By Tifaan A. Ford
Reviewed by Jenelle Hoyt, LCPC
YOU have the Power. All that you need, lies within YOU! Much like a toolbox holds a multitude of tools (wrenches, nuts & bolts, various screwdrivers, etc.) needed to assist in assembling a new mahogany entertainment center or a luxurious marbled kitchen cabinet, YOU simply need to explore the abundance of "tools" that YOU possess, in YOUR personal tool kit, to determine which tools are needed for the task you are setting out to accomplish, and how to properly utilize them to create and develop your best desired outcome. The task ahead of you is never greater than the STRENGTH within YOU; and it is within your journey, that you become strong and REALIZE YOUR STRENGTH..
If you have been desiring MORE, and are seeking positive change in your life...
LET'S TAP INTO YOU!
Keep reading to explore 3 Important Steps that will help you explore and find the strength that lies within YOU.
You may want to write down some of these things, as “starter-blocks”, for this self-exploration and revealing exercise.
*STEP ONE: SELF-AWARENESS
What are your goals and what do you dream about?
Consider what you really desire for yourself, what lifestyle changes do you want to make, and how you will feel once you have made these changes, one-by-one. Ask yourself what type of things do you enjoy doing and break them down into specific activities. Are there things you are particularly known for doing well? What do your friends, family, coworkers, etc. come to you for, or ask of you? More significantly, what are YOU most proud of yourself for, and why?
Think of a specific time, a particular moment or a memorable experience that truly made you happy. Take a moment and envision what you were doing, and more importantly, how you were feeling. What emotions were you experiencing? Imagine feeling that way consistently, throughout your life. If you could be doing anything in your life, without financial limitations, void of any time constraints or conflicts with your current responsibilities, what would you CHOOSE to be doing? How would this change your lifestyle?
Hold onto this new improved image of your amazing lifestyle, and let’s consider what hurdles and walls, you can work on knocking down to move closer into the light of creating your awesome desired life of truly living and not merely, surviving.
*STEP TWO: REMOVING ROADBLOCKS & UNPACKING YOUR RESOURCES
What roadblocks are keeping you from attaining such happiness and creating that amazing feeling that you just envisioned, on a daily basis? What is standing in your way of your lifestyle of bliss? Is there fear that overshadows your motivation to start? Perhaps, not knowing where to start? Or are there current obligations and responsibilities that take up your time and energy?
The first step to unbinding yourself from the obstacles in your way, is to alter your mindset. Changing your mindset from a linear one (expecting current conditions to continue), to a wider perspective - one that refocuses your attention, can promote awareness of new possibilities. Expanding your perspective is key to opening new doors, with new levels of growth and development for yourself. In addition, if you haven’t done so already, try clearing your mind with exercise of some sort. This can be in the form of dancing, roller skating, playing tennis, or even walking your dog or simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator. This aids in building your mental and physical energy to move forward in your life. Choose things that you enjoy.
Other helpful suggestions to consider, are replacing an unproductive habit with a positive one, and to simply go outside of your comfort zone and explore something you may be curious about or considered trying in the past. It may be worth revisiting some previous desires- something you wanted to try but never followed through or took action. Think outside of your normal routine and try a few new things. Even painting can be positive movement. With each brush stroke, you open a world of new possibilities for both your art you are creating AND your mental space and mindset.
These suggestions are designed to help you start building the confidence you need to refocus and eliminate the obstacles that are standing in the way of you becoming your best YOU.
You possess many resources to take you to the next level. Let’s now take a look at what you have in your “tool box,” to aid you in your quest for your ‘Strength Searching.'
Are you ready to unpack your resources?
We rely on our resources to accomplish our goals. What we often don’t realize is that we possess many of the very resources that are paramount in getting us from point “A” to point Z.” Your personal resources may consist of time, money, presence, energy, focus, motivation, determination and willpower, as well as support and the connections that you have with others and places/organizations/associations. Think about the specific experiences that you have with each of these resources and really examine how you can better manage your personal resources to act with deliberate intent and committed purpose.
Are you withdrawing money from your savings account more frequently than you’d like? Do you have bursts of energy more in the morning when you awaken and shower, or do you tend to warm up and thrive more towards the early afternoon or in the evening, once you’ve handled your responsibilities and have free time? It may benefit you to keep a small journal and note throughout the week on things that you’ve noticed within yourself while taking inventory of your personal resources. This will help you in the area of self-reflection, in determining what works well for you and what seemingly drains you or leaves you feeling unsatisfied.
Now that you have begun to examine your personal resources; your strength is already starting to shine through and resurface! Your goals are closer within your reach than you may have believed.
STEP THREE: SETTING ATTAINABLE GOALS & MAXIMIZING YOUR STRENGTHS
Goals are more deliberate than desires and setting goals requires committed thought, emotion and behavior towards attaining those goals. Decide what specific but attainable goals you want to set for yourself. You can set 3 achievable goals per week or even 3 per month. Choose a pace that makes sense for YOU but remember to slightly push and challenge yourself. Once you’ve set your goals, map out a step-by-step plan to execute each one of your goals. Place a checkmark by each step once you’ve executed it, to help create a visual of your progress along the way. Cross off each goal you reach on your list and as a bonus, ALWAYS CELEBRATE YOU!!! ALWAYS celebrate the small wins, no matter how minimal they seem to be. Small feats lead to HUGE accomplishments!
Recognizing YOUR STRENTH first starts with shifting your mindset which is the driving force in your quest for success and achievement. A Powerful mind can achieve ANYTHING!
Oprah Winfrey once said “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength”. In life, there are obstacles and storms. You develop your strength in moving through those life and situational storms. Once the storm is over, you are able to look back and realize YOU made it through! You became aware of the struggle, you inventoried the hurdles and not only faced them with your tool belt but overcame them, reached your goal. CELEBRATE and RECOGNIZE YOUR STRENGTH!
Need more assistance with recognizing your strengths? Schedule your free 15 minute goal setting session here.
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