Ready Set Go!
Ready Set Go!
Nourish...Nurture...Achieve...Connect! This blog will include
#2017goals (1) #2018goal (1) #acceptance (2) #Accountability (1) #Achieve (11) #adapt (1) #adoption (2) #ahhhmoment (1) #AnalysisParalysis (1) #authenticity (1) #beautifulplaces (1) #beautifulscenery (1) #beauty (1) #becurious (1) #BeHappy (2) #bestdecisionever (1) #bioindividuality (1) #blooms (1) #catsrule (1) #Challenge (1) #challengingtimes (1) #change (2) #ChangeYourLife (1) #chihuahua (1) #chihuahualover (1) #ChihulyGardensAndGlassMuseum (1) #china (1) #chineseadoption (2) #choosehappy (2) #cleo (1) #cold (1) #coldbusters (1) #comfortable (1) #congested (1) #connect (13) #content (1) #cravings (1) #crazyownerssanedog (1) #Daily (1) #DailyActions (1) #dailycalm (1) #DailyHabits (2) #dateyourself (1) #DayoftheDead (1) #dessert (1) #DiadeMuertos (1) #diet (1) #diets (1) #dogs (2) #dontbugme (1) #doterra (1) #earlburnsmillerjapanesegardens (1) #eatfeastly (1) #eatthisnotthat (1) #essentialoils (1) #explorelosangeles (1) #Facebook (1) #feelinggood (1) #findyourtribe (1) #fitness (1) #Friday (1) #friendship (1) #fun (1) #functionalmedicine (1) #Furbaby (2) #FurbabyFriday (3) #FurFriday (1) #getbackontrack (1) #GettingUnFriended (1) #GettingUnStuck (1) #giftideas (1) #girlfriends (1) #Goals (3) #GoalSetting (1) #goodbyeittybittysh*ttyvoice (1) #gotchaday (2) #GreysAnatomy (1) #growingup (1) #growth (1) #Happiness (1) #happinessthrusuffering (1) #Happy Anniversary (1) #HappyMLKDay (1) #healthy (2) #HealthyRecipes (1) #HealthySnacks #HowToEatHealthier (1) #history (1) #idoitall (1) #ilovethisdog (1) #iminthedriversseat (1) #india (1) #innervoice (1) #introvert (1) #Istanbul (1) #itsallaboutyou (1) #itsMEtime (1) #itsnotyouitsme (1) #jiangsuprovince (1) #keepmovingforward (1) #letitgo (1) #LetsEat (1) #letsgo (11) #lifestooshort (1) #LivingTheDream (1) #Love (8) #loveintheworld (1) #loveyourself (2) #Makeyourdreamscometrue (1) #makingthelifeiwant (1) #makingtime (1) #mantraMonday (1) #Mediate (1) #medici (1) #meditation (1) #memories (2) #memoriesforlife (1) #memoriesmade (1) #metime (1) #MidMonthChallenge (1) #Mimi (1) #MindfulMondays (1) #mom (1) #monday (1) #MondayMotivation (4) #moresleepplease (1) #MorivationMonday (1) #motherdaughterlove (1) #MotivationMonday (4) #MovingForward (2) #mustbefriday (1) #mybucketlist (1) #namaste (1) #nanjing (1) #napisinmyimmediatefuture (1) #naturalremedies (1) #naturalremedy (1) #nature (1) #netflixandchill (1) #nolabels (1) #noregrets (1) #Nourish (11) #nurture (23) #nurturemysoul (1) #nurtureyourself (1) #ommm (1) #onlineexercise (1) #openheart (1) #parties (1) #partysurvivaltips (1) #Perseverance (1) #postvacationblues (1) #priorities (2) #procrastination (1) #pushthrough (1) #putyourselffirst (1) #readysetgo (10) #ReadySetGo! (1) #rejection (1) #Relationships (1) #Relax (1) #santaanawinds (1) #saturday (1) #seattle (1) #selflove (2) #shopping (1) #ShoppingSaturday (1) #sleepisking (1) #snacks (1) #soulnurture (1) #spicemarket (1) #Spring (1) #staycations (2) #stockingstuffers (1) #stopdwelling (1) #sweettooth (1) #TheHollywoodRoosevelt (1) #themesong (1) #thevalueisintheprocess (1) #ThoughtfulThursday (1) #ThoughtfulTuesday (5) #Thursday (3) #ThursdayThoughts (1) #ThursdayTips (1) #time (1) #toastbandit (1) #ToDoList (1) #Transform (1) #Travel (6) #travelThursday (2) #trips (1) #truelove (1) #truth (1) #TuesdayThoughts (4) #TuesdayTip (2) #unfriend (1) #Universe (1) #vacation (1) #Vegan (1) #Vegetarian (1) #Vision (1) #Wednesday (2) #weekend (1) #WeekOfLove (1) #WhatsCooking (1) #WhatsCookingWednesday (1) #wherewegoinWednesday (1) #WorkoutWednesday (1) #WYA (2) #WYAWednesday (1) #youareenough (1) #Yum (1) #Zion (1) Achieve (1) Connect (1) Inspire (1) Nourish (1) Nurture (1)
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

#MotivationMonday - The One Who Will Love You The Most...

2.12-mondaymotivation.love oneself

 

Start this #weekoflove by focusing on WHO will love you the most!

 

I commit to: 

 

 

NOURISHING my body, mind & soul with the right things at the right time...

 

NURTURING my talents and gifts so they'll reach their full potential...

 

 ACHIEVING the things that I need & want in my life.  And, be perfectly ok if those things change...

 

CONNECTING with myself and the Universe to keep me grounded, grateful and generous...

 

#Love #Happiness #LetsGo 

 

 2.12-Heart for Blog - Motivation.Monday

 

 


Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

 

model-849762

 

 

 

GREAT Great Article! -

 

Spark, Daily Action, Environmental Shift, Cognitive Dissonance, Change of Will...

 

I now realize where I get stuck...where do you?

 

#ThursdayTips, #Achieve, #Transform, #DailyHabits


Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

#Tuesday #Thoughts - Analysis Paralysis

1.16-2nd tuesday thought - analysis-paralysis.jpg

 

Could This Be You?

 

I'm so guilty of this...especially when I'm pursuing a BIG goal.  I do the research, the analysis, the options and three months later, I realize that I've done NOTHING...

 

It's not our fault.  In our world today, there are so many options and different ways to go.

 

 And, to be honest, we do have to spend the time and effort to figure out what works best for us.  

 

However, nothing ventured is nothing gained...

 

It's time to be a person OF ACTION!!!

 

Instead of reading another article or asking another "expert," I'm going to apply what I know.

 

Instead of eating cookies when I'm stressed, I'm going to figure out HOW I can relieve the stress (over chocolate mint herb tea).

 

Instead of complaining how disconnected I am from my family, I'm going to plan and require everyone to be present for Sunday dinner.

 

Instead of being cranky and stressed out, I'm scheduling "ME" time for the rest of the week in my calendar NOW ! 

 

Taking One Step At A Time...

 

MOVING FORWARD...

 

How about you...what's your first step?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

Monday Motivation - Happy MLK Day!

1.15-MLK Day - MotivationMonday
This is my #Monday #Motivation and one of my favorite Martin Luther King Jr quotes! There are so many things on my #ToDoList and I know I won't get them checked off when I want to...but if I keep #movingforward, I'm still on my way! #HappyMLKDay #Achieve

Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

#ThoughtfulTuesday! - USING DAILY HABITS TO CHANGE

 

 

1.9-ThoughtfulTuesday - Daily Habits.jpg

 

It’s #ThoughtfulTuesday and as promised, I’m sharing my Daily Habits that I created for 2018.  We all know that it’s not enough to say you want to change, it’s the actions that we do faithfully that will “transform” us in the people we want to be.

 

I’m starting an intensive Functional Medicine program in February as well as finishing up my Personal Training Credentials.  I feel like I’ve been only focusing on those things and at the end of the year, I was burnt out and feeling very disconnected.

 

My 2018 Intentions includes more Nurturing and Connecting!  And while this looks like a lot of work, it really wasn’t…Each item took no more than 5-10 minutes (except for the sleep part) and it made me feel accomplished and good at the end of the day!

 

I used an Excel Spreadsheet to track it and my hope is that I can work on it every day and see how I do.  I don’t expect perfection but at least I have something to work up to.  

 

What’s on your list?  Please share and let’s support each other in being the best that we can be!

 

 

 


Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

ACHIEVE:  When Life Gets Blurry...


9.18-Achieve-When Life Gets Blurry
 

I feel like Allie “Van Winkel…”

 

Do you know how to make my God laugh?  …

Tell Her your plans…

 

I had so much "planned" for over the summer.  My very-doable TO DO List had very simple and easy things to check off while giving me plenty of time to enjoy the lazy hazy days of Summer…

 

Alas…it is now September and NOTHING got checked off in addition to being completely behind in publishing this Newsletter...

 

Of course, I beat myself up for being such a slacker but then again, I might have had some unexpected things going on…

 

·     A torn meniscus and the realization that I may have to slow down!

·     Nursing my 14-old cat who survived a cold but the prognosis isn’t good…

·     A “little” house remodeling project that went way too long…Note: NEVER work on your kitchen & bathrooms at the same time!

·     My daughter deciding that she wanted to make the Varsity Tennis Team as well as take a part time job to earn her trip to Europe…guess who got to drive her everywhere?

 

This was all in addition to my other regular obligations…

 

It felt that Summer was going to be a complete #Fail.

 

But again, my God has a great sense of humor.

 

Despite my many challenges, I managed to make a complete breakthrough.

 

In a strange way, the limited time helped me prioritize and clarify what I really wanted to do.

 

While recovering, I finally had the time to take a free workshop in Functional Medicine.   I happened to mention this to my doctor (who happened to be a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner) and he got very excited.  He’s been looking for Coaches that he can partner up with.  In this day and age, doctors have the challenge of directing their patients to create a healthier lifestyle but they don’t have the time and breadth to show them how.  That’s where Coaches come in. 

 

Long story short…I might have found myself a niche.  I was accepted and enrolled in a Functional Medicine Certification program with the intent to work with my doctor and his patients in the future, helping them adapt a healthier lifestyle!

 

And, it gets even better…

 

My meniscus tear required me to change up my exercise program.  Instead of cardio cardio cardio...I had to build up my strength and increase my flexibility.   I needed to be consistent and move every day as well as change my diet.

 

Now, I’ve been active for years and eat pretty healthy but my scale never moved and I was getting heavier as I aged.  I accepted this as part of “middle age.”    While I wasn’t “unhealthy,” I wasn’t where I wanted to be.

 

 

Within the last three months, I’ve lost weight and decreased my blood sugar and cholesterol levels.  Best of all, I feel fabulous!

 

These two things happened because I had to change up my usual routine and find different paths to where I wanted to go.

 

My BIG TAKE AWAY for this Summer:

 

If you find that you’re goals are getting "blurry,"  don’t get discouraged! 

Life has a funny way of working out.  Embrace what looks like obstacles and be open to different paths.

Who knows...it may lead you to your happiness faster...

Anyone else experienced this?  I'd love to hear your story...

  

 

 

Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

ACHIEVE: Breaking Thru That Procrastination Cycle

5.9-procrastination

I would have written this article sooner but I was busy doing everything else.  I had to reorganize my closet, brush out a continually moving poodle and check Facebook a million times to make sure all 400 of my friends were doing okay.

 

Does this sound familiar? 

 

It is all too familiar to me!

 

So, I decided to hire myself as a coach.

 

“Hi  Client Allie, I’m Coach Allie…great name, by the way…”

 

“Hi Coach Allie…thanks!”

 

“So, what would you like to discuss today?”

 

“I’d like to find out why I’m such a bad procrastinator…I know I need to get certain things done but I keep putting it off.”

 

“Hmmm…what things do you keep putting off?  Why aren’t they on your list of priorities?”

 

And, that is the first step.  Understanding the What and Why of the Things You Keep Putting Off…mine fall in two categories.    

 

The first category is THE THINGS I JUST DON’T WANT TO DO.   For example, Cleaning the Litter Box…Getting Groceries…Doing Laundry.   Yet these things still need to get done and eventually I do them because my cat’s judgmental stare, my family’s complaints about nothing to eat and the fact that I can’t go and buy a new workout outfit every day are facts that compel me to fulfill these responsibilities. 

I’m mostly at peace with this.


 

The second category are THINGS I REALLY WANT TO DO BUT DON’T.  Some examples here are Losing Ten Pounds…Finishing Up My Book…Working On My Business.

I don’t get it. 

I’m EXCITED to DO these things.  I look forward to doing these things.  Motivation isn’t the issue. 


 

“So, Allie, what do you think is holding you back?  These things are important to you…why are you finishing up everything else but not these things?”

 

“Hmmm…I’m not sure.  I’m known in my professional world for always meeting my deadlines, sometimes even getting it done before the deadline.”…Under promise and Over deliver has always been my mantra.

 

“What are your deadlines for these?”

 

BINGO!

 

Although I work hard on my goals,  I don’t have hard deadlines.  I’m easily distracted or something comes up in the week and I get off track.  Which is normal, I know, but for some reason, I lose momentum and then spend most of the time anxiously fretting that I’m not moving forward.    

 

So, the obvious solution is to place a deadline on these goals, right?

 

Been there…done that…and let me tell you, by this time, I should have been able to fit in my old wedding dress (over 15 years ago), started on my second book and hiring employees to meet the high demand of my business . 

 

“Ummm, Allie…didn’t you just start your business last September?  From where I sit, eight months is an awfully short time to complete all those goals?”

 

My coach is very very wise…

 

I constantly have to remind myself that I am a product of a Tiger Mom and sometimes my unrealistic deadlines and overwhelming expectations are not always positive motivating assets.

 

My deadlines did me in this time. 

They overwhelmed me and made me more anxious.   They didn’t account for “every day life” and the unexpected events.  Like Writer’s Block.  Or, when my Teen was anxious about taking her AP exams and needed her Mom (a extremely rare occurrence) to help her study and be the cheerleader.   Or, when your guy wants to take you to Tuscany.    I do have my priorities in order…Teen and A Romantic Trip to Italy win EVERY time.


 

So, the first step for me this time around was placing realistic deadlines of when I want to complete these goals. 

 

“Very good, Allie!  Now what’s the downside of not meeting your goal within your deadlines?”

 

“If I don’t lose the weight, I’ll be unhealthy which is a real turn-off for future clients since I’m a Health Coach…If I don’t complete the book, I’ll have these ideas bursting internally inside me and I won’t be able to share information that I think would be helpful to others.  And, if I don’t keep working on my business, then I will lose my sense of purpose.”

 

Step One of Placing Realistic Deadlines and Understanding the Real Consequences of Not Getting It Done is completed.

 

My deadlines are much more realistic now and I know what will happen if I don’t get it done.

 

“Thank you, Coach Allie!  I think I’m good to go….”

 

“Not so fast, my little grasshopper…we still have to figure out a plan for when you meet some resistance or experience a setback.  What will you do then?”

 
Hmmmm…
 

The Coach is right.  I may have planned more realistically but nothing guarantees that this attempt will be any different.  I might hit a wall again and go back to my old patterns.  Planning better may not be the one solution because life happens and unplanned things will get in my way.  Like that stupid Writer’s Block…

 

“So, Allie...you’ve just told me what happen the last time you hit Writer’s Block.  And it’s great that you’ve designed a new workspace as well as redecorated your daughter’s room, but aren’t you running out of home projects to do?  And, I don’t recall those being on your List of Goals?”

 

Ahhhh…the light bulb finally switched “on.”  Realistically planning is not only essential in the beginning, it also helps in the middle. 

 

Back to the drawing board…

 

Now, I have an Action Plan for when I get blocked or something else comes up. 

First thing is to be more cognizant of what is going on inside of me when the unexpected comes up.

Do, I just want the Distraction (usually, The Teen) to go away so I spend more time “putting out that fire” instead of determining the urgency level?

Am I feeling overwhelmed? 

Is Anxiety overwhelming me? 

More importantly, what is the root cause behind these feelings?


 

Once I’ve identified the What and Why, I need to confront my feelings and keep moving forward!  

 

I need to teach myself (and the Teen) what is urgent and how to prioritize what needs attention and how much time it will take.

 

If I’m overwhelmed, I need to be a little nicer to myself and remember that I have a weakness for unrealistic deadlines and overwhelming expectations.  I need to adjust my daily schedule and timelines with some breaks and room to breathe.

 

And finally, if I’m anxious and afraid to fail,

I need to get over that. 


Am I really that arrogant to think that everything I attempt should work out the first time?  Of course not!  I’m going to learn by my mistakes and this experience is why I’m going down this adventurous path.  I want to learn how to be comfortable in taking risks.   I know I will fall flat on my face sometimes  and I need to make myself get up, tend to my bruises, learn my lessons, make the necessary adjustments and get right back to it. 


 

And when I’m really blocked, I need to think of potential ways to work through that block.   If I keep it on my mind, I can think of creative approaches and I really won’t be procrastinating at all…just doing the work mentally in my head.

 

Step Two:  Creating a Plan of What To Do When The Unexpected Comes Up and then Doing It…check!

 

So, have I completely conquered my Procrastination tendencies? 

Of course not…I just started. 

But, I can tell you that I have hit those blocks already and this time, instead of taking on another house project or berating myself for not producing anything, I’ve broken my usual Procrastination cycle.  Now, I let myself have a Pity Party or take care of the interruption and set a time limit of an hour. 

Then, I go back to what I set out to do.  

 

And, I'm beginning to see the progress. 

 

The key to this success was to break my Procrastination Cycle.   No more working without realistic deadlines.  No more of allowing myself to take extended breaks because I’m discouraged or disengaged when I hit resistance.  No more of unexpected distractions that take priority over my daily goals…

 

I must remember to buy my Coach a glass of champagne… 

 

Now, if only she could help me figure out how to get the laundry to do itself…

 

Till next time!

 

 If you liked this article and want more, I’d love to include you in my Email List. I promise not to bombard you! I send out monthly newsletters with helpful articles & invites that may help alleviate your frustrations with Health, Life Balance, Career, Purposes & Relationships. I think this information would be useful and valuable and it's at no cost to you!

Sign up here -www.ready-set-go.me

 

 


Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

ACHIEVE: PERSEVERANCE – Your Secret Weapon For Crossing The Finish Line!





 3.30-Blog - Perseverance

When I graduated from the IIN Health Certification Program, last September, I immediately started working on my new business, Ready Set Go!  Influenced by my Project Management background, I painstakingly laid out what I thought I needed to do to reach the goals that I set.

 

I grew up with a Chinese Tiger Mom and that upbringing automatically compels me to set the bar high.   My “lofty” plans included creating two Webinars, developing two eCourses and, of course, building my Coaching practice to at least ten private clients.  I also needed to set up my Social Media presence and brush up on my writing skills.  Oh, and I wanted to write my book.  ALL by the end of the year!

 

I might have had a pot of coffee while I was developing my 2017 Project Plan…

 

I also neglected to take in account that my To Do List included Mom Responsibilities of an Independent but Needy Teenager and Partner Responsibilities of an independent man who has no idea how to run a household or feed himself when I’m not with him.

 

Within two weeks, I started to feel a little overwhelmed…

 

I realized, although I was the Master of Recruiting, I was the Master of None when it came to starting an online Service Business.  That led me to sign up for numerous courses:  Digital Marketing… Find Your Niche…Social Media 101, etc, etc.    All these courses started with the basic fundamental skill…Writing.   Naturally, I signed up for the "30 Days of Better Writing" course.

 

I wrote my very first blog post that took me days to finish because I knew what I wanted to say but I was grasping for the perfect words to write it.   Finally, I was finished.

 

I made my inaugural post and waited eagerly to get a response from my community.  It would be my validation and that “pat on the back” to know I was on the right track.

 

CHIRP….Chirp….chirp….crickets for days…

 

As a Project Manager, I was ready to pinpoint the issue and solve the heck out of it.  I sought help from my two biggest supporters…the people I live with.

 

“I feel like I’m reading a memo from my boss.”

 

“Ummm….Mom…why do you use the word ‘collaborate?’…Can’t you just say working together?”

 

Back to the drawing board…

 

And then, I got hit with the dreaded Writer’s Block.

 

I have to tell you, I was SO productive in everything else except for working on my blog and business.  The house was spotless.  Gourmet meals were served for lunch AND dinner.  My laundry was done on a regular basis which meant I didn’t have to go out and buy new socks or underwear.   All in all, I felt pretty accomplished in everything…except my business.

 

I was discouraged, frustrated and stuck!

 

And then, I read an article from one of the many Writing Blogs I signed up for.   It recommended that writers write every day for at least fifteen minutes.  Didn’t matter if it was “publishable.”   Didn’t matter if it made sense.  If you couldn’t think of anything to write, they suggested writing, “I can’t think of anything to write” for the allotted time.

 

This “Stella” found her groove.

 

My very first day, I wrote, “This is stupid…I should go back to Recruiting” for fifteen minutes.  The next day, I started writing down why I DIDN’T want to go back to my old life.  I wrote down why I started this journey in the first place and what impact I wanted to make.  Although I didn’t mean to, I went over my required half an hour.  Per the recommendation, I just left it without looking or editing it.

 

The third day, I went back and read what I wrote.  I took the advice of my loved ones and didn’t write in a formal business-y tone.  I switched it up and found my  “voice.”   And I made (and still do) a daily habit of writing at least thirty minutes a day, six days a week.

 

Six months later, I’ve re-adjusted my Tiger goals and discovered that I really do love writing!  There’s been a positive response from my readers and I’ve figured out my mission for everything I write.  Good valuable insights with a big dose of humor!  I’ve been so encouraged that I’ve made finishing up my book one of my first priorities.

 

Oh sure…I have the days where I’d rather clean my house (said no one ever) and get a root canal then write.  But what I’ve learned from this experience is I do it anyways.   Although, I have more “un-publishables” than chapters and blog posts, I still know that I’m steadily pacing toward my mission.  My brain is alive with ideas and having the discipline to write every day helps me articulate my next steps and actions.  It’s also teaching me to cultivate patience, planning & timing…step by step…building my resources.

 

I’m a quarter way through my book now.  I’ve finished the Introduction and two sections of my book.  I’ve also realized that this book will be the foundation for my future eCourses and Webinars and will engage potential clients to want to work with me.

 

Perseverance shows up in small daily actions.

 

So, here’s some questions for you…

 

What is your goal or purpose?    

Are you getting distracted, discouraged or frustrated?   

How often are you working on it?


 

Perseverance has become my secret weapon while chasing after my dream.  Disciplined daily actions are building my skill set and toolbox.   It’s also strengthening my faith in the rough and discouraging times. 

 

So, where do you go from here?  What is something that you can do EVERY DAY that will get you closer to the life that you want? 

 

If you’re trying to eat healthier, eat at least one healthy meal EVERY day.  If you’re trying to get more exercise, find the time to fit in exercise time EVERY day.   If you’re working towards a goal, find time EVERY day to work on it.  If you’re feeling isolated, take the time EVERY day to connect with someone.  I think you get the picture…

 

Commit to nurturing your dreams and goals!

 

You’ll find that success will be inevitable…

If you liked this article and want more, I’d love to include you in my Email List. I promise not to bombard you! I send out monthly newsletters with helpful articles & invites that may help alleviate your frustrations with Health, Life Balance, Career, Purposes & Relationships. I think this information would be useful and valuable and it's at no cost to you! Sign up here… http://ready-set-go.me


 


Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

ACHIEVE: 5 Steps to Getting Unstuck


2.28-RSG-ACHIEVE-Getting Unstuck



ACHIEVE:   5 Steps to Getting Unstuck

 

We all hear about the Asian Tiger Moms.  You know, the mothers that are VERY focused on their children excelling at everything?  I think the true intent of these strategic parents is to be able to scare the child into submission by keeping them constantly busy and exhausted…they really can’t get into too much trouble because they are so tightly held accountable to grades and goals.  (Totally worked for me and my brother)

 

The Joy Luck Club was basically my childhood.  My parents, while they loved me in their own “Chinese” way, had extremely HIGH expectations.  A-‘s were considered Asian F’s.  (between you and me, I think Glee was written by an Asian…)  I’ve only recently started to enjoy playing the piano and playing tennis on my own without the obsession of winning the tournament and being the star at the Spring Recital.  Sadly, it’s taken me a while to get to this point… just about 40 years.

 

The obsession to “win” carried on into my adult life.  After I got my MBA, I started my own consulting business where I got to travel most of the week.  I traveled so much that I often had to look at the hotel stationery so I could figure out what city I was in.  And then, at 40, we adopted our daughter from China.   The strain of two traveling professionals with a 13-month benevolent tyrant (BT) strained our relationship and unexpectedly, we, reluctantly, became a single parents. 

 

Because we were “winners”, we made co-parenting successful.   I was able to adapt my working life to the “new normal” and when the BT was with her dad, I would eagerly take on more projects, usually working all the time she was gone.  When we were together, I tried to make up all the time I missed with her …we would have countless adventures with many people to meet and places to explore.

 

Everything was great…I was winning!

 

Except…on most days, I had a hard time getting out of bed.  I was exhausted and not too happy with where my life was going.  I had a hard time connecting my daily activities with a purpose…except to keep my child alive & thriving.  And while, I think I’m a good Tiger Mom…that wasn’t enough for me.  Something was missing…

 

I WAS STUCK!

 

Fast forward, ten years.  I found what I was missing and while my life is just as hectic and crazy as always, these days, I feel like I’m consistently moving forward.   I now go to bed feeling content & fulfilled (not exhausted) and look forward to starting my day.…

 

I learned a lot throughout this journey and I’d like to pass on what I’ve learned to you.  Here are five ideas to get you started…

 

#1 - Get More Space…

 

“Ok, what does that mean?  Does this mean I have to move out?”

 

(My partner is hilarious…I really need to get a different editor.) 

 

But he is on the right track.  Of course, you’re not going to move out of where you are now but carving a space (in time and in your mind) will help you develop & evolve yourself beyond where you are today. 

 

Think about it…if you’re so busy, rushed & burdened, you know you’re not being effective.  In fact, you might be spending  valuable time “undoing” and fixing things because you weren’t being effective in the first place.

 

On top of that, I bet you’re EXHAUSTED!

 

What are you tolerating?  Figure out an exit strategy from that situation.  Clearing the drains & strains in your life means that you’ll gain more resources & energy to be able to do the things you really want to do!

 

 Step #2 – Became More Open to Seeing Things Differently

 

Now that you have some space, start to see things from a different angle.   Reassess your “stories” and reactions.  It was an “eye-opener” for me to realize that my assumptions and beliefs that I created in my 20’s looked so different now.

 

Raising awareness  within yourself will change your reactions and expectations.  And most importantly, your definitions and approaches to what is “successful” to you will evolve.  This will keep you moving forward and open more opportunities in your life.

 

Step #3 – Find & Tap Into Your Sparks

 

Ask yourself these following questions:

 

What do you absolutely need to find out more about?  (Curiosity spark)

 

What topics/ideas do you connect with?  (Fascination spark)

 

What gets you “in the zone” where you can spend hours and hours? (Immersion spark)

 

What keeps you committed to improving your skills & knowledge? (Mastery spark)  

 

What drives you to “make an impact?  (Service spark)

 

Which answers came on the tip of our tongue?   These would be your most dominant sparks. 

 

When I did this exercise, I connected with the Service spark questions instantly!   Knowing someone has been positively impacted by my action is my definition for success.

For me, planning my projects and actions around a Service purpose helps me feel like I’m on the right path. Which is why I’ve developed Ready Set Go!  I want to motivate and inspire you to make small changes in your life!   

Knowing what comes easily and naturally to you will help you start planning your journey around the ability to spend as much of your energy pursuing your these sparks.

 

Step #4 – Figure Out What Matters Most To You?

 

Now, you know what really sparks you up!  This awareness will help you filter down so you can really identify what you really do want.  Don’t dwell on how bad your current situation is…this is what’s making you stuck.  Think instead of moving towards what you do want.  Some things to think about are:

 

The Transformation – How do you feel now?…What do you want to feel instead?...  How will you change?

The Vision – How will you know that you got “there?”  How will you measure success?


Valuing the Process is the ultimate goal.  My favorite saying is, “It’s not just the destination…it’s the journey.”

 

Step #5 – Understand & Accept Your Obstacles

 

Everyone hits a wall…if you didn’t have obstacles, then you probably wouldn’t be stuck? 

 

Practice that openness in Step #2.  Instead of looking at this as an obstacle, look at this as a great learning experience.  What can you control?  What can you influence?  Analyze what’s getting in your way and think of different ways to work through it or around it

 

Change your timeline…change your destination but keep going forward.  Ignoring your obstacles will just lead to delaying or even giving up what you set out to do.  And, then you’re right back where you were at the beginning of this article.

 

And, no one wants that…

 

I’m curious to hear if this approach works for you!   Feel free to comment below about your experience and how this might work (or not work) for you…

 

Till next time…

If you liked this article and want more, I’d love to include you in my Email List. I promise not to bombard you. I send out monthly newsletters with helpful articles & invites that may help alleviate your frustrations with Health, Life Balance, Career, Purposes & Relationships. I think this information would be useful and valuable and it's at no cost to you! Sign up here… http://ready-set-go.me

Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

ACHIEVE: THE VALUE IS IN THE PROCESS!

8.17-RSG Website - Machu Pichu



Are you making those New Year's Resolutions?  I'M NOT!...

Being the former Type A personality, I used to make my New Year's
 Resolutions every year...usually, after a short period of time (I once made it to 6 months!), I break the resolutions.  This usually results in me feeling like a failure or a complete fool...Well, NO MORE!

For 2017, I'm setting Intentions instead...

Launching my business, writing my first book, developing live webinars and eCourses are some of the things I’d like to complete this year.   In addition, I want to eat less meat, dairy, wheat, and sugar…no more cookie breaks! 1.5-emoji.tears-flow-emoticon.jpg  I also want to consistently make time for my daily workouts…(so I don’t get SO irritated with my teenager!)   Last but not least, I'm going to network more, make new connections as well as strengthen and nurture my current relationships.  (While my pups are wonderful company, I need to have REAL conversations!)

"What happened to being 'balanced' and not stressing out this year?" 

My partner thinks that I'm insane…and I’m sure you probably think he’s right.   He is a rational and reasonable guy and when he suggests that I  “ease up” or take some  things off of my list, I actually think about it...for a minute...

But, not this time...


WHY?


Because…I finally got it...THE VALUE IS IN THE PROCESS…

Here's how I shifted my perspective... 

When my mother passed in 2014, I was devastated.  I had a hard time moving pass the grief and found myself stuck in my memories and sadness.  I wanted to escape home during the holidays and dragged my family across the seas to Chiang Mai, Thailand to distract myself from my miserable state.  But because there is a higher power, I found myself in front of a Thai Monk who helped me understand that attaching myself to the end result would most always lead to sadness and disappointment.  And it was true…focusing on the fact that my mother was gone was definitely detrimental.  But focusing on the time I had with her help me get back the joy in our relationship!  And that was what is most important.


So, I'm going in 2017 knowing that I might not get all those things done on my list.  Realistically, I'm gonna eat dessert and be a couch potato some days.  I may only finish 3 out of the 4 things I want to do for my business.  And, that's okay...

For 2017,
I will make a conscious effort to NOT get attached to the outcomes.  This has happened too many times in the past and I'm NOT getting stuck this year!  (Besides, Game of Thrones doesn't come on until the Fall...)

Instead, I’m going to focus on the building my skills and getting new experiences.  I'm looking for those "A HA" moments.  I’ll be in constant learning mode and keep moving forward with my vision one step at a time…

And this year, I won't feel like giving up because I'll already be getting the VALUE OF THE PROCESS!


 

Sound good?  WHO’S WITH ME?  What are YOUR Intentions for 2017?

 

I’d love to hear about your progress for this year!  Sign up on my email list and be part of our community! 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Allie


 

Tags:
Next