Ever have those weeks when things just don’t quite go your way?
Perhaps you’re pushing yourself too hard, have super high expectations or something/someone has let you down. These are all to common occurrences in our everyday lives, and can leave us feeling deflated, unmotivated and often frustrated.
However, there are a few little tools that we can use to act as a safety net & stop us falling into the depths of despair or at least prevent us from throwing in the towel.
A WEEKLY SELF CHECK-IN
is a great way to set yourself up for an exceptional week through the power of intention
Setting intentions is a POWERFUL, FREE, tool we all have access to, that can help us not only transform our lives but also help us out, when we hit a bit of a bump in the road.
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Step 1 – IDENTIFY YOUR #1 PRIORITY THIS WEEK
When we have a clear idea as to what we are wanting to achieve we create a focal point for our energies and our actions to align. It assists us in keeping on track & avoid getting caught up in those little things that can eat into our precious time, and leave us wondering where the week has gone. You know those little distractions like that great FREE webinar that you’ve been meaning to watch or ‘updating’ your social media accounts.
Depending on what your priority is, you may want to take it a step further and create a S.M.A.R.T goal for the week. Specific. Measurable. Actionable. Realistic. Timely
(check out this link from the Khan Academy for more about SMART goals )
Step 2 – WORK OUT WHAT YOU WANT TO DO LESS OF
Are there things you are doing that you want to do less of this week? It maybe a behaviour, activity, or thinking pattern. Are you spending lots of time fulfilling others expectations? Doing the SHOULDs in life rather than the WANTS?
These are all easy pattern to fall into, particularly if we have a lot going on. The flip side is these things often end up robbing us of the time & energy needed to achieve our priorities and leave us feeling like we’ve had an less than optimal week. So ask yourself, what are one or two things I’d like to do less of this week so I have time for my #1 priority?
Step 3 – DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO MORE OF
If we are going to do less of some things then it follows we need to make a conscious decision as to what we want to do more of. What things could you be doing to support your #1 priority this week?
Step 4 – CHOOSE HOW YOU WANT TO FEEL
There is nothing worse than having a #1 Priority and achieving it, but hating every minute of the journey getting there. It’s a sure fire recipe for future failure and procrastination.
It’s important to not only visualise how you’ll feel when you tick off your #1 priority, but also establish how you want to feel during the process. Some of us thrive under the excitement a little pressure can bring, others of us shut-down & immediately want to give up. Be realistic and choose how you’re wanting to feel this week but remember nothing great is achieved by staying inside our comfort zone – so prepare yourself to be comfortable with a little discomfort.
Step 5 – PLAN HOW YOU’LL BE ABLE TO FEEL THIS WAY
What will you need to do to feel how you want to feel this week? If you want to feel less stressed maybe setting aside a little you time at some point in the day for meditation, reading, a walk will help you achieve this.
Perhaps you may want to seek support from a loved one or family members in your endeavours. Whatever it is you want to feel, work out how that will be achieved for you.
Step 6 – BE YOUR OWN CHEERLEADER
It’s inevitable at some point things may not quite go as you envisage them. This is why this final step is crucial in ensuring you have your best week yet. Write a list of things for you to remember if you get stuck. It might include an inspirational quote, a particular activity, a way to refocus, something that reminds you of happy times, or simply loving note to yourself reminding you of how far you’ve come and Rome most certainly wasn’t built in a day.
One last thing before you head off to have your best week(s) yet. Remember, setting an intention is like creating a plan for your soul. And when we fail to plan we are planning to fail. So go be intentional!
