Are You Conscious About What You’re Doing

Recently I’ve been very interested in reading and learning about “mindfulness“.   How does understanding mindfulness help you reach your goals?   I looked up the definition (just to make sure my first interpretation was correct), and one of the definitions is:  “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations”.  Is mindfulness about being conscious about what you are doing?  Sounds simple, but it’s not.   Is mindfulness knowing clearly when your emotions are either hot or cold, when you react without understanding or even thinking about our actions?  Or could it mean being conscious of what you are doing?

People want to change.  They want to improve their lives and set goals only to find life has taken over and detoured them from what they wanted.

I ask myself what happens and how can we follow through?

Are you getting there?

Are you getting there?

What Derails You From Reaching Your Goals

My answer: Keep the picture in your head.  Be aware and conscious of what you “want”.  This can be anything.  Be a better parent, a musician, an entrepreneur or the best husband or wife you can be.  You decide.  And make that image very clear.

Now, the next steps are harder.  How do I achieve that goal?  What do I need?  What does a good parent or partner look like?  How do I start my own business?  Are there obstacles that can derail me from my goals?

Simple – Seven Steps 

Step #1Empty Your Brain.  Write down all of your ideas, thoughts and worries.  And then, make sure you have everything in one place.  Now you don’t have to worry about forgetting it.

Step #2Get Rid Of The Blood Suckers and Negative Energy.  There are people who wish us luck and support us.  There are also others who always have an opinion or negativity that pulls you down.  Believe me, I’ve been there and I have to work very hard to repeat my affirmations and be with people who have my back.

Step #3Open Your Heart.  Take the time to breath.  Feel your abdomen raise with every breath, hold it for a few seconds and then slowly let it go.  Breathing will help you calm down, relax and think more clearly.

Step #4Be Healthy.  Put attention to how you’re taking care of yourself.

Step #5 Learn To Say No.  You are the only one who knows how much you can commit to.  Think things through.  You don’t have to give an immediate answer all the time.  Practice saying, “I will get back to you by …. “.  It can be five minutes or three days later.  Take control.

Step #6Make Time For Yourself And For Fun.  This may be or without others.  You need your space.  If this means you get up an hour earlier, putting the kids to bed on time so you have an hour of quiet before going to bed or leaving the office for 30 minutes at lunch to take a walk.  Find the time and stop the reasons why not.

Step #7Have An Affirmation Or Motto.  “I Matter” “I’m Able” “I Know This” “I Know I Deserve To Be Loved” “I Am Getting Healthier Everyday” or “When I Take Care Of Me, I’m A Better Person”.  Make a decision ahead of time and apply your affirmation.

Be aware of the cues that can derail you.  Have a plan on how you will approach that cue.   Reward yourself when you apply that approach.