The new year can be an exciting time. A time for new beginnings with a sense of optimism in the air and the promise of growth, opportunity and change all around. Moving from one year to the next can also be a time of deep reflection as we remember what’s gone before and hope for what may be to come. Embracing the potential changes in life can be both exhilarating and challenging.
Some of you will dance into the new year, jumping in with both feet, raring to go. Some might have the hopes and dreams but will be feeling stuck, de-motivated and unsure how to make your desired changes happen. In both cases, with the right support, change can be an empowering journey as you discover or develop strengths and abilities that you didn’t know you could, and you learn more about yourself and your world.
A life shift can be a daunting experience for many, whether you’ve chosen it or it’s happened to you and whether you’re raring to go or feeling stuck, and there are common fears that almost all of us have experienced;
Losing your comfort zone - if you’ve reached a turning point in your life then you need to step out of your comfort zone. That’s intimidating as you no longer have the safety of familiarity to hold onto. It makes the going feel uncertain and the terrain potentially threatening.
The fear of failure or success - these are both powerful fears which can create internal blocks that try to keep you in place.
The fear of judgement – whether you succeed or fail. That ‘what will they think of me?’ fear can hold you down very effectively.
Uncertainty about the future – the dread of something going wrong can feel stronger than the excitement of something going right. This is a fear that links in with self doubt and limiting beliefs.
Are you noticing a common theme here? Fear. This is like emotional and psychological quicksand and is a very natural response to change – you’re not alone if you’re feeling this way. The good news is that you can overcome these obstacles and more.
Remember that change is a part of life. Look at where you are now – there was a time when you were somewhere else, right? Things had to change for you to get to where you are. Several things have changed since you were a child. If you’re feeling that things aren’t aligned in your life, you can embrace, encourage and action change for your own well-being and growth. That’s a very healthy thing!
So, if you’ve decided there’s something that you want to alter and you’re ready to get started, that’s great! What now, though? Does the thought of a transition make you feel more stuck? Even though you’ve got all the enthusiasm running through you and the excitement is bubbling away, are you unsure of where to start?
Life coaching provides a structured and supportive environment where you can explore your goals and dreams. You can openly declare what you want for yourself without worrying abut being judged or laughed at – your coach is someone who truly wants you to succeed. Along with genuine support, you’ll get the benefit of coaching tools such as;
Clarifying your goals and values.
Breaking down your goals into achievable steps and creating a practical action plan.
Overcoming limiting beliefs and self-doubt.
Recognising obstacles (both in yourself – like the quicksand, and out in your environment) that are holding you back. Learn to recognise the signs and get past them.
A life coach will bring a wealth of tools that will be personalised for your needs and you also get the benefit of having an accountability partner in your corner to help keep you on track.
Coaching can help with a multitude of situations and when it comes to changes in your life, that might include;
Going for a promotion
Relocating
Creating a healthier lifestyle
All round well-being (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual)
Changing career
Rediscovering yourself
Finding your purpose and living a meaningful life
Money matters
Facing redundancy
Retirement
Empty nest
Work-life balanced
Relationships
Travelling
The list is practically endless. If you’re looking to make a change but you’re not sure how to make it really happen then coaching is a great way to bring some practical support in so you can create, find or follow your authentic path.
Another key point to remember is that lasting and meaningful change can take time. It might not happen overnight and that’s okay. What matters – the truly crucial things – are starting and maintaining consistent progress. It’s better to be taking small steps consistently than occasional leaps and then stopping. Eventually you might find that you’re leaping in place and getting no closer to your goal.
Your mindset plays a very important role in your journey so cultivate resilience and optimism. Change sometimes needs some experimentation to find which way works for you and, if something doesn’t go the way you thought or hoped it would, that optimism will give you the space to accept it and learn from the experience.
You can maintain focus and motivation through various practices such as;
Journaling - which will help you reflect on your journey and experiences.
Visualisation - which isn’t just about picturing your end goal, but includes immersing yourself in how it feels, tastes, sounds and even smells to be progressing. Smells? Yep – practice visualisation and, if there are any scents associated with your goals (anyone with goals of being bakers, learning to swim, using scented candles out there?) you’ll smell it!
Mindfulness practices. Approach what you do with focus and intention.
Remember that as you start on your journey, you’re carving out a new path. It’s an exciting time! It does not need to be perfect. Perfection isn’t what’s needed here – it’s progress. You can easily spend as long as you choose waiting for perfection, you could literally wait years and go nowhere. Or you can get started, experiment, find your way through doing it, by moving forward.
Change is a natural part of life and it’s something that you can embrace. It’s a challenge that you can enjoy as you move along with intention and at a steady rate. Take the first step into your best year yet with the support of life coaching.