Dear ,

 

Fall is upon us and I don't know about you, but I am ready for the next season after this summer's heat challenges and stormy weather. This transitional time of the year always serves as a "new year" or new beginning to consider what have I accomplished so far, what is left to complete before the end of 2011 and what is next beyond 2011? A time of reflection, gratitude, celebration, soul searching, visioning and commitment... this prepares me for the fall.

This summer, I immersed myself in reading several books for growth, pleasure and curiosity, both personally and professionally (see below for my suggestions) and a theme popped out for me around choosing commitment. In Debbie Ford's The Right Questions, she writes about
choices and commitments, and as a Coach, I pondered the real impact of these words. I have always stood firm in the belief that we are the sum accumulation of our choices, and that we choose our thoughts, our beliefs and our actions, even under trying times. I often ask my clients if their choices align with what they want, if they are committed to their goal and what steps they will take to get there. I co-create accountability, courage and clarity for them. When they have a vision to reach for, goals to attain and a plan to get there; it informs them about what choices to make on their path. Without that clear vision, it is easy to get distracted, let emotions take over and give in to any whim of old habits.

So, I ask you, what are you truly committed to? When you set a goal for yourself, do you stick with it, even in the small ways? Making a commitment requires you to make choices each and everyday to follow that path until you complete what you say you are going to do. Sometimes people get there easily when they are aiming for the right goals. But often, distractions, fear, overwhelm, or disbelief win out and there is a stronger conviction to something else that conflicts with our goal.

For example, you might resolve to get in better shape, but when it comes to work out time, you might skip it making the excuse that you are too tired, your family needs you or
you have too much work to do. Another instance might be that you want to have more fun in your life, but you never call a friend to get together, hire a sitter for date night or
even research what current classes or events are happening. Perhaps you want to build your savings, but continue to shop and dine out consistently, thus never really adding to your goal. In each of these examples, an underlying commitment wins out, and simply hope that somehow our dreams will be magically reached, but that rarely happens. Making a commitment requires self-love, discipline, accountability, truthfulness and aligning our real
desires with our inspired actions.

Two of my amazing clients have done just that. Laura, is committed to a balanced life as an attorney, mother and yoga instructor; and is taking action to align her dreams with her actions. She completed a rigorous teacher training this year and has now created a yoga class specifically designed for athletes.... a true passion of hers (it starts this week and is open to anyone, see the attached flier.) Another client, Hulyn, discovered her next career step and what choices she truly wants to make to be ultimately fulfilled as a finance executive, community volunteer and grandmother. Both of these women are committed to their life visions and are making things happen every day to support themselves and their best lives.

Whether you are a current client, past client, or friend of Excavive Life Coaching, I challenge you at the beginning for this new season to consciously and clearly COMMIT to your vision. What dreams do you want to reach? Allocate your resources of time, money and energy to
support your objectives (read my August column "The Power of Budgeting" below) and aim for success (see my September column, "Claim Your Success"). Make choices each and every day to move support your ideal life. Ask yourself, will this choice move me toward my desired goal or away from it? Russian writer Leo Tolstoy wrote, "True life is lived when tiny changes occur." I hope you will commit to your vision and start today. 

 

           
          
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