It’s Time to Write a New Story

At the end of each year, most of us go through a ritual of reflecting on how the year turned out for us.

• Did we lose those extra pounds?

• Did we take that class? Did we save the amount of money we wanted to?

• Did we revive that relationship?

• Did we get the promotion?

• Did we find a new love interest?

All of these are simple “yes” and “no” questions we may ask ourselves to determine if we accomplished any of the goals we had set at the beginning of the year.

Unfortunately, more often than not, we did not achieve these goals. Not only did we NOT achieve them, we likely never really got a good start at them.

Why is that?

Is it because we didn’t really want it? Was it because of other distractions that took us off course? Was it because we thought we didn’t have what we needed to reach the goal?

I’ll admit—some of these reasons could be valid. But even though they may be valid, they’re still excuses. They’re not what really held us back.

If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that what really held us back originated within ourselves. You see, we’ve been saying the wrong stuff, to ourselves and to others. We’ve been filling our heads with the wrong information. Each time we ask ourselves why we failed, again—to get the thing done, we’ve allowed negative ideas to fester and take root in our minds. We’ve blamed the economy, other people, the weather, politics, our upbringing, our finances, and even our health.

Here’s an example: You’ve been working for years in a job that is not fulfilling, it doesn’t offer the challenge you want, it doesn’t pay enough to reach financial goals you’ve set, and you don’t enjoy the people or the actual work. So why do you stay? Let’s listen in to the conversation going on in your head:

“I should be grateful that at least I have a job. “

“It’s too hard to find a job nowadays. Nobody’s hiring.”

“Maybe I’m being unrealistic in setting the goals I’ve set”.

“At least I still have health insurance.”

“Who am I kidding? I could never get the type of job I really want.”

“Who’s going to hire me at my age?”

 Does any of this sound familiar? Have you found yourself saying things like this to yourself? What’s worse, if you’re not voicing those sentiments, you can be sure that someone else in your sphere of influence is saying them to you.

You’ve used these statements and questions to disqualify yourself from putting forth the effort. You think that by not trying, you’re saving yourself from disappointment and heartache.

WRONG! You’re setting yourself up for a future of drudgery, disappointment, and despair.

Regardless of what time of year it is, it’s time to start writing a new story for your life. It’s time to start believing in the possibilities that are out there waiting for you to explore. One thing’s for sure: you’ll never experience the life you want until you get out there and try. 

Starting today, begin telling yourself things that will inspire you to reach for what you want for your life. Fill your head with life-affirming statements and vivid emotional images that will stimulate creative ideas.

Give yourself permission to want more and to go after your dreams. Once you make a habit of using the tools of self-development, you will begin to see your life unfold in ways you couldn’t have imagined! Surround yourself with people who are not only dreamers, but who take action on their goals. This is extremely important!

A word of warning: not everybody will be happy about your new story. Some will try to discourage you with a flood of “what ifs”. Others will tell you you’re being unrealistic. Still others will say you’re being selfish. DON’T LISTEN TO THEM!

Once you make up your mind and start moving toward your goals instead of denying your right to have them, the bible says, “your blessing will overtake you”! In other words, the principle of attraction will cause the right people and the right situations to cross your path. Isn’t that exciting?!!!

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” - Proverbs 18:21

What’s the new story you need to start telling?

If you need help in figuring out your next steps, contact me at Lois@Thepathwaycoach.com. It would be my honor and pleasure to walk out the steps with you.