When was the last time you attempted a task with the wrong tools and without a clear plan, only to end up overwhelmed and frustrated with the outcome or lack thereof? Perhaps you can relate to this.
This morning I attempted to sweep my driveway. It’s hidden under loads of leaves. The work has to be done.
So armed with a small push broom, I set out to tackle the fallen leaves scattered across the pavement. I just jumped right in, thinking “I’m strong, this is no big deal.” Let me just do it." However, lacking a clear intention, goals and the right tools for the task at hand, I quickly found myself feeling overwhelmed. To make matters worse, my attempts to use a leaf blower proved futile as it refused to cooperate. Frustrated and defeated, I ultimately gave up on the endeavor, feeling drained and disheartened. And the leaves, yep, they are still there, cluttering my driveway and making me unhappy.
Reflecting on this experience, it DAWNed on me - we can often approach life with the wrong tools and without clear intentions. Whether it's in our personal or professional endeavors, failing to define our goals and desired outcomes can leave us feeling lost and directionless, ultimately leading to burnout. And what's worse, we fail to define ourselves, what we desire, what our capabilities and limits are. Honestly, I didn't even want to rake and sweep leaves. It was a strong suggestion from my husband that I took upon myself, interrupting my day and wasting time.
But the consequences go beyond temporary frustration in life beyond the lawn. The lack of intention and goal-setting can also lead us to doubt ourselves, questioning whether we truly know who we are. I questioned, “Is it really this hard to sweep leaves?” “I can’t be this weak.” It's in these moments that the impostor syndrome can rear its head, whispering doubts and insecurities into our minds.
And it’s here we have the opportunity to regroup. I know I want to make changes in the curb appeal of my house, but I underestimated the task, got discouraged and quit. What happens to you when you look at a circumstance in your life that you know needs to change? Do you charge right in willy nilly and try to muster up all your might to change it, without giving full thought to all the hows that need to be factored into the equation? Or do you look and ponder, waiting for someone else to take the lead so the workload does not fall to you. For kicks and giggles, I am going to leave the leaves to my husband. It was his idea anyway.
Back to you. What would you like to change in your life? What barriers have you encountered? Do you feel underprepared? Unarmed? Incapable? I bet none of this is true. But if you feel like you’re missing the mark, let’s chat.
This is where coaching can make all the difference. Coaching is a tool to get stuff done in our lives. By working with a therapeutic coach, you have the opportunity to delve deeper into your self-awareness and understanding. Through guided reflection and exploration, you can uncover your true desires, strengths, and values, gaining clarity and confidence in who you are and what you want to accomplish.
Moreover, when you enroll in a program like B.A.L.M. you unlock even more expansiveness. We start with uncovering your truest foundation, the You created in the image of God, create a compassionate internal cheerleader to replace your inner critic, find safety with God, learn how to hear from the Spirit, and finally move the leaves that clutter your life with strategy that is aligned to your personality. In this program, you learn to silence the voice of the impostor and embrace your authentic self. With each step forward, you reclaim your power and reaffirm your worthiness.
The next time you find yourself facing the proverbial driveway of life, remember the importance of using the right tools and setting clear intentions. Whether it's through coaching, self-reflection, or spiritual practice, give yourself the gift of intentionality and self-discovery. Watch as you journey further towards your goals with grace, confidence, and authenticity.
Here’s a loving nudge to approach each day with intention, purpose, and self-compassion. May you find joy and fulfillment in every endeavor, knowing that you are so capable of taking what clutters your life and moving towards what brings you joy and solace.
If you are formulating a plan for change, I offer you these steps for consideration:
Set your intention - what is it you desire to change?
Take a step back - is this even your goal? If not, what makes you take it on? If yes, let's move forward.
What will the intended outcome look like?
What tools do you need to make this happen?
What barriers might you encounter, both emotional and physical? How can you best prepare to handle them?
This is a good start. Know that support is available to ensure you reach the goal. ☺️
Blessings to you for a day filled with self-discovery, growth, and love.