The future: so many unknowns...
When talking with a friend, the conversation started going down the path of lamenting the state of the pandemic and its effect on the world. After a few minutes, I changed the subject as it was going nowhere fast.
Afterward, I sat myself down and used a technique I had learned a while back. It involves drawing a line down the middle of a page. I label one side: Things I can't control and the other side: Things I can control. As I finished the list, I realized that there was a lot I could control!
I saw that even though there are restrictions, I still have the ability to manage my future. In that light, I wanted to share a great free tool that I've been using for some time now: Futureme.org. The process is simple: you write an email to your future self and schedule when you want it to arrive in your Inbox. It almost sounds too easy, but if you're goal-oriented like me, it works like a charm!
I use this process to set monthly goals for my business. On the first of the month, I make a list of what I want to accomplish by the end of the month. I then go to Futureme.org and write myself an email, congratulating myself on the success of those goals. I step into my future self and imagine having achieved those goals. I offer myself a hearty congratulations, then get to work.
When I receive the email at the end of the month, I enjoy reading what I wrote and allow myself to celebrate my achievements. I don't always achieve everything I set out to do, but it's nice to get the acknowledgment!
Many studies find that writing down your goals makes it much more likely that you'll achieve them. When keeping goals in your head, they're usually fuzzy, indeterminate, and easy to forget. For me, writing down goals is the key to making them happen because I get specific about exactly what needs to happen.
The beauty of writing monthly goals is that my goals are now clear, specific, and attainable. I take small, manageable steps every month. When living through a pandemic with an uncertain future, it's nice to know that t I have complete control over something!
With this process, I've prepared for and passed my coaching oral exam, passed the written Coach Knowledge Assessment, and am now an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. I've delivered monthly newsletters all year long, have launched a coaching mastermind group, and am now launching two new coaching projects for 2022. All during a pandemic, while working full time and selling/buying/moving into a new home.
It's been an action-packed year for me. I'm thankful that each of you has been along for the ride. Thank you for your incredible support and encouragement on this journey. Your kind email responses after you get this newsletter, your willingness to try coaching, and your encouragement along the way have fueled me as I build this practice. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Here's wishing you a 2022 filled with more positive news, good health, and the ability to visit with family and friends. What might you envision for yourself in 2022?
