How many goals did you set yourself at the beginning of the year? And how many of them have you achieved?
At the end of November I attended a one-day event with the fabulous Dr Joanna Martin and a room full of amazing women who want to make the world a better place.
Now before you think that I’m going ‘woo-woo’ on you, I’m not. I’m probably one of the most practical people you’re ever likely to meet, and although I firmly believe that the human race is capable of incredible things, to some extent I remain a cynic.
Why? Because the human race is an expert in making excuses about why things can’t be done.
The women I met at the ‘Make the Leap’ event were also humans, but all very successful in their own right; businesswomen who had found the energy and faith within themselves to acknowledge that they could make a difference.
And as I sat there listening to the incredible stories of passion to serve and help others, I asked myself what made them special.
As already mentioned, a part of their special-ness came from being action-takers, getting to a point in life, regardless of age, when they had understood that staying in their comfort zones wasn’t enough, and that simply hoping that things would somehow be alright, or even depending on others to make things alright, simply wasn’t an option.
But the other biggest factor in their lives was that they had a support network around them, a community of women who told them to just go for it, who held them accountable, who didn’t judge them when they felt vulnerable, and who celebrated success with them every step of the way.
You Are Not Alone
In 2017, you can do ANYTHING you want to do, be ANYONE you want to be, and have ANYTHING you want to have.
And whilst it’s important to do the whole SMART thing (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) when setting your goals, the biggest challenge is not the size of your dreams, rather your downfall will be that you fail to take action because you feel alone.
Where is Your Tribe?
Before you start making excuses about your family and friends not supporting you, don’t expect them to understand your vision. They want you to be safe and happy, and you wanting to make a big splash for mankind makes them feel uncomfortable. Accept that fact, and move on.
You already know the types of people you love to hang out with, and here are three ways for you to find your very own tribe of folk who are going to help you succeed (assuming you really, really want to!).
1. Social media means that there are loads and loads of groups online where you’ll find like-minded folk – from dog trainers to brain surgeons, and from human resource specialists to millionaires.
Whatever your passion is, type it into your internet search engine and find out what’s on offer. Take a look at what others are posting in the group. ‘Woo-Woo’ warning: You’ll feel the ‘energy’ of the group pretty quickly, and whether it’s the right place for you to be.
2. Go out and meet people! There’s a fabulous website ‘Eventbrite.co.uk’ where you’ll find hundreds of events (simply type in your city and country in the search box), many of which cost very little or nothing at all. You’re guaranteed to meet others who are on the same wavelength as you, so no embarrassing moments of silence.
3. If you’re not quite ready to link up with others or want to get clear on your vision and goals, get yourself a coach. Simply visit http://www.coach-search.co.uk/ to find your perfect match.
Remember too that a lot of coaches work via Skype, so that location isn’t always a deal-breaker. And before you say that you can’t afford a coach, trainee coaches at The Coaching Academy in the UK are always looking for practice clients (free of charge). Be assured that despite them not yet having a formal qualification, the fact that they are training is evidence of their commitment to helping you.
Yes, You Can
My final piece of advice is to be true to yourself; listen to your heart. The women I met at the ‘Make The Leap’ Event were without exception inspirational, and living proof that by allowing yourself to be supported by like-minded others, and in turn by providing support to your tribe, you can make the world a better place.
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