Spring is my favourite season in the year. Daylight hours extend, spring flowers emerge, temperatures warm up (usually!) and I feel a renewed sense of optimism and energy.
Take stock - Spring is a great time to take stock of what you've achieved and how far you've come in your personal and professional life. When we have an eye on a bigger goal, we often overlook the smaller triumphs - the day-to-day wins that we take for granted as we get caught up in everyday routine life.
You may not have done all that you set out to do; you may have faced some uncomfortable challenges and learned some hard lessons, but it helps to recognize that you still did the best you could at that time. When we acknowledge and even "celebrate" our achievements, large and small, it frees up more mental energy for the months ahead.
Spring forth new ideas - Spring feels like a great time to create, to start something new. It could be a new habit, new hobby or new project. It's a chance to take inspiration from nature and find one new idea, or opportunity, that will motivate and enable you to grow and develop even further, in your business and/or personal life.
Here are six questions to get you thinking (some will resonate more than others):
What one thing can you start doing or do more of to live your best life?
How can you make yourself more marketable in 2012?
What (more) can you do to contribute/add value to the causes that matter to you?
How can you genuinely connect with the people you want to attract?
What one habit would you like to shift that would enable you to lower your stress level or improve your performance in an important area of your life, or achieve more peace of mind?
What niche can you develop that fills an unmet need in the community or marketplace?
Get into the right frame of mind - Breakthrough ideas occur when the mind is open and we feel relaxed. You won't find inspiration when you're feeling anxious or frustrated. Spend some quality time dreaming. Create some space for yourself where you won't be interrupted for a while. Stay curious and positive, ask great questions, listen from your heart (as well as your head). Get clear about what you want, take small steps often, believe and trust you will find what you're looking for. Direct your attention and energy towards your goals.
Be mindful of getting distracted by:
Negative comments and influence from others.
Negative self-talk (unhealthy thought patterns that become a critical voice in your head dragging you down).
Settling for less (the "good" can be the enemy of the "best").
Comfort and convenience - they can stop us from growing.
Challenges and setbacks - your success is determined by how you handle these.
Take inspiration from springtime. Make a conscious choice to create something new that will keep you on top of your game. You might just be amazed at what emerges.
Hazel Morley is principal of Think Smart: Training and Coaching with Change in Mind. She can be contacted at [email protected].
