Easier than you think

I love watching HGTV, especially the programs that showcase homes being decorated/fixed up for little money.  One curiosity I have every time I watch one of these programs is how often the homeowners say after all the work is done “wow, that was easier than I thought it would be, why didn’t we do this sooner”? 

Some of these families have been living in their home for years but “lived with” their space “as is” rather than creating a best fit for them.  Maybe they thought it would take too much time or too much money – but when all is said and done, they see what a small investment of each could have brought them.

Yes, being a TV show they have others designing, planning and doing much of the work, but that kind of support can be hired, bartered or found from some of our current network of friends and family.  All we need to do is ask, seek and commit.

So, this week take a look at your home, your career, your life and ask yourself this question:

What would I most like to see change? 

Then ask – Who in my life can help me to change it?

Big picture and shifting goals

My clients come to me with goals they would like to achieve.  Goals like, choosing a career that is more fulfilling, building a business or creating better life balance.

When we dive into what these goals mean to them a bigger picture of what they truly want for their lives – underneath all of the specific things they want to add, delete or change – begins to emerge.  We see with greater clarity that what they really want may be inner peace, a simpler lifestyle, or joy in the present moment….

This new clarity often brings about shifts.  Shifts in their perspective about their goals, shifts in their commitment toward them or shifts in the goals thmselves.  Building a business may really be about sharing a passion – which adds a new energy to this pursuit.  A goal of a new career may transform into newfound perspective and passion for their current work.  The quest for better balance may shift to saying no and letting go instead of becomming better at juggling what is there.

To find your bigger picture, take a look at your own goals and wants and dive deeper, asking yourself: 

  • Why are they important to you? 
  • What is beneath the surface? 
  • What are you truly reaching for?

Patience Pays Off

So I am finally the owner of a Blackberry.  This was a decision I resisted (a theme with me around technology). Though I knew it would make my life easier, I cherished my time away from computers and was not keen on carrying one around with me.

The other day the choice was clear that it was time to buy one so I took the plunge.  Of course I was excited to learn how to use it and spent several hours Friday evening playing with it….and then was ready to return it!  I was frustrated and annoyed that it didn’t seem to be doing what I wanted it to or expected it to – and of course I blamed it (it could not possibly be user error:) )  I was ready to thow in the towel.  It was as if this experience was confirming my resistance and found myself thinking – “ha, I knew I didn’t want to use/need this new technology”!

The next day I decided to give it another try.  This time I patiently browsed through the screens, customizing it to my specificications, taking my time to understand how to use best us it, experimenting with the tools, etc.   And what do you know… I now love it!

How often are we ready to throw in the towel when something does not go the way we wanted it to right away?  How often do we give up before truly experiencing something the way it needs to be experienced?