As a Business and Success coach, I answer questions about business and your personal path to success. Send your questions in to risha@yorkemotivational.com.
I have big dreams.
There is so much I want to accomplish, and I have my sights set high.
It feels like, despite my best efforts, it is not happening fast enough. I’m impatient.
Any advice? —M.T.
I can relate to the impatience. Us dreamers, nothing can stop us in the long run, except ourselves, so please remember that first.
I used to get so excited about my goals that I would run headlong into plans and scheduling and crossing things off my to do list. I would get frustrated when I hit hurdles, interruptions, setbacks. I know the feeling of anxiety it causes and despair it can lead to when you feel like your efforts aren’t moving you forward. Nowadays, I have a different approach so I can keep working towards my goals and manage the impatience.
Get your plan in order. If you have big dreams, then you should have big plans. Make sure you know the steps needed to reach your goals and can shift focus to your controllables when you hit a wall or are stuck waiting. There are probably more than a few tasks within your control, so focus there while you wait for the rest to sort itself out. Draw yourself a map to your goals so you don’t lose direction.
Patience is a virtue and timing is everything. This one is the hardest for me, and sounds like it might be for you too. I get so sick of hearing this and tired of saying it to myself, but it remains true. Sometimes your world needs to pause, other things take priority, or circumstances beyond your control take over. Also, knowing when to strike to get the best result is key. Know each step and what follows so you are ready.
Get focused. I know what it is like to have a wildly ambitious imagination. If you are also a high achiever, it is all going to feel like it is within your grasp. Prioritizing is what will make those dreams a reality. Don’t split your focus. Don’t get distracted.
Check your schedule for downtime. Downtime will fuel your imagination and allow you space to problem solve. We can over schedule and over plan because we are in a hurry to get to where we are going, but taking breaks and being sure we are rested and ready to take on the next challenge is just as important.
Celebrate your accomplishments. I get it.You are driven, goal focused. You often run full steam, checking off wins, but not stopping to celebrate or recognize them. When you celebrate your wins it stimulates dopamine production in your brain, the feel-good chemical. Dopamine allows you to feel pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation.
Be confident and stay consistent. If you have put your plan together and are following through, keep going. Trust in yourself and the dreams you have been chasing. Keep steadfast in your direction and allow yourself to look back on how far you have come.
We all have a crisis of faith in ourselves or our dreams now and again. Remind yourself why you chose these goals and what they mean to you. In those moments where your faith is lacking, let me be the first to say, I’m so proud of you for how far you have come already and I know that if you stay the course, your dreams have every chance of becoming your reality.