Did you ever have a dream about what you wanted to be when you grew up? Do you remember what it was? I do. My dream was to be a Thief, a modern day Robin Hood.
Taking from the rich and giving to the poor seemed a noble career at the age of 10, plus it promised adventure, independence, excitement. Of course I saw myself as being a successful thief, a heroine who was helping others live better lives.
But have you ever noticed what happens to our childhood dreams when we become adults? Our dreams shrink as our responsibilities grow. And, before we know it we are too busy "making a living" as suppose to living a dream.
What DO YOU think is the main reason that stops people realizing their dreams? Fear? Lack of opportunity? Lack of focus? Lack of confidence?– Maybe these are all factors.
But as motivational speaker and coach Craig Valentine says: the biggest stumbling block to living a Great life is living a Good life.
When we are comfortable we are more likely to settle for what we have. We go along thinking, "Oh, this isn't so bad. I have a steady paycheck, a car, a house, a relationship, a hobby. Why rattle the cage and strive for more? The enemy of the Great is the Good.
Then once in a while somewhere inside us we may feel a stir, we sense that something is missing, that something could be better. Have you ever felt like this?
We try not to pay attention to it. But as time passes the stirring becomes stronger, and the voice becomes louder, it says : " there may be more to life than this" - and this does not mean that the current situation is not good of course. If you have ever had such a stirring, then you know what I am talking about. I have had these stirrings several times in my life.
Social conditioning teaches us to be logical and "use our heads". Using our head is very important, but when we only use our head, we limit our experiences. WE miss out on the vital information that our inner voice is giving us.
Many years ago I found myself at the crossroads between a good life and a great life. I could further pursue my very nice management career, climbing higher on the corporate ladder or start again from scratch, doing something new, different.
The stirring had been there for some time, but my life and work situation was comfortable, it was good. Yet, the inner voice inside was getting louder and louder. I decided to spend time in nature, reflecting, searching for answers. Then suddenly the memory of my childhood dream popped up.
And I realized that in order to fulfill it I did not need to become Robin Hood. I just had to create life and work conditions that incorporated all these aspects.
The voice shouted "Yes, GO and MAKE a CHANGE!" this time loud and clear….and I listened. Suddenly solutions started to appear and I took the first steps and changed my career.
Ever since then, whenever I feel that my life is out of sync...or that I am running around like a hamster in a wheel...or that I forget my purpose... I stop and ask what I truly want. Then I become still and listen.
When did you last consult your inner voice? Are you wondering which way to turn, what to do next, what to do better or differently? – Take some time to ask your inner voice. Belief me, drawing from my many years in coaching, usually the answers are already there. Sometimes it simply needs a few skillful questions to bring them to the surface.
And when the mind comes up with all kinds of reason as to why you cannot follow your voice then ask yourself: Is the good standing in the way of the great? Is settling for a good life or work situation keeping me from creating something better? And when other people tell you to be content with "the good" then smile at them ….but don't listen.
with my best wishes for your success,
Christiane Pohl, ACC coaches and mentors senior Managers, Leaders and Business Owners on
stretching their own capabilities and the capabilities of others. She is a Board member of the
Hellenic Coaching Association responsible for Knowledge Development and Peer Coaching programs.
In addition she offers customized Mindfulness Programs for Teams and facilitates Mindfulness retreats.
For more information on coaching programs and mindfulness programs
get in touch with Christiane@morelifemoresuccess.com
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