is the key to taking charge and creating real change.
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Planning ahead
As the old adage goes, if you fail to prepare then prepare to fail. Cliche, but painfully true as I am sure we can all attest. Acquiring the right 2019 diary is going to be crucial to your mission, and it will save a lot of time if your diary captures every facet of your life for motivation and accountability. Elect a planning day each week to fill your diary with the necessary action plan and self-care reminders that are going to empower you. A full week and monthly spread will help you plan with ease and organise your time effectively.
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Define your success
How you define success is going to be different to your peers. For some, it is climbing the ranks at work, and for others it is never having to work for another person. Empowerment comes with knowing what you want, and how you intend to achieve it. Figure out what personal and professional success looks like to you, and write it down in your diary. This will keep your idea of success alive and serve as a powerful reminder when you’re feeling lost and uncertain. Your definition of success may likely change over time, so remember to update it accordingly, so that it can continue to empower you forward.
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Build in down time
Your downtime is just as important as your productive time. As empowerment doesn’t come overnight, you will need to be diligent in working downtime into your schedule. A rested mind will allow you to be more present, and the decisions and attitudes you possess will be that of empowerment. If giving yourself time off is new territory, schedule these breaks in your diary so that you won’t miss them, and watch how this commitment ties into a greater goal.
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Let go of the negative
We know this one. And yet we carry around with us that toxic voice in our head, that destructive habit, or remain in a job that makes us unhappy. Take actionable steps to let go of the negative energy that consumes you. You don’t need the things in your life that consistently bring you down and prevent you from reaching your potential. Taking charge of your life requires your full commitment. It applies to every single part of your life, so start ripping the band-aids off and feel the difference.
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Embrace the unknown
It’s not going to be an easy transition, or something you can check off in one day. It’s a lifestyle shift that occurs over a period of time. To update your internal operating system and start flexing this new muscle, you need to embrace the discomfort of change and keep an open mind. That might involve learning a new language, interviewing for new jobs, training for a marathon or taking classes in public speaking, and TED coaching – whatever your new craft, embrace it with both hands.
Taking charge of your life can sometimes mean facing up to some ugly truths and putting yourself in a position that makes you nervous. Don’t fret, this is what we are banking on. The road to control and empowerment starts with planning, so create a realistic roadmap and start the journey today.