HOW TO ENJOY LIFE WHILST PURSUING YOUR GOALS
“Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” – Napoleon Hill
1. Know Your Role At Every Moment
This was difficult for me quite some time. I had to be ‘the coach’ with clients, the ‘boyfriend’ when I was with Katie, I had to be ‘the student’ whilst I was studying and many more. I could feel myself losing control if I wasn’t clear of the situation I was in and my head was elsewhere.
The best thing I did for my sanity (and the sanity of those around me) was totally commit to the situation I am in at any one time. If I am spending time with my girlfriend then the best thing to do is listen, have fun and be a good boyfriend, NOT sit there thinking about coaching techniques or what I need to learn tomorrow.
It’s okay to get this wrong sometimes but from now on be aware of what you’re doing, whilst you’re doing it. That way you’ll be the best version of yourself in that moment.
2. Have a Strong Support Network
When I started telling people that I was leaving my job, most people told me that I was totally crazy. When I told Katie, she quickly told me that she was there for me and that she’ll support me in whatever I choose to do. This was the catalyst to me believing that I could do it and whenever I was challenged, I had Katie to talk to. There were of course other people who supported me but it was amazing that Katie made this stand for me so early on in our relationship.
Over time I have sought out people who I already knew as well as people I had never met who could support me, believe in me and add to my mission in life. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a friend, a parent, a mentor, or a partner just make sure that they are ready to support you and believe in you.
Overcome the challenge of believing in yourself and you will be astounded by how many people will believe in you and in your vision. A strong support network will inspire you and keep you going.
3. Schedule Time for Yourself to do the Things you Enjoy
When I first really started writing and pursuing goals, I became obsessed with motivation and I began to lose sight of the fun things that I enjoyed to do. I would be getting lots done but I wasn’t feeling as fulfilled as I really should. One of the main things that I had let slip out of my life was playing golf regularly. It has been a passion of mine since my early teens but I told myself that I ‘didn’t have the time.’
Now I have made a point of scheduling rounds of golf and golf practice sessions every week. It is vital that you tell your brain that you’re going to work very hard and you’re going to have plenty of time for yourself as well. Physically schedule the things that you enjoy to do and make sure that you do them.
4. Ask for Help
Ask for help in every area of your life. Ask your loved ones for help at home. Ask for help at work, ask for help writing that book. Ask for help on that exercise and nutrition regime. Ask for help whenever you feel like you need it. This sounds like a very simple concept but how often have you struggled on instead of asking for help?
This pattern of thinking comes from our school days where we don’t want to look silly in front of the class. Break that pattern and just ask and you will notice that the pursuit of your goals becomes more enjoyable when you have people helping you.
“I think when you move past your fear and you go after your dreams wholeheartedly, you become free.” – LL Cool J
5. Always Keep Going
It seems obvious that you should keep going and not give up no matter what. However, quitting can and will; be tempting at certain points and when you come across theses times pay special attention to steps 2, 3 and 4. Use your support network, ask for help and spend time doing fun things that you enjoy to get your thoughts in line.
Once you have done this you’ll be refreshed, recharged and ready to press on!
