Most us of have some area of our lives that feels out of control in some way. It may be spending, eating, working. Or it may be something we say we are going to do but don’t: walking, writing, painting, cleaning out the closet, or learning a new language. Whatever it is, you know it! You (and I) both know that internal refrain: If onlymy spouse, boss, schedule, travel, budget (or something else) didn’t keep me from (fill in the blank), then I’d be able to…
Stop:
spending
eating
working so hard
Start:
walking
writing
painting
My work includes travel to clients and conferences. When I’m tired, it’s hard to put on those walking shoes and go exercise after a full day of leading a planning session. Or to skip that warm chocolate chip cookie they bring for the afternoon break. Or to make good choices when my client invites the whole team to a celebratory dinner! If only I didn’t travel… but that’s not likely, and besides I love what I do.
Several years ago, I remarried the love of my life. Among his many charms and talents, he is an enthusiastic and skilled cook. Everyone should have the pleasure of living with a great cook. It is lovely to end a long day and know that a delicious dinner is waiting. You can imagine that there have been consequences! If only he weren’t such a good cook…
Then in a moment of clarity, I realized I could continue to say If only…OR, I could take 100% responsibility for making sure I had what I needed to make good choices for my own health and well-being.
Regardless of our areas of challenge (or opportunity), it really is up to us to say: I am 100% responsible for the choices I make. And here is the amazing thing about taking that on: You will immediately feel more powerful, and you will also BE more powerful. You will no longer see your solution as outside yourself. You will embrace your own efficacy in creating the result you want.
So, for this week, look at that area you’ve been wanting to change and say: I’m 100% responsible.
Let me know what you discover.
Until next Tuesday,
Elizabeth