Inside Coaching is where we dig into coaching conversations, starting with questions from real women living savvy—my coaching clients, friends and readers. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and send in your questions here.
Living Savvy reader Cynthia emailed me sharing:
I have been accepted into a university course. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I know it’is the next step forward to create my dream life. But just opening the letter of acceptance made my head spin with worry. My life is already busy with children and work. A lot of the time I feel I am playing catch up to keep up with everything and everyone. How do I study, work, raise kids, and keep something for me? How do I do all of this and not burn out?
This question from Cynthia touched very close to home for me. Recently I made the decision to withdraw from PhD studies as I found it impossible (at this time in my life) to manage my life responsibilities, keep doing the things that are important to me, study and maintain my sanity.
In the spirit of true honesty, I almost replied to Cynthia, “I don’t know how you do all of it!”
But, I do have a few thoughts to share…
Get Ready
Before you launch yourself into a big project ask yourself:
- What am I wanting to achieve?
- What are my reasons (motivations) for wanting to do this?
- How will this move me closer to achieving my dreams?
Being clear on the answers to these questions will help you to stay focused and committed, and make it easier to prioritise and plan the tasks required to successfully complete your big project.
Get Set
Put aside waiting for the perfect time, and take a moment to check in with these questions:
- Is this the right time?
- Will there be a better time?
Be inspired by Karen’s approach to tackling big projects in this episode of Living Savvy TV:
Go
Remember these very important life lessons that apply to living savvy, going after a big project, and creating your dream life:
It takes a village to create a dream
You will not succeed by your efforts alone. You will need support, encouragement and very practical assistance. Be clear about the help and support you need from family and friends and get comfortable asking for it. If required, buy in support to fill the gaps.
Be prepared
Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance—I think this military adage otherwise known as the ’7 Ps’ says it all!
Know what price you are willing to pay to create your dream life
When I made the decision to launch Living Savvy, I made some tough choices and decisions. There were things that I would say no to and there were other aspects of my life that I was unwilling to sacrifice.
I spent time getting clear on the cost of launching this big project, which was an important part of my dream life, and being certain that it was a price I was willing to pay.
Take care of you
Your vitality is the most important resource you have. It is not complicated: eat well, move your body, sleep deeply and create space in your life to rest and rejuvenate.
Spend time with like-minded people
It is important to connect with other people who are dreaming big, working hard, making commitments and sacrifices.
Ask yourself who moves me forward?
Connect with people who understand what you are doing, why you are doing it and know the effort it takes to achieve your dreams. In this episode of Living Savvy TV, Karen talks about the realities of living her dream life:
What’s next?
Do you have a coaching question? Ask in the comments or via our living savvy contact form.
Related posts:
- Inside Coaching with Jo: How do I narrow down my choices to the dream that’s right for me?
- Inside Coaching with Jo: How do I dream big for tomorrow AND take action today?
- Inside Coaching: How do I make life changes that last?
- Inside Coaching: When did you last take a mental health day?
- Inside Coaching: What happens when you have the courage to act on your dreams?
Firstly CONGRATUATIONS !!! Tha is awesome the first step in a new direction is exciting….my second thought is….
Wow – I know what this is like – one piece of advice I can give you is it takes time. But like anything you get the systems in place – and be prepared to smile when it goes pear shaped (as it will from time to time).
My best suggestion is Flylady.com – that concept of organisation from a small starting point – then do an “ideal week” (all the time knowing that some weeks will be far from ideal !) Plan study, work, family and me time – and if you have to compromise make sure that the me time isn’t the time you compromise every time.
There are times when I simply say to the kids I can’t watch your footy game this week I need to stay home and bake, prepare meals for the week ahead – or take time for me just to do some quilting. They don’t mind as long as it isn’t their time you take every time you need some extra hours, sometimes you can steal an hour or two from work, from family, from sutdy and from you – just try to spread it around.
Plan for holidays or breaks from study.
And most importantly BE IN THE MOMENT ALL THE TIME – if your child comes in to say goodnight look away from the computer or books, hug them and be in that moment with them – of all the things I do some well some not so well this is the skill I am constantly perfecting.
Angela
Thank you Anglea, generous sharing and practical tips.
Being in the moment is wonderful advice, I know (usually after) the moment has passed when I have had only given my children (or husband or work colleagues) a fraction of my attention. This doesn’ t mean that I have to react and give them my attention everytime on demand, but there are many times when honesty and directness pays off “I am focused on doing this now, I’ll be with you in 5 minutes” …whenever I do this it works everytime!
PS. Angela knows a thing or two about finding the right time or creating the right time to follow your dreams. Here is her story
http://livingsavvy.com.au/real-women-living-savvy-love-story