Can you imagine your life in 5 years time?

Worried you’re not where you want to be right now? Can’t imagine life in 5 yrs time being any different?

You may think nothing is going to change and that any big changes are just ‘pipe dreams’. Let’s look at some common things said by people who reflect on who they were and who they are now, 5 years later -

* Some say they have different attitudes to themselves and others. They have a greater understanding;

* Negative self talk has been identified and is being addressed;

* They have a willingness to look under the surface of what is going on and the root emotion, and seek to learn and change;

* A growing acceptance of strengths, skills, and life experience that now enables them to be who they are now and do what they now do.

These four elements have a common bond - awareness.

To get to this level of awareness and to have these elements in our lives it isn’t something that happens over night.

It’s about small steps and consistency.

One giant leap is unrealistic for most of us.

When you are aware of your actions and consequences you will start to

recognise that by repeating the same patterns that you get the same results in your life - now and in 5 years.

It’s time to change it up - one step at a time.

So, instead of aiming for one miraculous overnight change when you wake up transformed, enlightened and the best version of you (eh, no this won’t happen!) start by taking one step -

- If you want a healthier eating lifestyle look at breakfast and change that and once you are happy with your choices and you repeat it then move onto changing your Lunch...

- If you feel overwhelmed by your personal finances - you're always skint! - sit down and brain storm what your problems are. Then break your tasks down into small chunks. Such as write down what you spend each day. Do this for one week. Work out how you can replace one expense with something cheaper/free. Replace it and save that money ... Do it again with something else...one thing at a time...

- If you want to meet new people start on Social Media. Find a group in your area. Post consistently in the group and build rapport. Keep writing and adding comments over time. Be brave and build some relationships. Go to their next meet up or create one...

There are many things that seem to stop us from repeating good habits. We all start out well but can fail after some time or a small hurdle gets us off track. Its always helpful if we are aware of the common patterns that may show up to stop us from being consistent. Here are a few -

- Self- doubt - ‘I can’t do that’, ‘I’m not good enough’;

- Self- sabotage - you get so far then go into patterns of behaviour you know don’t serve you like eat well for 3 days then binge on pizza on the 4th day and say 'I knew I couldn't do this'...;

- Communication issues - Not asking for what you want. Thinking others should know what you want!;

- Limiting beliefs - Feeling like you’re not good enough! You have Imposter syndrome.

The key is taking it one step at a time and having an awareness of what might stop you moving forward consistently.

Find some time to -

- Check your attitude to yourself and others - have more compassion;

- Acknowledge the negative self talk or sabotage patterns you may have

then ditch them;

- Keep being curious and growing;

- Find out your strengths and start using them.

In summary, keep taking lots of small steps, being kind to yourself, sometimes stretching yourself, and choosing each day to make decisions based on the person you want to be in 5 years time.

Much love, Dawn