Here you are, in November of another year. As you look back, are you any closer to taking better care of yourself than everyone else? Do you still step in to do things that others in your life are more than capable of handling – and should? Do you put yourself last when it comes to your available time to do something that brings YOU joy (because it’s just something you really wanted to do)?
I hear this theme from my clients all the time. When I ask the question, “What have you done for yourself lately?”, I get hesitation, shame, excuses, and regret – not all at once, but some flavor of those responses. I then dig deeper with them to see what is holding them back. And guess what? There is ALWAYS something they could do differently, drop something off their “to-do” list, shift their priorities, or set boundaries to name a few.
Here is a success story from my archives:
Sandy was always a busy executive who had worked hard to get where she was in her company and didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize her title or level. She was very proud of where she was in her career and had a happy and fulfilling home life with her partner and children. Once she got through with the demands of both work and home life, she had nothing left for herself.
Once we began to work together – she wanted me to guide her and hold her accountable – she started to question everything! She faced her fears of letting go a little bit at her company, realizing there was a way to do that without sending a signal that she was “pulling back” and would be less effective in her role. She also started asking her family to pitch in to take on some of the traditional “mom” duties that she had convinced herself were hers and hers alone.
She was motivated to make these changes because we first worked to identify what she wanted to incorporate into her life that was currently missing. You see, she was telling herself things like:
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“When I get through this project at work, I will have more time to focus on me” – but the projects kept coming and her “me time” would never naturally materialize.
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“When my family gets through the holidays (graduation, wedding, partner’s new job adjustment – you can fill in the blanks for yourself), I’ll finally be able to focus on the things I want to do.” – Trust me, there is always another diversion around the corner that will consume you if you allow it.
Bottom line, by defining what she wanted to incorporate into her busy life – things that would make her feel happy and fulfilled – she was able to have a REASON to say “No” or to reassign things to someone else. She could also remain focused on her personal goals just like she would at her company. She would define them and lay out the action items to get there.
That way, no matter what was going on in her professional or home life, she always had some action item that was focused on getting her closer to achieving one of her personal goals.
In my own life, I watched my empty-nester parents finally travel together – it was pure joy for them. It was also a gift since my father died young, leaving my mom a young widow.
I have also pursued art classes, traveled to different parts of the world, studied topics that excite me, and incorporated “me time” into my schedule.
My question to you today is this:
“What are you willing to do to create your own personal goals and available time in your schedule to keep yourself whole?”
If you’re dying to find out, I’m dying to help you. It’s my passion to help other women build what they want into their lives. You are multidimensional – become that true version of yourself. I promise you deep happiness and satisfaction if you do.
Hop on a short targeted call with me by scheduling it HERE. It is complimentary and I promise you will walk away with some great insights.