LET’S GROW

Recently, I started watching a video that poses a series of questions and I immediately started to tear up.

That reaction let me know it was probably an important video for me to watch. The video seems to be about reframing goals, but I paused it so I could watch the whole thing now with you and answer as I go. I would love to hear your answers too. This will actually be a two part series. I will answer the rest next week! If you are a Bestie, I will be leading further discussions on this in the exclusive Discord.

I will also save one of these five questions just for Besties plus much more information. Scroll all the way down for that. Here we go!

1. What dreams have been whispering to your soul, waiting to be unleashed in the new year?

My dreams don’t whisper, they SCREAM.

Until the end of 2023, I had mostly ignored that scream as something that is not possible. Something that, if I tried, wouldn’t be successful.

I have spent the majority of my life trying to be palatable to other people. I thought that if I became what was acceptable to others, I would be accepted and find community. What ended up happening was that I spent my energy trying to prove my worth to those who refused to see me. While I found success in many ways, it felt empty.

That’s where this newsletter community comes in. You guys are my people. This is where I wish I had focused the whole time. Nourishing those who see me, instead of auditioning for those who don’t or won’t. I’m grateful to you all.

2. Instead of fearing failure, imagine the incredible joy of achieving your goals. How would that feel? What would that unlock?

I just started this process. Doing it scared, but still moving forward. For me, the process has felt lighter. Instead of focusing on the overall goal, I just focus on the step in front of me. It unlocks the mindset that it’s all possible - and how exciting that is.

I’ll give you a visual that helped me. Imagine you are under a pile of rocks, trying to escape.

You could try to muscle your way out of it, but the stones are too heavy and you’ll relent. If instead you are patient, and take one stone off at a time, you’ll be free to move eventually. 

Slow and consistent is better than short bursts any day. You also arrive at your goal strong and prepared, instead of weak and beat up. 

3. If you could create your perfect year, free from limitations, what would it look like? What steps can you take now to make it a reality?

I think the first step is to stop doing the things that impede my happiness: negative self talk, isolating, stressing over things outside my control.

The next step is to expand my knowledge. Stagnation in your brain makes life less fulfilling. After that, make sure I’m going out, having new adventures and bringing loved ones with me. This will bring more inspiration to life and work, and I want to share those moments.

Lastly, to make enough money to be able to focus on these endeavors. That goal used to be a certain number, but now it’s for certain freedom.

4. Think of a past obstacle you overcame. What strengths did you discover within yourself then? How can you leverage those strengths for your new years goals?

The biggest obstacle for me was letting go of expectations. Whether they were put upon me by others, or I put them on myself, they rarely led to achievement. This year, I am going to continue this by being my most authentic self - unapologetically. 

Reminding myself that I don’t have to adhere to what others expect of me. Consulting myself first, and answering honestly, instead of people pleasing. As for how I speak to myself…it’s ok to just be. It’s ok to be imperfect. It’s ok to accept yourself as you are now, while you grow into who you want to be.

What this does is allows my mind to stay open to all possibilities. I stay open to paths I had never thought of before but could lead me to an even better place.