If you have decided to set new goals, or make big plans then found yourself feeling discouraged when life doesn't respond to your intentions with the results you are seeking, I understand and I've been there!
It's not that planning and goal-setting don't ever matter, but they are not as important as we think they are. And, they are definitely not the place to start when creating the change we seek. Why?
Because rational thinking, like writing down goals or planning steps towards a goal is about small steps and little details. If you are trying to create a new life or make a big shift you want to start much bigger!
Getting stuck in the weeds of how it will happen and what you need to do next will slow you down and limit your progress. This is never the best place to start.
Unfortunately, we are usually not taught what to do next when we have the realization of a big idea or dream. We are often taught, by well-meaning teachers and family, that we need to get real and start taking concrete steps towards what we want. Sadly, this shrinks our big ideas into manageable chunks that are just not that exciting, reducing our dreams to small steps and realistic outcomes. Blah.
I'm here to tell you that doesn't work! When you have a big dream or desire for change you must first practice the feeling of having already arrived. Your brain needs to experience where you want to go so it can take you there. Remember that everything in the world created by humans started as an idea, often a big one. There would be no iPhone if not for Steve Jobs big idea for a touch screen device. Follow the big idea and you will arrive at the manifestation.
Sounds easy enough! Of course, if it were that simple we would all be living our dream lives.
The good news is that it is actually pretty simple, but...it takes regular practice and commitment. It takes showing up for yourself when you are tired or discouraged. It takes choosing your state of being even when it isn't really your state of being.
I choose to be happy now, darn it!
I know, but truly, this is the secret that isn't really a secret. This is the key to generating the energy and inspiration that will propel you to act with aligned intentions... and then set those goals and make plans that take you on the path towards the outcome you desire.
So, how do you practice being in the experience of what you desire?
It's about asking yourself the right questions. Ask and then answer quickly from your heart. Listen for the answers from within yourself. No second guessing. Ask. Answer quickly. Keep asking and "listening" for answers. The questions will guide you to the feelings you want to experience in the place you are creating.
You may know the brain cannot differentiate between an imagined state and an actual one. There is a threshold of imagination that, once crossed, allows the brain to experience an imagined event as real in the present moment. You might find this article interesting if you want to learn more about how the neuroscience works.
You can use this to your advantage. Create the state you want to be in. Practice it regularly. When you get off-track, practice it some more. The more you imagine into your ideal state of being the more your brain decides this is who you are. Eventually it will be exactly that!
Then, you can focus on those plans and goals. And, you will be creating them from the state of being the person you want to be, the best version of you there is!
So, what do you want to create? Who do you want to be? What does this life, this you feel like? Where are you? What are you doing, with whom? Dream it, envision it and feel it enough and it will become real.
I hope you find this process as inspirational and helpful as I do.
I find knowing that I can choose who and how I want to be empowering. Even if life is serving me lemons, I can choose to see what is working and to be positive. I can practice being someone who is resilient and inspired. And, the more I practice the easier it gets to believe and live in my desired state of calm and good cheer.
With Courage and Joy,
Dr. Tracey
