Do you reflect you?
It is not given that life will give you what you have given it or that things will turn out as you have designed them, but what is important is that you are yourself at any point in time. And no one or force can swing you from side to side and toss you about […]
It is not given that life will give you what you have given it or that things will turn out as you have designed them, but what is important is that you are yourself at any point in time. And no one or force can swing you from side to side and toss you about as if you are a person without a focus or mind of your own. You have a better chance in life if you know how to design and recreate your own life.
The feeling we derive from being able to create from the scratch is a powerful one. A beautiful dress comes from an otherwise plain piece of fabric put to use by the creative mind of a tailor. It is possible for you to develop and shape your life using these phenomena even though we cannot design every aspect of our lives because we have certain fixed and the variable aspects.
Aisha Danjuma a guidance counselor and mother explains that the machinery of our upbringing cannot be changed. “All that happened in the past have shaped who you are today, so you will need to start designing your life from this point onward.
“You may have the best laid out plans and still have things going topsy-turvy and encountering unforeseen obstacles. Since you cannot control your past but can control your present for the sake of the future, there are certain steps which can help you build and organise your life as you want it.”
According to her, the same principle applies the way it does in a business. “Before you start off, you usually have business plan as a book has a table of contents. This is a step-by-step guide which leads you daily. Your plans can be worked on and modified when the need arises and can help you tackle unexpected occurrences.”
She suggests that targets are outlined. “Map out your action plans and how you will meet each one. Beginning with your personal life or your career, strategise on how you will progress from the stage you are to your desired level. Then you can design other aspects of your life to fit into this plan as it suits you.”
Author of ‘How to Get What You Want in Work and Life’ David Bohl, advises that once your plan is in place, there are other elements to consider.
“After you’ve created your blueprint, (your plan) and before you take action, you need to get into the right mindset. The power of your thoughts, your positive mindset, your committed focus on your goals and your plan will improve your chances of success in each area you take action in. You must believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals. You must become aware of your thoughts and maintain the ones that will support your getting what you want. You must eliminate distractions and focus on the end result. The next things to consider are your actions to execute your plans with the right mindset.
“With your plan in place and your mind set on success, you’re ready to take the actions necessary to build your life as you desire it. If you want to change careers, your first action may be to set up interviews with people in that career from whom you can get guidance. The next action may be to sign up for classes that will increase your skill level necessary for the career move. And so on. Just keep following the action steps you outlined in your blueprint. It is not enough for you to take action on your plans. These plans must be maintained, repaired and supported.’’
Actions according to Bohl need to be monitored regularly to monitor your progress. Did the information interviews provide you with all you needed to know or do you need to schedule some more? Do you have enough time to study for the classes you’re taking, or is it a challenge while holding a full time job? Have you taken an internship or entry level position in your new field and now it’s time to ask for a promotion? Keep monitoring your progress toward your goals so you can stay motivated. Celebrate the small successes on your way toward your bigger goals. Each success is one step closer to your ultimate life design.
“Make corrections, adjust for change, re-examine your actions and your goals. As you hit obstacles, find a way around them. Make sure they’re not showing up often to tell you you’re on the wrong course. If that is the case, re-assess your goal to make sure it’s what you really want, and then establish some new actions that will get you back on the path even if it’s a different route.
“All builders have a team. The architect designs the house, then the contractor steps in and hires plumbers, electricians, framers, etc. As you design your life, your team may include coaches, mentors, teachers, associates, partners, interns, contractors and whoever can help you achieve your goals.”
As you start working your plan, review it on a regular basis, adjust for changes and always reward yourself for your progress. With these tools in your toolbox, you’re on your way to designing your own life.