Have you ever noticed that you can go back and forth about a decision for weeks or months and everything in your life is on hold?  Once you gain the clarity about your decision everything else simply falls in place and the necessary tasks get done quickly.  Have you also noticed that some people are "doers" and "fixers"?  These energetic people are often seen fixing things and people that did not want to be fixed!  In the end, little is accomplished because they are simply completing tasks with no initial clarity about desired outcomes.

As I reflected on what are the consistent traits of successful clients, including myself, I recognized the following list. 

1.     Clarity     (what I want, motivation for my future)

2.     Commitment (understand my issues and own them)

3.     Connections   (exploring how things work)

4.     Confidence     (ownership, tools, knowledge)

5.     Courage         (to think for myself)

6.     Consistency   (not  a program, but my lifestyle)

Your words are powerful.  They indicate the thoughts and beliefs that are core to your being and they set the stage for where you are going in the future.  Words seem a simple thing, and maybe even insignificant, yet if you stop to evaluate your words throughout the day you can gain great insight into what you truly believe about yourself.

The world of "should", "could" and "have to" indicates a motivation that is external to you.  Words create a feeling in your heart or your gut.  The feeling in this world is typically heavy, burdened, guilty or discouraged.  Think about your internal language as it relates to you and your health desires as two competing voices.  One is a stingy voice and one is a generous voice.  The world of "should", "could" and "have to" often leads to "stingy" internal dialogue. 

It is tough to find your personal clarity on a subject in this world because the focus is on what someone outside of yourself is asking you to do.  Consider these statements.

"My doctor says I have to lose 20 lbs."

"I should eat better because cancer runs in my family."

"I know if I could make time to exercise I would have more energy."

"I should quit __________." (drinking, smoking, overeating, etc)

While all of these outcomes may truly be good for your health, how do these statements leave you feeling?  Are you motivated to get started in a positive direction?

The world of "I want" indicates an internal motivation that often feels positive, energizing and motivating.  The desired outcome may be the same, but the actual outcome is often vastly different.  This is a world where the "generous" voice tends to naturally follow.  Consider these statements.

"I want to have the energy to keep up with my teenagers."

"I want to be a grandparent that has energy to play with my grandkids."

"I want to go dancing with my spouse three nights every week."

"I want to be so healthy I don't even think about cancer."

"In 20 years, I want to retire and travel."

There were few direct links to specific goals in these statements.  However, what picture comes to your mind when you read these?  Does a list of, "Well if that is the case, I also want to ....," flow from this picture? 

The natural flow of obvious next steps is your assurance that you are on the right track with what you are wanting for yourself. 

Wishing you peace and joy in 2011,

Elizabeth