Are You Feeling Overwhelmed By Your Busy Schedule?

1. Get clear on what you want: Imagine yourself five years from now. Can you picture it? Now, ask yourself a crucial question: Will your current choices and actions lead you towards a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life? Take a moment to humanise your future self—someone older and wiser, directly influenced by the choices you make today. How does it feel to develop empathy and a sense of responsibility towards that person? It’s time to gain clarity and create a stronger connection with the life you truly desire.

2. Reverse engineer your goals: Now that you have a clear vision of your future self, let’s reverse engineer your goals. What behaviours and actions are necessary to achieve that desired outcome? Do you want to prioritise your health and fitness or pursue interests and hobbies that bring you joy and fulfilment? Break down those goals into manageable steps. What specific actions align with your desired identity? How can you incorporate them into your daily life? Create a plan and commit to consistent action.

3. Examine your beliefs and stories: Let’s take a moment to reflect on the beliefs and stories that shape your identity. What stories do you tell yourself about who you are and what you’re capable of? Are these stories empowering or limiting? It’s time to challenge the truth of those beliefs. Have you ever tried asking yourself, “Is this true?” or “Is this really true?”. By doing so, you’ll gain a clearer perspective and discard limiting beliefs that may be holding you back.

4. Take ownership and reject victim mentality: Look in the mirror and recognise the person with the most control over your life—you! How does it feel to acknowledge that you have the power to make intentional decisions that align with your desired identity? It’s time to take ownership of your choices and outcomes. Resist the temptation to fall into a victim mentality that externalises blame and absolves you of personal responsibility. Instead, let’s focus on the actions you can take to create positive change. Embrace the principle of personal agency and understand that you have the power to shape your own destiny.

5. Question default settings and create boundaries: Are you willing to question the validity of your thoughts and beliefs? Just as you wouldn’t accept everything a child says as true, don’t unquestioningly accept the thoughts and narratives that hold you back. Constantly question their validity. Additionally, create boundaries around your desired identity and non-negotiable behaviours. What are you willing to compromise on? What choices can you make that align with your values and goals? Remember, you have the power to prioritise your well-being, even in the face of external pressures or conflicting opinions. Assert your identity and make conscious choices that support your personal growth.

6. Stay strong and overcome social and environmental challenges: You’re not alone on this journey. As you strive to make positive changes, you may encounter resistance from your social environment. They may question your choices or try to pull you back into old patterns. That’s normal. But here’s the thing—surround yourself with supportive individuals who understand your goals and can cheer you on. Seek out communities, mentors, or like-minded individuals who share similar aspirations. They can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Remember, the company you keep plays a significant role in shaping your identity and supporting your growth. Who will you surround yourself with?